A Faraway Land.

Chapter 13

A Day at the Spa

I woke up early this morning. The sun was just a sliver over the mountains. It has been a long time since I have slept like that. I don't believe I had a dream that night. The night was peaceful. There was no storm, no thunder and lightning. It was just quiet. It has been a long time since I have felt like this. I had a new outlook on life. I didn't have to worry about work, no house payment, no car payment and no one on my back about what I am doing wrong in my life.

The new life that I found is strange at best. Most of the things seem beneficial here. The air is crisp and clean. I can't comment on the weather too much, but on a good day. I can only say it in its self was a vacation. I am still weighing the good and the bad. After all I haven't seen many modern luxuries here.

Transportation is a major pain. The best transportation I have seen as of yet is a horse drawn carriage. I honestly don't know what to ask about that. Should I ask Twilight to pull me? Maybe I can find someone else. It is something I am going to have to keep in mind. The party Pinkie Pie threw me wasn't half bad. It was missing my liquid courage. I can change that, but it is something I will need to keep to myself. In all fairness; I was forced down this path. It hasn't been all that great for me yet, but I will push on to see the road I am on. After all there was no turning back now.

I grabbed my shirt off of the edge of the bed and threw it over my shoulder. I got up and made my way around the bed. I grabbed my boots and made my way down the stairs. I made it down the stairs and saw Twilight's bag. I remembered yesterday she had apples inside of it. I looked through it while hoping she wouldn't mind. I found myself an apple and made my way to the door. I sat down outside and put my boots on. I decided to keep my shirt on my shoulder, as the temperature outside was perfect.

I took a small stroll through Ponyville while I eat my apple. This was the first time I have actually walked around to take in the environment. The buildings here were old fashion, but very well maintained. It wasn't hard to tell the people loved living here. I continued walking until I heard a voice call my name.

"Hey James." A quiet voice said. I turned to look.

"Oh. Hey Fluttershy. Why are you up so early?" I asked while Fluttershy came up to me.

"I always enjoy a morning walk after I feed my animals." She smiled.

"I was actually going on a morning stroll too. Do you want to join me?" I lifted my hand in the direction I was heading.

"Oh. Actually I was going to the store." Fluttershy looked to the ground.

"Oh... In that case would you like some help?"

"That would be great." She gave me a smile as she continued walking.

"So how many animals do you have?" I asked while I wondered how much I was going to need to carry.

"Well let's see." Fluttershy was lost in her thoughts for a moment. "I have bunnies, cats, otters, seals, squirrels, owls..."

"Wow... I get it. You have a lot of animals..." I laughed while rubbing the back of my head. "So how much food will you be getting?"

"I think one bag will be fine." She said while we walked into what looked like a store. "The food is over here."

"That's a big bag..." I took the shirt off my shoulder and folded it. I placed the folded shirt back on my shoulder and placed a large bag of food over it. "Ready when you are."

"Are you okay? You don't look well." Fluttershy gave me a concerned look.

"My shoulder blades have been giving me problems. On occasion; it feels like they are on fire." I followed Fluttershy out the door after she paid. "I was thinking about seeing a doctor, but I left the hospital on a bad note yesterday."

"What happened?" Fluttershy asked in a confused tone.

"Let's just say I got a little mad. By the way how far is your house?"

"Oh. It's just up the road." Fluttershy quickened her pace to the door.

I continued to make my way over a small bridge. I looked up to see Fluttershy holding the door open for me.

"Where do you want this?" I walked in and took a quick look around.

"By the fireplace will be fine." She smiled. "Would you like a drink?" Fluttershy asked with a somewhat excited look.

"Actually I was out longer than I had planned to be." It looked like Fluttershy wanted to talk about something. "We can talk later." I placed the bag by the fireplace and put my shirt on.

"Okay. That would be wonderful." Fluttershy held the door open while I made my way outside.

I quickly made my way back to Twilight's house. Last time I left without saying anything. It turned into a somewhat large mess. Twilight seems very smart, but she doesn't pick up on much. I can't blame her. Our worlds are complete opposites when it comes to society.

I could now see Twilight's house. As I got closer; I could see Spike looking out the window at me. I waved at Spike at I made my way to the door. I could see he was saying something, but I couldn't make it out. I reached for the door handle. The door suddenly opened and I was quickly pushed to the ground.

"Damn it!" I yelled while I grabbed my head.

"Where were you!? What where you doing outside!? Are you leaving!?" Twilight yelled without taking a breath.

"I went out for a walk..." I rubbed the back of my head. "I ran into Fluttershy. She was getting food to feed her animals and I offered to help." Twilight clearly had me pinned. Twilight continued to look down at me to see if I was lying. "Can I get up?"

Twilight continued to look down on me for a couple of minutes. When she was satisfied with my answers. Twilight slowly backed up and sat in the doorway.

"Why didn't you say anything? I was worried."

"You were still sleeping... Oh! I also got in your bag to snag me an apple. I hope you don't mind." I got up to stretch my back.

"I don't mind." Twilight made her way back inside while I followed. "So are you ready to go to Sugar Cube Corner?"

"What?... Oh! The bakery?" I asked while making my way to the table. "About that Twilight... Do you mind if we can stop by the hospital?"

"What's wrong!?" Twilight quickly turned back to look at me.

"Nothing is wrong yet." I put my hands up slightly. "My shoulders have been giving me problems for a couple of days now." I put my hands in my pockets. "I would like to find out what is wrong. I am thinking it's a pinched nerve."

"A pinched nerve?" Twilight looked confused. "Is that bad?"

"Well it's not good. It's also not bad."

"Well then; we better hurry. The sooner we get this done. The sooner you can show me the kind of food you eat." Twilight smiled as she led the way to the hospital.

"That would be great." I gave Twilight a smile, as I held the hospital door open for her.

"Hello Twilight. James. What can I help you with?" Nurse Redheart asked.

"Its James." Twilight pointed at me.

"Ya... My shoulders have been giving me problems for the past couple of days. You mind giving me a quick look over?" I rubbed my shoulder.

"Sure! This way James." I followed Nurse Redheart into room six, as Twilight followed. "So what seems to be the problem James?"

"I have been having random burning sensations in my shoulder blades. The pain is somewhat random, but it is manageable."

"Is that all? No fatigue, no pain in your neck or lower back?" Nurse Redheart was taking down notes on her clipboard.

"No. Nothing like that." I laughed a little while I watched her. She was writing down notes with a pen she had in her mouth.

"Okay. I will be back in a minute. I will go get the doctor." She smiled as she put the clipboard around her neck.

"Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?" Twilight gave me a worried look.

"Well... I had other things on my mind, so I didn't mind the pain until now." I gave Twilight a smile. "It's not all that bad. It will get resolved today."

"Good morning James! The nurse tells me you are having problems with your shoulder." Doctor Stable walks over to the table and sets down the clipboard. "Let's see what I can do for you. Why don't you take your clothes off for me."

"Look doctor. I also came to apologize about yesterday." I took my shirt off and set it on the bed I was sitting on. "I was a little mad and I went over the line."

"It's alright. Everypony gets angry on occasion. Now turn around so I can see your back." I turned and felt the doctors cold hoof on my back. I hear Twilight gasp. As she gasped; I heard a loud crack and a shark pain riddle my back.

"What the hell was that for!? Shouldn't you have warned me first!?" I fell back on the bed, as my back riddled in pain. I foolishly tried to cover the pain with my hands, as I rolled around on the bed.

"If you knew what was coming. It would have felt worse." The doctor laughed as I tried to sit back up on the bed. "I think what you need now is a nice day at the spa. I don't want you to lift anything heavy or anything to strain your back." The doctor grabbed the clipboard and walked out of the room.

"Why didn't you warn me Twilight?..." I observed Twilight after I put my shirt on. She had her hoof covering her mouth. It was obvious she was trying not to laugh. "Well let's get going." I motioned my hand to the door.

"So let's go to Rarity's! Her and Fluttershy go to the spa every week together. I bet they would like company." Twilight made her way out of the hospital and off to Rarity's.

"I don't see why not." We made our way to Rarity's place.

"Rarity!" Twilight knocks her hoof on the door. "Are you home?"

"Coming darling." Rarity said behind the door as it opened. "Oh. Twilight, James can I help you with something?"

"We were wondering if James and I can come with you to the spa. We just came from the hospital and the doctor told James to relax." Twilight waited for Rarity's response.

"That would be marvelous." Rarity gave Twilight an excited smile." Fluttershy is probably already at the spa. Let me get a few things. I will only be a second." Sure enough she only took a few seconds. "Okay! I'm ready. Let's go." Twilight and I followed Rarity to the spa.

I could use this as a chance to ask Rarity about that gem. It all had to be connected. The glow from the gem was the same when Twilight's glow changed to blue. Come to think of it. It might also be causing my shoulder pains. We made our way to a large building. Rarity opened the door, as all of us walked inside. Rarity walked up to the desk to a baby blue pony.

"What can I do for you this afternoon Ms. Rarity?" The pony asked while giving Rarity a smile.

"I think I will have the usual again today Lotus Blossom, so will my friends." Rarity smiled excitedly and walked into the main room.

I followed Rarity, as did Twilight. As I got into the main room. I felt uneasy. Just by looking around the room. I could tell; I was probably the only man who set foot in this place.

"You know Twilight. On second thought. I should probably go. I am feeling much better now." I looked at Twilight as she shot me the most evil look I have ever seen. I don't know why, but I was honestly scared at the moment. "Never mind..." I looked back in front of me and I quickly stopped. A pink pony with blue eyes, mane and tail were blocking my path. It looked like she was sizing me up, or at least wondering what I was.

"Hello. I don't believe we have met." She smiled.

"My name is James. Nice to meet you."

"Oh. Hello James. My name is Aloe. I will be serving you and Ms. Rarity this afternoon. Please follow me." She turned around; I followed her and Rarity. We made our way off to the side. There were two lounge type chairs next to a large bath. Twilight and Fluttershy were in the bath. Rarity vanished behind some yellow curtains and quickly rushed out with a bath robe on and laid down on the chair.

"So I am guessing this is for a massage?" I asked.

"Why yes darling. What else would it be?" Rarity asked with a questionable look on her face.

"I don't know." I laughed as I took my shirt off. I laid down on my stomach and relaxed. I watched as Aloe walked over to me.

"Oh my goodness... What happened to you?" I could hear Aloe gasp.

"An evil doctor attacked me." I laughed and played it off. "Just be careful; it still hurts a little."

"Oh... Okay." I watches as she put something on her hooves. "I will be careful."

As I relaxed on the table. I could feel Aloe's hoofs on my back. She used some kind of liquid that gently warmed my skin. I honestly thought this massage would feel good. I have had one when I was on earth and it was good. As Aloe put pressure on my back. I felt a sharp pain roll up my back.

"Ouch!" I jumped up and scared Aloe.

"Is something wrong?" Aloe looked like she was about to cry.

"No I just wasn't expecting that to hurt like it did." I looked at Twilight as she gave me that evil look again. "I'm sorry. Pleas continue." I laid back down hoping that the pain was a onetime thing. Sure enough as she applied pressure on my back. My back cracked in pain and I jumped up again. "You know what... Maybe I will skip the massage..."

"James..." Twilight once again gave me that evil look. "You are going to listen to what the doctor said and relax... Understand?..."

"Yes I understand..." I laid back down and brought my hand up and formed a fist. As Aloe continued the massage. I bit down on my fist as the pain continued.

I don't know why I thought coming here would be a good idea. When I heard massage; I thought it would be great. Well it has been a lesson learned. A massage by a pony; with her hoofs. That hell lasted for thirty long minutes. I can't say it got better as time passed. As Aloe finished the massage. I sat up and heard at least six pops in my back.

"Hey Aloe. Do you have a sauna here?"

"We do." She gave me a smile and pointed. "It's over there."

"Do you have any towels?"

"We do. Let me go get you one." Aloe walked off as I stood up and stretched. She came back shortly after with a towel in her mouth. She placed it on the table. "There you go." She gave me a smile as I grabbed the towel.

"Thanks. If Twilight asks; I am in the sauna." I walked over to the curtain. I did my thing and wrapped the towel around my waist.

I go inside the sauna room. As I sat down. Aloe came in with a bucket in her mouth. She took the ladle and poured water over the rocks.

"Thanks Aloe. I can handle that for you."

"Okay James. I will be outside if you need anything." She gave me a smile and walked out of the sauna.

This was one day for the books. When did I let Twilight boss me around like that. I don't know, but that face she has. It was kind of scary. Also; I still need to ask Rarity about that gem. I was enduring the pain of that massage. Maybe I can talk to her on the walk home. I picked the ladle  and poured the water over the heated rocks. I laid back on the bench and looked at the ceiling. I look down at the end of the room to see the door opening. Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight make their way inside. Twilight and Rarity sit at the opposing wall from me. While Fluttershy was standing next to my head.

"Oh. I'm sorry Fluttershy. I will move for you." I sat up and moved closer to the bucket of water.

"Oh you didn't have to do that James."

"No its fine." I give Fluttershy a smile. "Besides it looked like you wanted to talk to me about something this morning."

"Oh yes I did." Fluttershy sat next to me. I looked at Twilight and Rarity; they had shocked lookes on their faces.

"What's wrong with you two?"

"It's nothing. I am just wondering why Fluttershy is not... as... shy as she usually is." Twilight stated.

"Yes darling. Why is that?"

"Well... I have never seen anything like him before. He kind of reminds me of a monkey." Fluttershy stated.

"And that will do it for me..." I said while all three of them looked on at me.

"So James." Fluttershy looked straight at me. "What kind of animals do you like?"

"Hmmm... That's a tough one... I would have to say a Husky."

"What's a Husky?" Fluttershy looked at me with a confused look.

"It's a type of dog. Its fur is white, silver and black. They have blue eyes and they are fluffy." I smiled. "Well at least the huskies I like."

"Oh I have a bunch of dogs who would love to meet you! Would you like a dog?" Fluttershy gave me an exited look.

"Well... Maybe when I get my own place." I smiled and turned to Rarity. "Rarity... I need to ask you something important..."

"Yes darling; what is it?"

"You remember the day when Pinkie Pie threw that party for me right?" I scratched my head.

"Yes." Rarity raised an eyebrow at me.

"You told me to go back and get a piece of paper."

"Yes..." Rarity's eyes got wider.

"I found something." I rubbed my hand on my forehead. I knew what was coming next after seeing her reactions to what I have just asked. "I found a red stone in the desk I was looking in. I was wondering..."

"What did you do!?" Rarity quickly jumped up.

"I just picked it up to look at it. I didn't do anything to it." I put my hands up.

"That's why it didn't work..." Rarity sat back down and looked at the ground.

"I'm sorry... I didn't know picking it up would hurt anything." I looked down at the floor then back to Rarity. "I will do anything to make it up to you."

"No... its fine James." Rarity took a deep breath. "I should have kept it in a safer spot..."

"So what is James talking about Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"It was one of the Rubies of Desire."

"I have heard of those... It is suppose to collect and store magic and when it is full. It will grant your deepest desire." Twilight gave me a surprised look. "It also links to the user and won't work for anypony else."

"Yes. It took me a long time to find one." Rarity continued to look at the ground.

"But Rarity... Its only suppose to work on a Unicorn." Twilight rubbed her chin. "Why did it link with a human. Wait a minute! That's why my magic didn't work on you all those times! You where absorbing and storing it." Twilight looked at me again. "James... What do you desire most?" Twilight looked at me with a frown.

"I know what you are thinking Twilight. That's not it... I gave up  trying to go back home when I had you destroy the black box."

"Then what is it?" Twilight asked again.

"I don't know. Nothing comes to mind." I scratched my head and looked at Rarity. "I am so sorry Rarity. I didn't know."

"It's okay darling. Just put it to good use." She gave me a smile.

"No its not alright. I don't know how, but I will find you another one."

"It's alright James. It's yours now." She smiled at me. "I will be expecting you to come over and pick it up this evening yes?"

"Sure." I smiled back at Rarity then looked at Twilight. "I am going to go back home Twilight. I have had enough relaxing today." I continued to look at Twilight as she once again gave me that evil look.

"You're not going to do anything that is going to stress you out are you?..."

"No. No. I am just going to go home and read a little. Nothing more." Twilight nodded in approval. I turned to Fluttershy. "Sorry about keeping the conversation so short. How about next week. You can ask me all the questions you'd like."

"That would be wonderful!" Fluttershy smiled as Rarity stepped into the conversation.

"How about we all go on a picnic? I know this nice spot by a lake."

"That will be perfect! I never had a picnic before." I smiled at Rarity again. "Well I am going to head out now. I will see you later Rarity and Twilight." I walked out the door and made my way to my clothes.

I put my clothes on and take the towel. I found a basket full of towels, so I put mine into the pile. I started to walk to the door and I saw Aloe.

"Thanks Aloe. The massage was great after you worked the pain out." I faked a smile.

"That's a relief. I was thinking you didn't like it." She smiled as I walked to the door. "Come back soon!"

"Will do." I waved goodbye as I closed the door and made my way back home.

How would I get my hands on another one of those rubies? I didn't even ask what Rarity did to get the first one. In any case. I am going to need to find a job. I can probably ask Twilight to help me find one. That solves one problem; Now back to the ruby. Maybe Luna can help me on that one. I should try to talk to her tonight.

I walked up to the house and made my way inside. I saw Spike running around placing books on the shelves.

"Hey spike. Do you know where I can find the Daring Do series?"

"Ya it's on the shelf over there." Spike pointed

"Thanks little man." I walked over and found the book I was looking for. I went up the stairs and laid back on the bed. I opened the book and started to read.

I was reading that book for a good two hours. I heard the door open downstairs. I memorized the page number and placed the book on the shelf next to my gun.

"Hey Spike. Where is James?"

"He is up stairs reading."

"Hey Twilight. Why where you gone for so long?" I asked while making my way down the stairs.

"I went out shopping. I got you some bread!" Twilight smiled and levitated the bread towards me.

"Thanks." I grab the bread. It is not so surprising that the glow turned blue now. I understood why it did so. Now I only had to find out; what would happen next? "I am going to go to Rarity's. I will be back soon." I quickly rush out the door before Twilight had a chance to speak.

I made my way to Rarity's house while eating my bread. I slowed my pace when I saw her house. I walked up to her door and knocked.

"Coming!" I heard Rarity say behind the door. The door opened and I saw Rarity.

"Hey Rarity. You wanted me to come over to puck the ruby up." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Yes. One moment darling. I will get it for you." Rarity left the door open as she went to retrieve the ruby. "Here we are." Rarity quickly came back to the door with a necklace floating next to her. "Here you go James." Rarity smiled. "Take good care of it."

"Thanks. I will and I will do my best to find you another." I looked at the necklace in my hand. She had work done on it. The ruby was incased in a small rim of gold. It led up to a small swivel for the chain. I put the necklace on and placed it under my shirt. "Thanks again Rarity. I guess I will see you in a week for the picnic."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Rarity gave me a smile and closed the door as I walked off.

I guess I should have said more, but nothing came to mind. That or I had nothing to say. I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me. I can probably ask Twilight if she had any books about the ruby. Then again; reading takes a lot of time. It would be better to ask around. I quickened my pace the sun started to go down behind the mountains. I make my way inside Twilight's house.

"Hey Twilight. I need your help with something."

"What is it James?" Twilight looked puzzled.

"I need money, so can you help me find a job?"

"Hmm..." Twilight brought her hoof to her chin. "Maybe Applejack would like some help on her farm." Twilight gave me a smile. "We can talk to her tomorrow if you would like."

"That would be great. The sooner the better." I took my boots off and placed them by the door. "I am going to go get some sleep. I will see you in the morning."

"Okay James. I am going to do a little studying before I go to bed. I will see you in the morning."