Alex woke up in the morning to the horrendous sound of pounding on the door. He waited for Twilight or Spike to answer the door but they never did. After the third round of pounding he groaned as he rolled out of his bed and headed for the door. Before he opened the door he took a quick second to calm himself so he wouldn’t frighten the person on the other side.

He opened the door and saw Marcus holding his stacks of books that he read. He took the books as Marcus handed them over. He allowed him entrance so he could talk to him about something that has been escaping his mind. He was putting the books away in their proper place as his friend took a seat on the couch. He got to the point of what he wanted to say so he didn’t blow it off till later.

“Hey, Marcus, I’ve been thinking that with everything that these ponies have done we should find a way to pay them back,” Alex said as he descended the ladder.

“It would be a nice thing to do for them and we could use the income since our money doesn’t really work here.”

“Yeah, so if you can get the others together I was thinking that we could all go job hunting.”

“Yeah, I can do that. Where and when do you want to meet?” Marcus asked as he got up and stretched.

“Let’s meet at the park in about an hour and a half.”

“Okay, I’ll let the others know. Meet you there,” Marcus said as he walked towards the door.

“Before you go can I ask you something?” Alex asked.

“You really don’t need my permission to ask me a question, Alex. We have been friends for several years so just speak your mind.”

“Did you really read your books?” Alex asked as he eyed him suspiciously.

“Yes,” Marcus answered flatly.

Alex continued to give Marcus a glare before nodding his head. Seeing that Alex had nothing left to say, Marcus left the library. Once the door was closed Marcus couldn’t help but chuckle at the lie he told his friend. Although it could also be considered that he told the truth since he did skim the books, but just never actually read them. He gave a small shrug as he pulled out his phone and contacted his friends.

Alex was finished packing away the books in their proper places so Twilight wouldn’t have a freak-out. He headed for the room that he was staying in and grabbed his clothes. With his walk to the bathroom he noticed that he hadn’t run into Twilight or Spike. He paid no attention though since the unicorn and drake got up early in the morning to see the princess or get started on a project.

He opened the door to the bathroom and stopped in mid step as he saw the lavender mare coming out of the shower. She saw the human staring at her as he tried to back out of the bathroom. He lingered a little too long as he stared at the mare’s bare form. Her wet mane and tail were stuck to her body and her matted fur made her look sexy. He took a little long as the unicorn let out a shrill scream and shoved him out of the bathroom using her magic.

“GET OUT!” Twilight yelled as she fired a magical blast at him.

He was sent flying out of the bathroom and crashed against the wall. He groaned as he righted himself into a sitting position and heard the bathroom door slammed. Spike came running from one of the rooms that he was in and looked at the human leaning on the wall.

“What was that about?” Spike asked looking from Alex to the bathroom door.

“Well, I didn’t think that you or Twilight were home so I went to take a shower. Next thing I know Twilight was coming out of the shower and I saw everything,” Alex answered unable to help his blushing face.

“What were you trying to do to her?” Spike growled as he jumped on him. He was surprised by the young drake’s strength.

“I promise that I wasn’t trying to do anything. I was just going to take a shower and then meet up with my friends,” Alex said trying to lean further into the wall.

Spike gave him one last glare before jumping off of him. The drake started walking towards what the human assumed was his room until he stopped and turned around. The young dragon made the ‘I’m watching you’ gesture before finally retreating into the room. Once the door was closed the bathroom door opened to a clothed Twilight with a very bright blush on her face.

The two didn’t say anything as they just walked past each other and continue on with their day. Alex took his quick shower and headed out of the library after giving the unicorn a sincere apology. With the incident now behind them, he took the time to enjoy the walk towards the park. He arrived at the park to see all of his friends sitting under a shady tree. He noticed that Blake was missing as he got closer to the group.

“Where is Blake?” Alex asked looking around for their missing friend to see if he was hiding.

“He said that he wouldn’t be able to make it, but not to worry about him. He apparently found a job escorting the night princess around,” Marcus answered as got up.

“How does one get a job escorting a princess and how did she even convince him to do that?” Ryan asked.

“He didn’t say much except that she found something out about him and now has to do what she says. Kind of sucks for him since he still has to answer her questions at some point and now she knows something that we don’t.”

“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about him so we can move on to the next point,” Alex said.

“Yeah, Marcus already told us what this was about and you can count me, Ryan, Brandon, and Andrew out of it. We already have our jobs so that leaves just you, Marcus, Callie, Drak, and Jaeden,” Luke replied.

The friends spent the next half hour talking about potential jobs they could do. Sadly they found nothing that interested them or even came close to something that they could do. Everyone groaned in frustration at their failure to find their job. They were ready to give up on trying to find something when Rarity and Fluttershy came walking by.

“Hello, darlings. How are all of you today?” Rarity asked with a beaming smile.

“We feel like complete idiots,” Callie replied.

“Is there something that we can do to help… if you don’t mind that is?” Fluttershy offered while hiding behind her mane.

“If you can show us a place that we can work at that would be lovely,” Alex calmly replied.

“Well, if you want, Fluttershy and I are headed for our weekly spa meeting and I think the owners are looking for a pony to help them,” Rarity offered.

“Wouldn’t hurt to check it out,” Jaeden said.

The friends gave each other a quick glance before shrugging their shoulders and getting off the ground. Rarity smiled happily as she brought the friends with her to the spa and help them feel better. The friends followed behind the two mares while Ryan and Andrew tried to keep their gazes off the mares. They would be lying if they said that the mares didn’t get their attention every once and a while. Ryan found Applejack attractive but in a sense that she was a hardworking girl who was also understanding.

Rarity exuded radiance and could easily gather the attention of any male that she wanted. Andrew loved the tender love and care of Fluttershy and remembered the times that he was able to get her to smile. Ryan has noticed though that the white unicorn hasn’t been standing out as much unless she was near him. Her whole personality changed after the events of the Gala and he really couldn’t complain.

While everyone was busy following Rarity and Fluttershy, Drak slowed down a bit to walk next to Marcus. Drak was able to see that some of the mares that Marcus hung around with did enjoy his company. Knowing very well how Marcus keeps himself guarded and most likely doesn’t know their social norms he wanted to talk with him.

“So Marcus, did you enjoy those books Twilight left you?” Drak asked trying to keep the conversation casual.

“Yeah, they were an interesting read,” Marcus replied. Drak mentally slapped himself because he lied to him.

“Marcus, why do you insist on lying to me?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You very well do know what I’m talking about. You didn’t bother reading those books did you?” Drak said making sure that his voice was kept in check.

“I don’t know why it matters. It’s not like I need to know anything about the ins and outs of relationships to survive here.”

“So you’re sure that no woman here is ever going to try and gain your attention.”

“Of course I’m sure. I’m a rude and evil monster that keeps everyone away.”

“If that is true then can you tell me why Rainbow Dash, Lyra, Blood Rain, and possibly even Spitfire wanted to hang out with you?”

“They are probably just being nice and want to be my friend.” Drak had to keep himself from letting out a sigh from Marcus’ obliviousness of the mares.

“So you believe that there is absolutely zero percent chance that they might actually want more than friendship?”

“I do since there is nothing that would make them want to be anything more.”

“Why must you do this to yourself?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean this. You act like that everyone is out to get you just because of what happened with Olivia. You keep so many pushed far away that you avoid happiness. When are you going to open your heart to others and try to be happy?” Drak noticed that he hit a nerve when Marcus stopped walking.

“The same reason why you should also stop trying to get their attention,” Marcus replied.

“Oh and what exactly is this reason?”

“The reason is if you keep seeking out that kind of relationship then the whole Scarlet problem is going to happen again,” Drak was calm during this conversation but after Scarlet was mentioned he felt something snap. He grabbed Marcus by the collar of his shirt and stared into his eyes.

“You know very well not to mention that name around me,” Drak said as rage built in his eyes.

“I do know very well and I am trying to avoid it from happening again.”

The two friends were so busy with their conversation that they didn’t notice the others looking at them. The two continued to stare at each other until their attention was pulled away.

“Is everything alright?” Fluttershy asked as she trembled nervously.

“Yeah, everything is fine,” Marcus answered.

“Are you sure about that? You two look like you are ready to pound the other into the dirt,” Rarity stated with slight apprehension.

“We were just having a conversation and it got a little heated. I think I will just catch up with you guys later.”

Marcus moved Drak’s hands off of him and left the group. The group watched Marcus walk off and Drak stand in place as he closed his eyes and took some deep breaths for a few seconds. He was able to quell the fury that was building up and walked with everyone else to the spa. After a couple more minutes of walking everyone arrived at the spa house. Rarity opened the door and allowed everyone inside.

“Good evening, Ms. Rarity and Ms. Fluttershy. Are you here for you regular appointment?”

Everyone looked towards the front counter to see a pink mare with a teal mane and tail smiling at them. She was wearing a spa t-shirt that had a lotus flower on it and a white skirt. The mare moved around the counted and greeted Rarity happily as she led the two mares to the back room.

“Oh, Aloe, before I forget these are some friends of ours. That is Andrew, Jaeden, Callie, Ryan, Alex, Brandon, Luke, and Drak. There are two others named Marcus and Blake but they aren’t here. You should be able to tell who they are since they are the only ones here in Equestria,” Aloe smiled happily as she shook all their hands and welcomed them to her and her sister’s spa.

“It’s wonderful to meet you all. Is there anything that I can help you with?”

“Yeah, some of us are looking for a job so we aren’t continuously freeloading with our friends,” Alex stated.

“Well, you came to the right place if you are looking for a job. I’m sad to say though that we would only be hiring one of you,” Aloe stated with a slight frown.

“That’s fine since I don’t think some of us are interested in applying. Out of all of us I think Drak should be the one to take this job,” Jaeden said.

“Any reason why you just openly volunteered me for that?” Drak asked.

“You are better at massages than us so it makes perfect sense,” Jaeden replied.

“Would you like to work here?” Aloe asked with a hopeful smile.

“It wouldn’t hurt to try,” Drak replied. Aloe smiled brightly at his answer as she went behind the counter and hit a buzzer.

After a few seconds went by another mare that was the opposite of Aloe in her color style came walking through the doors. She had a teal coat with a pink mane and tail. The teal mare gave a small curtsy greeting everyone to the spa.

“Lotus, if you could, please take young Drak in the back to see if he is capable of being a masseur,” Lotus gave a nod of her head as Aloe took Rarity and Fluttershy into the back.

“If you will follow me, Drak, we can get started,” Lotus said.

“Well, it looks like you have it from here buddy. The rest of us are going to go on a job hunting spree,” the friends said goodbye to Lotus and Drak as they walked out of the building.

Drak was now alone with the mare and was starting to get a little nervous. The mare continued to smile as she walked towards the back room and he followed a little slowly. The two were inside a sizeable room that had many lotions and scented candles placed around the room. He walked along the walls and inspected each item to see what they had. He was pulled from his search when Lotus called out to him.

“Whenever you are ready, Drak, you can get started,” Lotus said as she laid on the bed.

Drak could feel his face form a blush as he looked over the mare. The teal mare removed all of her clothes and was lying face down. He looked away as he tried to find his voice to speak to the mare.

“Any reason why you are lying on the bed?” Drak asked a little quietly.

“I am testing your skills as a masseur. I’m a certified masseuse so I can tell if you have the skills or not.”

It made sense to the human that she would be the one to test him like that, but he kept his eyes averted. He didn’t find the mare unattractive to say, but if he looked at her he wouldn’t be able to control his blush. He kept his eyes off the mare as he walked along the walls to find a good massage oil for her. After looking through a few bottles he finally decided on Spring Breeze.

He made his way over to the mare while keeping his eyes off of her. When he reached her bed he rolled up his sleeves and applied oil to his hands. He took a deep breath as he reached down and rubbed along her back. When he applied the first bit of pressure he heard the mare release a moan of satisfaction that increased his blush.

He felt completely embarrassed as he rubbed the beautiful mare down. He started at her shoulders and slowly moved down her back. He made sure to apply more pressure to areas where he found tight knots. During his travel down her back, she couldn’t hold back her moans as she felt her body relax under his touch.

The increasing moans of the mare caused his heart to increase in beats. He soon reached her rear, but avoided it as he went for her legs. He started with her left leg first from the top of her thigh making sure to avoid her rear and vagina. He worked his way down to her calf then switched over to her right leg and gave it the same treatment. With both her legs done, he went to work on her feet while keeping his eyes off her partially expose vagina.

He finished with her feet after applying some pressure to a few pressure points so she could walk a little more comfortably. He walked over to the side of the bed and took her hand and helped her up. He kept his face pointed to the side as the mare stood on her feet and began dressing herself. Once she was fully clothed she had him follow her to a supply closet.

“You did very well, Drak. Not many ponies know how to apply the right amount of pressure on certain points on the body. I think that you will be a perfect candidate to work with my sister and me,” Lotus said as she gave Drak his working clothes. He was certain though that when she mentioned herself she added a little more emphasis.

The compliment also kind of threw him off a bit. He never thought of himself as a great masseur, but an average one. Hearing a professional spa mare such as Lotus compliment him like that made him feel proud, but a little embarrassed.

“You’re just saying that to be nice,” Drak said.

“No I mean it, Drak. We have had many ponies try out for this position, but not many could do as a good a job as you. You really have a talent with relaxing one’s body,” Lotus praised with a smile.

“I’m just an average person that has little practice in this field,” Drak nervously said.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Drak. I think that you will be a good addition and I am glad to have you a part of the crew,” Lotus said happily.

With his clothes in hand he walked out of the store and headed back to his house. He decided to take the long way back so he could control his heartbeat and calm his blushing face. He was nearing the house and was finally calm. As he neared the door he looked at the clothes he was holding onto and smiled that he was going to be able to make a life for himself.

The Friends

The friends were walking out of the store, happy that Drak was able to get a job. With nothing else planned they went searching for more jobs. They walked around Ponyville trying to find something. They were ready to give up when they saw Vinyl walking down the street. The DJ noticed the friends and jogged over to them quickly.

“Hey there everyone. What are all of you up to?” Vinyl asked.

“Well, we are trying to get some jobs for us,” Jaeden answered.

“Oh, if you’re looking for a place to work I have an electronic store and I could use some extra hands.”

“I thought you were a DJ?” Jaeden asked.

“I am, but since I’m not required every day I decided to get a little part time job. I’ve been looking for some people to help out at the store when I go for one of my gigs.”

“Jaeden and Callie could probably do something like that,” Alex stated.

“Any reason why you didn’t come and see me about the job?” Vinyl asked.

“You never mentioned it before,” Jaeden replied. Vinyl couldn’t help but chuckle and rub the back of her neck nervously.

The unicorn led the group to her little shop and told them the basics. There wasn’t much to do there but man the register and make sure all products were where they belonged. Callie and Jaeden thanked the mare for the job as they left the store. It was starting to get late and Alex was the only without a job. The friends offered to look with him tomorrow for a job but he just shrugged it off. He was a little disappointed that he wasn’t able to get a job, but happy that his friends were able to get one.

The friends went their separate ways as they headed for their homes. Alex headed for the library a little down, but didn’t let it control him. He arrived at the library and when he opened the door he saw Twilight sitting on the couch with a giant cookie. She got up from the couch and gave him a big hug.

“Thanks, Twilight, but what’s the occasion?” Alex asked as he looked into her purple eyes.

“I just wanted to congratulate you on getting a job,” Twilight answered happily.

“Thanks, Twi, but I wasn’t able to get one,” Alex said solemnly.

“Well, would you like to work here at the library?” Twilight offered.

“I wouldn’t mind, but don’t you have Spike that helps you?”

“I do, but I need help with taking care of the library when night comes. Spike is still a baby dragon and needs his rest.”

“Then I guess you have your night assistant then,” Alex stated happily.

Twilight gave a warm smile as she gave him another hug. When they broke off the hug he opened up the box and took a piece of the cookie and gave it to the unicorn. The two sat together on the couch talking about what the others were doing but he made sure to leave Marcus out of the conversation. Half of the cookie was eaten before the two felt tired and headed for bed. They said their goodnights as they fell into sleep’s embrace.

Marcus

Marcus was walking down the cobblestone path going to wherever it led. To help calm his nerves he let his mind wander over the good things that have happened. He smiled as he thought back to his friends as they found new friends to hang with. He found himself near the edge of the Everfree when his thoughts came back to him. He just stared into the forest hoping to find anything interesting.

Nothing caught his eye and he noticed that the sun was starting to lower. He could feel that he was nearing his time to get some sleep and sighed. Not wanting to go back to the house he set out to find a lone tree. He found a tree that was well shaded and climbed on its branches. Once he was in a well shaded place he closed his eyes and let sleep claim him. As his eyes closed he was unaware of two creatures watching him.

Everfree Edge

“So is that the creature that you were talking about?” An insectoid creature asked.

“Yes, my dear friend, but this is the first time that I have seen him fall asleep. He is usually awake at all hours of the day. If he falls asleep I can slip into his dreams and our plan can move forward much more easily,” a dark alicorn mare replied.

“I still can’t believe I have to impersonate this pony. I may require love to sustain me and my hive, but she just makes it taste awful,” the insect said.

“That may be true, but if it all works out he will never trust any of the mares and he may even possibly do our dirty work,” the alicorn replied.

“Well, we will see when the time comes, won’t we, my dear friend?” The insect replied. The two of them laughed manically as the alicorn turned into a mist and headed for the human.