Chapter 23 – A Day with Rarity

Just like with Fluttershy last week, Rainbow Dash has everything planned out for her next activity in mind before visiting another one of her best friends. On a nice spring morning, the Pegasus flies toward Sweet Apple Acres to meet up with her next friend off of her list. And after a modest knock on the farmhouse’s front door, she is welcomed by a well-known member of the Apple Family.

“Howdy, Rainbow Dash!” Applejack warmly greets with a friendly smile and a tip of her hat. “Heh, hard to believe you would be here this bright and early today.”

“Hey, AJ. Is Rarity up yet?”

“Hmm… not sure.” she answers casually with a tap on her chin before using the same fore hoof to gesture Rainbow inside. “Come on in and let’s see.”

As the orange farmpony guides her feathery, blue friend upstairs, AJ then adds with a meaningful grin, “So, Ah take it that yer here to fill in for Fluttershy today?”

“She told you that, huh?” Rainbow reacts in with a deadpan face.

“Eeyup.” she answers simply with a smirk.

“And you didn’t tell Rarity about this, did you?”

“Don’t worry. Ah didn’t wanna ruin what’s in stored for her.” she reassures with a chuckling smile. “Still, never thought Ah would believe that you out of all ponies would take somepony out on a day at the spa.”

Despite the friendly teasing from her good friend, Rainbow responds back sharply with a humorous smirk, “Yeah yeah. Keep it under your hat, will ya?”

Once they arrive at her room, Applejack gently opens the door as she presents her still sleeping wife to Rainbow, “There she is.”

Beneath the very luxurious, quilted covers, the snoozing seamstress stretches across the beautifully crafted bed with her sleepy eyes shut tightly and her curly, purple mane covering most of her face. From seeing her wife’s sleepy demeanor, AJ lets a soft, lovey-dovey sigh for herself while Rainbow suppresses a giggle over the silly display of the sleeping Unicorn.

“Well, go wake her up!” Rainbow whispers with a smirk as she lightly nudges AJ with an elbow.

With a sly smile, Applejack creeps toward the bed and slowly climbs on top of the mattress. With her muzzle line up with Rarity’s, the Earth Pony gives her wife a simple yet affectionate kiss on the cheek before beckoning her in a sweet tone, “Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!”

While this sweet gesture slightly stirs her, it isn’t enough to wake Rarity as she turns toward her side while muttering in her sleep, “Nooooo~! Five more minutes~!”

From hearing that usually childish whine, Rainbow Dash muffles her snickering, which Applejack signals the Pegasus to hush up before she continues to coax her wife out of bed while nuzzling her gently, “Come on, hon! You don’t wanna miss out on this beautiful day, do ya?”

“Then you will just have to make me get up, won’t you?” Rarity replies with a witty giggle.

Applejack pauses to mischievously stare at a faintly giggling Rainbow with a cocked eyebrow and a shrewd smirk before she turns her attention back to Rarity and inquires sarcastically, “Oh ho, is that so?”

“Mm-hmm!” the seamstress nods with a big smile.

“Well then, I might have ways to rouse you from your sleep.” the farmpony whispers in a sultry manner as she inches closer to her giddy wife.

This time, Rainbow stops her muffled laughter once she heard AJ’s subtle innuendo as the wide-eyed Pegasus bears witness to the odd couple’s supposed tomfoolery it's leaning towards. Then, her blue, speechless face shifts into an intense shade of red, which she is unsure of herself if she’s just become uncomfortable or excited by the increasingly lewd situation in front of her.

After shivering with anticipation from the feel of her wife’s steamy breath against her neck, Rarity asks anxiously, “Mmm… And do pray tell on how you will wake me up this time?”

“Like this!”

And as quick as a whip, Applejack draws in a huge amount of air and blows a mighty raspberry on Rarity’s exposed tummy.

PFBBBBBTT!!

Caught off-guard by her wife’s sudden mischief, Rarity squirms wildly as she begins to get up from her bed while desperately pleaded in-between her irrepressible giggles, “No Applejack! Not like that! You’re supposed… to…!”

With the fashionista fully awake, she eventually catches wind of somepony else in the room, one that is laughing uncontrollably. With a half-lid gaze, Rarity turns to the source of the disturbance before her eyes expand to significant proportions as she stares in shock at Rainbow Dash standing at the doorway and laughing her flanks off. Completely dumbfounded by the appearance of the cackling mare, Rarity slowly tilts her head to face her grinning wife as Applejack greets her with a playful wiggle of her eyebrows.

“Gotcha, sugarcube.”

Flabbergasted and embarrassed beyond belief, Rarity’s face boils into immense rage as she just couldn’t believe on how Applejack made a complete fool out of her, in front of Rainbow Dash out of all of ponies. So in response to AJ’s guile, Rarity immediately grabs a large pillow nearby with the use of her Unicorn Magic and mercilessly beats her with it while berating in a piercing voice.

“YOU UNCOUTH, COUNTRY BUMPKIN! I CAN NOT BELIEVE YOU WOULD TEASE ME LIKE THAT! AND IN FRONT OF OUR FRIEND NO LESS!”

As the deeply flustered Rarity screams her head off, she continues to pummel Applejack with the pillow as the country mare attempts to make her escape while apologizing poorly in a hearty chuckle, “Sorry, darlin’! Maybe next time! See ya downstairs!”

And before the laughing farmpony is able to bolt out of the bedroom, the fuming Unicorn is able to score one last direct hit when she socks AJ from behind using the second pillow. With the irritating Earth Pony out of sight, Rarity’s fury gradually dies down as she lets out a heavy sigh while squeezing the first pillow very tightly. Once her anger has diminished, she looks back at the ever-so grinning Rainbow Dash, realizing that she is still present in her bedroom.

With that realization, Rarity clears her throat and fluffs her messy but still pretty mane to make herself look proper enough before she says with a humble smile, “Oh! Sorry you had to see all of that, darling. If I knew you were coming over, I would make myself more presentable.”

“You mean after your wife 'arouse' you from your daily beauty sleep, right?” Rainbow asks knowingly with a sharp smirk.

From that reminder, the blushing Rarity ignores Dash’s sly remark as she jumps out of the bed and walks toward the splendid mirror. Once she sits in front of it, the fashionista levitates one of her elegant brushes and uses it to smooth out her mane while purposefully shifting the topic in their conversation.

“So anyway, what brings you here so early this morning?”

“Well, I’m here to take you on today’s spa get-together!”

Rarity stops her mandatory brushing abruptly as the magical aura surrounding the object pops in midair before it hits the wooden floor. Following up from that momentary pause, the fashion designer breaks into a spontaneous giggle as she faces her slightly bewildered friend.

“Oh-ho-ho! Rainbow Dash! You always know how to put a spring in anypony’s steps!”

Despite assuming that the Pegasus was simply pulling her leg, Rarity notices the unamused frown on Rainbow’s face and readdresses herself in an apologetic tone with a sheepish smile, “Forgive me for laughing like that. I’m mean, it’s usually an activity that Fluttershy and I partake in every week. But you’re more than welcome to join us today.”

Understanding the fashionista’s mix-up, Rainbow bears a friendly smile as she restates her plans for today, “Actually, I’m here to fill in for Fluttershy this week.”

“Oh my! Is she not feeling so well today?” she frets with worry.

“Nah, she’s fine. I just wanted to do something special so we can hang out together.”

“D’aww, that’s awfully considerate of you, Rainbow!” the Unicorn beams over Dash’s invitation before giving this some more thought on this change of plans. “Well, it is true that we usually don’t spend much quality time together. Okay, I’m in! Just please tell me that your idea for a spa isn’t some mud hole you made up using some dirt and a hose!”

Following up with Rarity’s joking, Rainbow Dash responds melodramatically, “Gasp! Why Rarity, I am shocked! Appalled! Wounded even! Besides, that sounds like something AJ would come up with at the drop of a hat.”

“I heard that!” Applejack calls from downstairs in mocking annoyance.

After the two share a brief chuckle over Applejack’s sharp response, Rarity offers in a well-mannered tone, “You know, I can always spare a day without a trip to the spa if you have something else in mind for today.”

“Oh, I think you might regret those words, Rarity.” The grinning Pegasus says shrewdly. “Because I’ve booked us the perfect place for our spa day, and it’s going to be the best spa treatment you can ever imagined!”

Surprised to hear such enthusiasm from Rainbow Dash, especially over a spa session for that matter, Rarity’s curiosity is piqued significantly as she speaks with fascination, “My my! Those are some bold words indeed, my dear! And may I ask on where such a place would be?”

“Guess!” Rainbow replies with a teasing smile.

For her first guess, Rarity goes for the most likely answer. “Oh I don’t know… Ponyville?”

“Ehh… Nope.” Rainbow responds nonchalantly.

So for her next guess, Rarity has high hopes on a location more suited for her taste. “Gasp! Manehatten?”

“Nope.”

Dismayed from that sharp rejection, Rarity just makes wild guesses from there. “Umm… Fillydelphia?”

“Nope.”

Now her patience begins to grow thin as the seamstress says all of her remaining guesses at once. “Hoofington? Trottingham? Las Pegasus? Baltimare? Cloudsdale? The Crystal Empire?”

“Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Annnd… nope.”

Tired of Rainbow’s cryptic shrewdness, Rarity groans in defeat, “Oh, out with it already, Rainbow Dash! Where else could it be?! I mean the only other place I can think of is Canter--!”

Without the need to utter that last syllable, Rarity gapes considerably and the pupils nearly consume all of the white in her bulgy eyes. As the wide-eyed Unicorn freezes in place while having trouble processing this unbelievable possibility, Rainbow’s crafty smile stretched across her face even further as it looked like her friend finally hit the nail on the head.

Once she regains some of her senses, Rarity asks in a stammering tone, “Rainbow Dash… you can possibly mean…?”

“Yep, I do!” she nods grinningly. “You always wanted to be treated like a princess, right? Well, today is your lucky day because you’re about to get the same treatment as our beloved Princesses!”

Upon that confirmation, Rarity’s body quivers lightly before she maintains some self-control and insists in a quiet, trembling voice, “I-I-I need a moment to prepare myself.”

And immediately, she rushes into the bathroom across the hallway and slams the door shut. With sound of rushing water behind the closed door, Rainbow calls out to her preoccupied friend, “No problem! We can go anytime you’re--!”

But before Dash can finish her sentence, the bathroom’s door suddenly swings wide open as it launches a massive burst of steam into the hallway and the bedroom. As the thick steam disperses, Rarity steps back into the bedroom as she maintains her typical, conceited stance with such poise and grace. And not only that, but that impossibly quick shower she just had was enough to restore her usual beauty.

Feeling fresh as a daisy, Rarity announces with a bright smile, “Done!”

Completely baffled by how unbelievably fast it was for Rarity to beautify herself when it would usually take much longer than that, Rainbow is compelled to ask, “Wait a second… did you just take a shower in there?”

“Well, I certainly can’t go anywhere without freshening myself up, now can I?” Rarity states like it’s that obvious, which just whizzes right pass the continuously dumbfounded Rainbow Dash. “Anyway, let’s go!”

With Rarity leading the charge, Rainbow is suddenly encapsulated by the Unicorn’s magic and the truly enthusiastic mare rushes downstairs while dragging the mystified Pegasus along for the ride. From nearly passing the dining room, Rarity skids to a halt and makes a quick detour to the large table where Applejack, Fluttershy, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom are gathered together for a wholesome breakfast of apple cinnamon pancakes.

“Oh hey!” Applejack welcomes in surprise. “You two are just in time… for umm… breakfast?”

But AJ’s initially perky greeting dies down gradually as Rarity hastily uses her magic to multitask by grabbing a stack of pancakes, smothering them in maple syrup, and then shoving them right toward her mouth. Within the first, quick bites of her pancakes, the rest of the family members gawk in disbelief as they bear witness to the seamstress’s rare display of unsophisticated table manners.

After swallowing her latest, big bite, Rarity explains herself in a frantic manner, “Sorry, darling! In a rush! Mmm! Delicious!” And immediately, she refocuses on the consumption of her meal.

Still trapped in Rarity’s magic bubble, Rainbow feels increasingly annoyed from being left out and suspended in midair against her free will as she shouts out her discomfort, “Hey, I wants some food too--MMPH!”

Right away, Rarity forcefully shoves a small stack of sweet pancakes into Rainbow’s mouth. While the blue Pegasus slowly starts to chew her food, Rarity just finishes her stack with quick yet modest wipe of her napkin and gives the still speechless Applejack a swift kiss on the lips before saying her quick farewells, “Thank you! Gotta go! Love you! Ta-ta!”

And with another quick burst of speed, Rarity immediately dashes out of the house to get started on her day at Canterlot’s royally exclusive spa while continuously pulling Rainbow Dash along, even though she is still in the middle of eating her pancakes. After the abrupt departure of the two mares, the rest of the ponies in the dinner room remain completely stun on what they just witnessed, unable to eat their breakfast for the moment. Soon enough, Fluttershy is the first to speak up as she states a simple observation to her husband, Big Mac.

“Well… there’s something you don’t see everyday.”

“Eeyup.”

After a quick train ride to Canterlot, Rainbow Dash leads the continuously ecstatic Rarity through the paved streets of the Equestrian Kingdom and enters the castle grounds. Recognizing the two Element Bearers of Harmony, the guards they spoke to were more than happy to be of service as they direct the two mares to a much more secured corridor that leads to the lower levels of the palace. Whilst walking through the large, well-light tunnel, Rarity’s excitement continues to build and build as they inch closer to their destination. For Rainbow Dash's case, it's like taking a very energetic child to her favorite amusement park.

“I can’t believe it~!” Rarity squeals in never-ending delight as she bounces with every step she takes. “We’re actually going to get the same royal spa treatment as our Princesses! Ooo, this is so exciting, isn’t it?!”

“Yeah, it’s cool, I guess.” Dash shrugs casually.

Surprised to hear such an emotionless response, Rarity criticizes in usual, dramatic fashion, “You guess?! Rainbow Dash, you are clearly missing the big picture here! Haven’t you ever wonder on how Princess Celestia and Princess Luna maintained their majestic grace and magnificence for so long? It is this legendary place that holds the secret to their eternal beauty, and we've been presented with the greatest experience of a lifetime!”

As the smiling seamtress’s eyes light up with twinkling sparkles, Rainbow simply rolls her eyes with a grin as she takes mild amusement over Rarity’s typical exaggeration. But suddenly, the Unicorn’s gaping smile disappears as she ponders on how this all led up to such an exclusive location.

“Now that I think about it… how did you arrange all of this? I know you do pretty well for yourself as a Wonderbolt, but it must have cost you a fortune to get exclusive access here.”

Caught off-guard by Rarity’s sudden questioning, Rainbow hesitates with nervousness creeping within before she quickly covers it up with a levelheaded grin. “Actually, all I had to do was make a simple request with the Princesses, and well… there you go.”

Astonished by such a simple, cool response, Rarity blinks speechlessly before she ask in puzzlement, “Just like that?”

“Just like that.”

Rarity is too skeptical by the daredevil’s answer. Sure, she can believe that Rainbow Dash can earn special favors from the princesses to use their privileged spa. Even for herself, she could probably make such an enormous request if she had the courage to do so without feeling so guilt-ridden from accepting the princesses’ generosity. Still, Rarity has her suspicions that there is more to it than just some trip to a spa, especially when one of her friends doesn’t take many visits herself.

But Rarity’s thoughts are pushed to the far corner of her mind once she and Rainbow Dash approach a set of shimmering, golden doors. And once they enter inside, Rarity lets out an almighty gasp as if the gates of heavens were opening right before her very eyes. Within this vast, extraordinary place, the majestic spa lights up the entire facility in a rich, golden light. Mostly it’s thanks to the dome’s oculus high above as it baths the lobby in a warm, yellow color. In contrast to the warm-colored setting, there are fountains and indoor waterfalls that display a shimmering, blue radiance. While the constantly astonished Rarity is lost in the ambience, the two mares from Ponyville are approached by the spa’s all-female staff as all of them are wearing white, short-skirted togas that serve as their uniforms to the luxurious spa they represent for.

Then, one of the spa attendants steps forward to greet their privileged guests with a polite smile and a courteous bow, which the rest of the staff does the same almost at once. “Welcome, Mrs. Rarity… Mrs. Rainbow Dash. We are truly honored to be at your service for today. Please, right this way, ladies.”

As the attendants escort their guests, Rarity marvels at all of the well-preserved décors she passes by, ranging from marbled columns, tiled flooring, and the magnificent collection of longstanding mosaic paintings. In the next room, there are several stations that provide various services, including hooficures, massages, and hair salons. And the first activities they partake in are massages.

As Rarity climbs on her massage table with ease, Rainbow hesitates on the table adjacent her friend’s as she is uncertain on how to position herself due to her eight-month-old pregnant belly. Noticing her client’s hesitation, the other kindhearted masseuse directs the Pegasus to an alternative station in mind.

“Mrs. Dash, we took great consideration once we heard about your pregnancy, so with this chair, we can provide you a safe and secure massage for you.”

Rainbow eyes with puzzlement at the strange contraption in front of her as the masseuse assists her in the proper sitting position. Despite its similar appearance, the Pegasus perplexes even further when she sits in reverse compared to how she normally sits on a regular chair. Noticing how the memory-foamed pads are arranged, she positions her limbs and face in their proper resting places. Her legs rest on the kneeling pads on each side of the chair. Her forelegs wrap around the thick anterior cushion that her chest is pressing against and lay upon the special armrest. And finally, her face squeezes through the face cradle’s elastic hole.

Once Rainbow Dash is situated, her masseuse begins her duty and gently presses her fore hooves against the Pegasus’s bare back. Carefully, the professional massager kneads around Dash’s cherished wings as she as presses a bit firmer in her techniques. From the receiving end, Rainbow feels some subtle pops from within as the enduring aches in her back gradually fades away.

With most of the kinks worked out in her back, the masseuse moves her rubbing hooves around the neck and shoulders as Rainbow bears a goofy smile while moaning in satisfaction, “Oh yeah~! That feels SO GOOD! This is just what I need!”

Meanwhile, Rarity unwinds completely on her massage table as her masseuse performs a firmer technique while the rapid vibrations from mare’s hooves course throughout the Unicorn’s body. Evidently, the beaming Unicorn expresses her approval as well, “Mmm… Yes! Nothing like a good massage to relieve all your troubles away!”

“You said it, sister!” Rainbow agrees with a grin as more of her backaches disappear.

After a very good massage session, Rainbow and Rarity are directed to a different station: a pair of luxurious chaise lounges with two attendants waiting on hand as each of them have their own set of specialized hoof files.

With no need to ask on what’s next on their spa agenda, Rarity sighs with a blissful smile, “Ahh, hooficures! My favorite!”

As Rarity gets herself comfy on the elongated chair before the start of her hooficure, Rainbow Dash eyes her friend with disinterest before declining with a shrug, “Yeah, you go on ahead without me. I’m gonna sit this one out.”

“Come now, Rainbow!” the purple-haired mare insists with a giggling smile. “You shouldn’t knock it unless you try it first!”

“Hey, I tried it once back at home!” Rainbow snaps as she flies up on impulse.

“Darling, you barely allowed the file to touch you.” she counters with a deadpan frown.

“Yeah, and look where that got me: in an article of Gabby Gums!” she emphasizes in a grump while rolling her eyes. "Plus, I got a reputation to keep, you know."

“That was years ago, darling. And besides, this is one of the Princesses’ private inner sanctums. Nopony else will be able to barge in here just to get some dirt on you.”

Hesitant at first, Dash stumbles over her next excuse, “Yeah well… I just… have sensitive hooves, alright?”

“Come on, Rainbow Dash. Where’s that laidback attitude of yours?” Rarity goads with a crafty smirk. “Your sense of adventure? Surely you’re not afraid to allow anypony to touch your hooves.”

“Hey, I do allow one pony to touch them!”

“Really? Who?”

“M-M-Mustang.” she mutters with a growing blush.

“Oh-ho! Now we’re getting somewhere!” she grins very shrewdly over this revelation.

“Look, it’s not that big of a deal, Rarity!” she snaps with a mad blush before reverting back to a more bashful tone as she lightly rubs her forelegs together. “He’s just… so affectionate when he touches my hooves like that. Always saying such sweet and sappy stuff about my well-toned muscles or blue, fur coat.”

Once Dash states that, Rarity believes to have found a way to persuade her friend as she makes one more attempt to change her mind, “Well then, darling. Imagine what would happen if you get a hooficure right now, then Ford will be all over your hooves like a… badger on honey! Or is it a bear instead? Oh dear, I wish my wife was here right now! She can come up with better phrases than myself.”

As Rarity’s hooficure carries on where her assistant moves on to the next hoof, Rainbow Dash hesitates on her decision even further before her resolve gives in and permits with a heavy grump, “Alright fine! I’ll give it one more try! But whatever happens here better not escape those gossiping lips of yours once we leave this place!”

Satisfied, Rarity agrees with a winning smirk, “Deal!”

Gradually, the reluctant Rainbow hovers down before landing on the vacant chaise lounge adjacent to Rarity’s. Once she reclines back, her own helper approaches her with a nail file, which causes Rainbow to shake subtly in nervousness.

Noticing her friend’s reluctance, Rarity informs Dash’s assistant with a faintly shrewd smile, “Oh, do be gentle on her, won’t you, dearie? It is her first time after all.”

As the spa employee abides to Rarity’s command with a nod, Rainbow glares intensely at her devious friend for her sly innuendo as the flustered Pegasus grumbles inaudible curses underneath her breath. Wanting to prove her bravado, the tense, blue mare stretches one of her hind legs to ready herself on the overly imagined torture that is to come. Slowly, the assistant moves forward with the supposedly intimidating tool as the suspension is killing Rainbow.

Once the file comes in contact with the exposed hoof, the mare makes one soft stroke of her tool as the strange sensation sends shivers across Dash’s spine. From that unfamiliar feeling, Rainbow desperately wants to pull her shaky leg back, but against her better judgement, she didn’t want to back down from this. Not just to prove herself over Rarity’s dare, but to also impress her husband if this hooficure actually works to her advantage. So to her dismay, she has to endure it for a little while longer.

As Rainbow tolerates her on-going session, her assistant carries on her task as she maintains a steady pace where her file moves back and forth in a nice, gentle rhythm. Overtime, Dash eases up as she realizes that this hooficure isn’t as bad as she made it out to be. It certainly isn’t as excruciating as those hook-shaped scraping tools those dentists use to grind your teeth away. As the blue Pegasus feels more relaxed, the young mare finishes one hind hoof and Rainbow Dash willingly presses the other one. Unbeknownst to the pregnant mare however, the observant Rarity takes considerable joy over Rainbow’s change of attitude when it comes to hooficures as she bears a self-satisfied smile for herself.

Once all their hooves were nicely filed and giving them a nice buff in-between, the two guests are being led to another room in the vast spa resort. Hovering right alongside her Unicorn friend, Rainbow Dash is too distracting by her own fore hooves as they were never this smooth and shiny before.

As the absent-minded Pegasus lightly rubs her hooves together, Rarity interrupts Rainbow’s distraction by saying with a know-it-all smirk. “See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Taking the hint from Rarity’s smugness, Rainbow grows an immense blush on her face while hiding her right fore hoof behind her back before she uses the other one to point harshly at the conceited seamstress and retorts in a shaky growl, “Y-you better not say another word about this to anypony, got it?!”

Unaffected by Dash’s poor display of intimidation, Rarity chuckles to herself before she assures with a broad grin, “Don’t worry, darling. I wouldn’t even dream to share this moment with anypony else.”

After entering through a large doorway, the two mares from Ponyville gasp in amazement at the sudden change of scenery. In front of them is a very expansive and magnificent grotto with sandstone cavern walls and flooring, several, luxurious hot springs, and natural-looking waterfalls that cascade into some of the vibrant, turquoise pools. There are even a couple of additional caverns that serve as saunas and a vast opening in the background where guests can enjoy the natural landscape of Canterlot’s outer regions.

Nearby is a modest-sized mud bath, which is where Rainbow and Rarity will take part in after their helpers arranged their manes in neatly tight hair buns. Once that’s done, they slowly step into the pool of soft gray-colored mud as they gasp from the warm, slightly bubbling feeling.

With her forelegs stretched across the muddy spring’s edge in a relaxing position, Rainbow allows herself to sink in until the mud reaches close to her chin and sighs with a contented grin, “Ahhhh! Now this is more to my liking!”

“For once, we actually agree on something.” Rarity says with an equally pleased smile as she applies cucumber slices over her eyes before arching her neck back until her head lays against the thick towel that cushions the rim of the pool.

“Not that I’m complaining here, but I just don’t see what’s the big deal with these mud baths.”

“Well darling, it’s thanks to the rich volcanic ash mixed with the hot spring water that can soften your skin, remove toxins from your body, and improves your circulation.”

“Is that so? Well, I think you’ve missed a spot.” Rainbow points it out with a budding smirk.

“Where?” Rarity puzzles slightly. “I thought I’ve covered myself up pretty good.”

“Here, let me get that for you.” she offers with a suppressed giggle as she scoops up some mud with her fore hooves.

“Why thank you--!”

But her expression of gratitude goes unfinished when a blob of mud splats Rarity right in the face. Shook up by the sudden, direct projectile, Rarity hastily wipes her face to clear away the mud from her eyes as well as the cucumber slices so she could immediately confront her assailant. But it didn't take too long to find out who the culprit is as the Unicorn glares at the lone Pegasus, who is laughing like an uproarious hyena.

“Rainbow Dash, really?!” Rarity scolds her in a parental tone. “Can’t you at least act your age for a change?!”

“What?” the giggling mare shrugs without care. “I thought you like mud masks, Rarity.”

While Rainbow is too busy laughing at her own joke, the glaring Unicorn suddenly displays a very mischievous smile as she uses her magic to levitate a spherical glob of mud right beside the Pegasus’s blind spot. “Oh, so you like to get down and dirty, eh?”

Without giving her any time to react, the levitated ball of mud slaps Rainbow right across her face, and eventually, she whines over Rarity’s retaliation. “Hey!”

But the smirking seamstress dismisses Rainbow’s whining with a shrug of her own as she mimics her friend’s witty response earlier, “What? Just returning the favor, dearie.”

Seeing on where this is going, Rainbow breaks into an amusing smirk and prepares to scoop up her next shot while declaring out loud, “Oh, it is so on!”

And with their declaration of war, the two mares engage in an all-out mud fight. Back and forth, they fling their muddy projectiles at each other. Along with use of their hooves, Rarity employs her Unicorn Magic for precise strikes while Rainbow makes good use of her wings for monstrous waves in return. Despite how clay-faced they have become, that doesn’t stop them from laughing and playing like the little fillies they once were, and they continue to make good of the grand time they’re having.

Once they had enough in fun in the mud bath, Rarity and Rainbow Dash take nice, quick showers to rinse off all of that excess mud, and they moved into a cavern sauna afterwards once they had their manes wrapped in their respective towels. Like the grotto, the interior of the concaved sauna is very cave-like, but seats and walls are very smooth to sit and lean against. In the center of the room is an opened pit with prearranged hot stones in it. Next to Rarity, is a wooden bucket containing their supply of water. With a simple flick of her magic, the courteous mare pours some water over the burning rocks, and it creates a huge puff of steam that engulfs the room whilst making that satisfying, sizzling sound. Thankfully with the carved out vents high above them, the heat doesn’t become too intense for them, especially for Rainbow Dash’s case due to her condition. With the temperature set to a perfect degree, Rainbow and Rarity are well-situated in their sitting positions as they simultaneously breathe in the warm, moist air and slowly exhale with smiles of tranquility.

“Rainbow Dash, I can’t thank you enough for bring me here to such a divine place!” Rarity says with exuberant gratitude. “Everything they have to offer is beyond my wildest expectations! Sigh… I’ve never felt so rejuvenated in all of my life!”

“I’m glad to hear that, Rarity.” Rainbow welcomes with a nod and a gratified smile. “This is your spa day after all.”

“Well, this is your spa day too, but I’m certainly glad that I could share this day with you, Rainbow. I can’t believe we don’t do this much often. We really need to hang out some more. Thankfully, we have plenty of time ahead of us to make up for that.”

Upon hearing that poor choice of words, Rainbow is reluctantly reminded on why she wanted to schedule some alone time with Rarity in the first place. With another intake of that breath of soothing steam, Rainbow speaks up in an increasingly ginger manner, “You know, now that we’re all alone, there’s… some important I need to tell you.”

Oblivious to Rainbow’s hesitation, Rarity replies with a well-mannered smile, “Oh, well you’re always welcome to talk to me about it, Rainbow. Is it something you need help with?”

“No no, it isn’t like that… it’s umm… I just to want to let you know… that something big might happen in a few months.” she continues with further uneasiness.

Perplexed by where her friend is going with this, Rarity then asks, “Isn’t that when your foals will be born?”

“Y-yes, but the tradeoff is that… I might not make it out alive.”

From hearing that quiet response, Rarity’s eyes grow massively at such a shocking statement and gasps in alarm, “Wh-what…? Why would you assume such an awful thing like that?!”

“Well, my husband apparently had these visions due to his Draconian Magic, so we’ve been preparing for the worst if they ever do come true.” she admits with her head hanging low in shame.

Still shook up by this unforeseen, distressing news, Rarity does her best to compose herself before she inquires in a trembling voice, “H-how long have you known about this?”

“Remember how we ended my foal shower months ago?”

“Why yes, I remember--!” From that reminder, Rarity recalls on that abrupt end to their party and how that was settled once Mustang returned from his exceedingly delayed trip. “Wait… was that what you and Ford discussed afterwards?”

“Sigh… yeah.” Rainbow acknowledges while averting her guilt-ridden eyes away from Rarity.

Besides the sizzling noise from the scorching rocks, the steamy room become silent as Rainbow waits on Rarity’s reaction while the latter takes more time to reflect on all that she has learned. For Dash’s case, she can imagine on how over-the-top Rarity will get once she finally articulates.

“Dash, I-I-I can’t believe you…” she stammers in a quiet, shaky voice.

“Look, I know it’s a lot to take in--!”

But Rarity didn’t get a chance to finish what she had to say as she restates in an abruptly irritated tone, “I can’t believe you would hold out on this kind of information from us like that!”

Rainbow Dash is completely startled by Rarity’s sudden outburst. She certainly expected her Unicorn friend to express herself in such a melodramatic fashion, but not where she would react so harshly. So she sharply clarifies herself, “What?! I wasn’t trying to hold out on you!”

“Then why didn’t you bother to share this with us months ago?!” she demands in a huff.

“Because we were in the holiday season, Rarity!” she snaps in response before her snippiness get the best of her. “Would you really want me to drop such a major bombshell in the midst of our celebration by saying something like, ‘Oh hey, guess what? I’m dying! Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve, everypony!’ ”

Unamused by Rainbow’s harsh sarcasm, Rarity turns away with a tilt of her head as she lets out a harrumph, “Ugh! You’re as crude as ever!”

Increasingly annoyed as ever, Rainbow asks, “Well, what would you do instead?!”

Matching with Pegasus’s cynicism, Rarity exclaims, “Well, I certainly would tell my friends right away so I wouldn’t leave them in the dark for so long!”

Trading one sarcasm for another, Dash screeches out her irritation in an exaggerative manner, “Oh, so me withholding my own predetermined demise for the sake of my friends makes me a bad guy, huh?! Is that it?!”

“No, that’s not it all!”

“Then what is it, Rarity?! What is it that you’re giving me so much grief about?!”

Stumbling on her own words, Rarity does her best to express her true feelings as loudly as possible, “I don’t know! I just… feel so hurt from how you didn’t tell us in the first place because you didn’t trust that we can help you out in some way! How could you keep something like that as a secret for so long without even considering us, let alone me?!”

As she concludes her statement, the emotional Rarity breaks down into tears, which evaporate rather quickly thanks to the sauna they are in. Still, even without tears, Rainbow Dash can see just how heartbroken her friend is as Rarity states the awkward dismay she’s putting herself in.

“Oh, look at me! I’m pouring out my heart to you, and I can barely make out any tears because of this luxurious sauna we are in right now!”

In the midst of Rarity’s heartfelt crying, Rainbow feels guilty and pities her friend for all of the mixed emotions she is going through. Without making a sound, the Pegasus slides closely to the weeping Unicorn before placing a gentle wing on top of fashionista’s back and expressing her condolence very softly.

“Rarity… I’m… I’m sorry. I had no idea you would feel this way. I never meant to hurt you like this.”

From receiving Rainbow’s act of kindness, Rarity takes a moment to calm herself down and wipes away the tears and sweat from her eyes before responding in a remorseful manner, “N-no, Rainbow Dash. I’m the one who should be apologizing here. Please forgive me, darling. I shouldn’t be acting this immature when you are the one who has a lot more to deal with compared to me.”

“It’s fine, Rarity.” she reassures with small smile.

“Have you… told this to anypony else?”

“We have. Regarding with the Elements of Harmony so far, Ford already informed Twilight about this so they can get the Princesses’ aid, and I told Fluttershy a week ago.”

“And I take it nothing has been resolved as of yet?”

“Trust me, we turned to anyone we can think of, including Discord and one of Ford’s dragon friends, Wagner.”

Rarity sighs over the bleakness in Rainbow’s situation and softly expresses her sympathy, “I wish there was something I can do to aid you in your future dilemma.”

As Rainbow gives it some thought, she suddenly recalls a scene in that nightmare of her own funeral on what Rarity was wearing at that time. So Rainbow proposes one thing in mind for her friend, “There is one thing you can do by making a Pinkie Promise for me.”

A bit ecstatic by the possibility to aid Rainbow in any way possible, Rarity urges strongly, “Anything, dear.”

“Promise me that you wouldn’t wear black at my funeral. It’s SO not a good look on you.”

From that sly emphasis, Rarity breaks into a spontaneous giggle before she gladly makes that Pinkie Promise by using her fore hoof to cross her heart and place it over her eye. “Consider it done, Rainbow Dash.”

Grateful for Rarity’s willingness to make that sacred promise, Rainbow pulls the fashion designer in for a gratifying hug and says with a modest smile, “Thanks, Rarity.”

After holding on to their hug for just a little while longer, Rarity gently ends their embrace as she makes a humble suggestion to Rainbow Dash with a meaningful grin, “Now, what do you say we get out of here and continue what’s left of our spa day? All this stress and steam isn’t too good for one’s complexion if we stay here for too long.”

“Sigh! Nothing like a day at the spa to make you feel like a new mare again!” Rarity states her satisfaction with a very vibrant grin.

“Have to say, that place wasn’t that bad at all.” Rainbow Dash admits beamingly before adding to her claim with a mild blush on her face. “I feel so… girly… but in a good way.”

After finishing their long day at the royal spa facility, the two equally contented mares decide to spend a little more time at Canterlot before heading back to Ponyville. In the midst of their walk, few bystanders turn their heads sharply as they notice the exuberant beauty emanating from Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

Towards the end of their spa appointment, they capped it off with professional stylists that did an extraordinary job on the two clienteles’ mane, tail, and coat. For Rarity, her gorgeous, purple mane is wrapped in a lovely hair bun with her traditional front piece swaying in elegant fashion and her white coat is so shiny that any gawking pony may go blind if they stare it for far too long. As for Rainbow Dash, her blue coat is also polished to perfection, but in addition to her multicolored mane being fluffier and smoother than usual, she also has some glossy eye shadow applied to her eyelids at Rarity’s suggestion. She doesn’t take the time to beautify herself as much as Rarity does, but truth be told, she does enjoy the experience every now and then.

“Thank you once again for taking me to such a marvelous place for our spa day!” Rarity says with a joyous smile. “I had a really good time from not just receiving the best spa treatment ever, but from also hanging out with you for a change. And umm… I’m terribly sorry for losing my temper like that when you were telling me about your grim predicament.” she apologizes in a softer, more ashamed manner. “I should know better that you were only thinking on what’s best before you decided to share the truth with us.”

Knowing that Rarity is being very considerate, Rainbow wraps her sympathetic friend in a hug whilst replying back with a reassuring smile, “Thanks for understanding, Rarity.”

A bit relieved to receive some sympathetic comfort, Rarity then hesitates as she asks cautiously, “Do you… want me to this share this with Applejack?”

Rainbow quietly ponders on that soft inquiry before she answers with a casual shrug, “Nah. I rather take care of this myself. Just need to think of something really cool for her.”

“Well maybe I can help find that out for you.”

“I would really appreciated that, Rarity.”

“Think nothing of it, Rainbow Dash. It’s the least I can do for all that you have done for me.”

“Hey, all I did was take you out to some fancy spa.”

“I’m not just talking about that, Rainbow. I meant for all the times you’ve aid us, and more specifically, me. The one thing I will never ever forget is how you saved my life during the Best Young Flyer Competition. I not only learned a valuable lesson from getting so carried away with my own vanity, but I also learned on how truly fortunate I am to have you as one of my best friends. And from there, I will always be eternally grateful for your friendship.”

As Rarity leans closely to give a nuzzling embrace to Rainbow Dash, the latter reflects back to all of the good times they shared and responds with a grateful smile, “You know? Looking back on all we’ve been through together… I’m really grateful for our friendship too. And not just the awesome adventures we shared, but for all of the cool stuff you’ve done for me as well. Like how can I forget all of those cool dresses you’ve made for me? Especially that one you made for my birthday so I can impress Ford at the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“And now thanks to the Princesses’ exclusive spa, you will be able to show off your stuff with those stunning, good looks of yours!” Rarity points it out with a sly, giggling grin.

Catching on Rarity’s clever implication, Rainbow responds back with a mischievous smile and a soft nudge to the seamstress’s sides, “And what about you, huh? No doubt you’re thinking the same thing with AJ, am I right?”

“Well, she does owe me for what she pulled off this morning, but I think it’s only fair for me to give Applejack a taste of her own medicine first.” she replies with an equally deceitful smirk.

With that said, the two shared a good, hearty laugh before their merriment is briefly interrupted by a low, growling noise. Looking down, Rainbow figures out that the sudden disturbance was coming from her stomach as Rarity pinpoints the source of the sound as well. Understandingly, the Pegasus didn’t get much to eat this morning as well as the fact that their spa session ended early this afternoon.

With a sheepish chuckle, Rainbow makes light of her own bodily needs, “Geez. Who would have thought all of this relaxation could make a pony this hungry?”

After a subtle giggle to herself, Rarity greatly insists with a charitable smile, “Here, you’ve done enough to treat me as it is. So allow me to be the generous one this time.”

Later that Evening in Ponyville…

In Ford Mustang’s inner sanctum, which is his art studio, the lone stallion is deeply attentive with his latest and perhaps his biggest project yet. On a big canvas board that’s resting on an easel, he already got a basic, good pencil sketch of his wife, including her iconic features: eyes, wings, six-striped flowing mane and tail. He thought about this for a couple weeks now, and he wants to get this ready before that big, fateful day. Now at this point, all he needs to do is sketch up a background and make the pencil lines in the portrait bolder and clearer before he can start painting.

But that next step will have to wait for another time as his sharp ears perk up from hearing the front door being opened. Presuming that it must be Rainbow Dash, he quickly sets his tools aside and covers up the easel with a big sheet of cloth. With his big, secret project secured, Ford flies down the steps to welcome his wife home.

“Hey, angel! How was your trip to the spaaaaaaaaaaa…?”

But his warm greeting is put to a slow, grinding halt as the slack-jawed stallion stares with wide, speechless eyes at the even more stunning mare in front of him. Almost as if time slows down, Rainbow Dash coolly flicks her brightly colorful mane as she sways it back and forth while her husband is truly entranced by the slow, glistening motion of her alluring hair.

While Ford is completely distracted by the unforeseen allure, Rainbow answers nonchalantly, “Pretty awesome actually! I tell you, those masseuses really know on how work out those kinks in-between! I almost feel as light as a feather after an intense session like that!” And she demonstrated her lightness by fluttering up in the air and landing back down very gracefully before tossing her hair back which inadvertently entices her wide-eyed stallion even further.

Once she notices flabbergasted husband, the grinning mare giggles in a feminine manner and she flashes her newly mascaraed eyes while asking in mocking ignorance, “What? Is there something on my face--?”

But her teasing remark gets interrupted when Mustang rockets forward and smashes his lips against Dash’s. Despite the surprise kiss attack, Rainbow almost at once lets herself go as she moans in ecstasy while their tongues intertwine with each other’s. And just as things are starting to heat up between them, Ford suddenly breaks free from their kiss as he shifts into an apologetic manner.

“S-sorry! I didn’t mean to act so hasty like that! I just… haven’t seen you this radiant since our wedding day, so I--!”

However, she didn’t want to hear any of that as she quickly pulls Ford back in to resume their insatiable kiss. Seeing how his eager wife has made decision for both of them, he seeks to put more effort in his smacking lips and probing tongue as they tenderly wrap their fore hooves around each other’s body before they slowly recline on the cloudy floor.

With the couple laying on their sides, they continue to make out for another minute or two before Ford takes a breather and draws his wife’s fore hoof closer to his face. Then, he rubs against it like a cat nuzzling it owner affectionately as Rainbow Dash pants over Mustang’s familiar, soothing touch.

After giving her delicate hoof a few more kisses, he notices something different about them as he says to her softly, “Dashie, your hooves… they feel much smoother than before.”

Rainbow freezes from the mention of Ford’s observation as a growing, red blush consumes her guilt-ridden face. After he takes a closer look at the hoof he was snuggling with, he inquires with further interest, “Did you… get a hooficure today as well?”

Dash is scared that if Ford or any of her friends found out about this, they would just simply laugh at her for all the times she refused anypony come near her precious hooves. Despite being certain that her husband would think otherwise, her fears are getting the best of her as she frantically explains the situation.

“Well… R-Rarity couldn’t shut up about them, so I pretty much gave into peer pressure! And well… I kinda sorta maybe like them! I mean, I am a mare, so it’s not that weird for me to enjoy one every now and then, alright? So don’t even think about giving me crap about--!”

But her frantic words die down once Mustang silence her with another kiss, this time, it is much softer than the first surprise attack earlier. After their lips smoothly depart ways for a bit, Ford clarifies with a witty smirk, “Do you hear me complaining about them?”

A bit flabbergasted at first, Rainbow eases up with an amusing smirk stretched across her face and brings her husband in for another fulfilling kiss. Resuming where they left off, their greedy lips are firmly connected with one another as their hooves caress around their respective partners’ bodies, unable to get enough of each other.

Without their feverous lips breaking away from contact, Rainbow Dash carefully climbs on top of her stallion whilst keeping in mind of her very bulgy belly that’s in-between them. Again, they take a break when the pregnant mare sits up straight as Ford takes a moment to ask just to be absolutely sure where this is leading up to.

“Say, shouldn’t we get some dinner first before things escalate beyond our control?”

Staring back down at her sheepishly grinning husband past her stretched out belly, Rainbow shakes her head as she answers with a very crafty and hungry smirk, “Dinner can wait, Ford. For now, I’m going straight for dessert.”

And with that said whilst licking her chops impatiently, she resumes what’s left of her meal, intending to get her fill… one way or another.

Author's Notes:

I'll be honest, when it came to these recent chapters, I often worry that their reactions to Dash's terrible news would all be the same. So I try to make sure to mix it up every now and then. That's why I had Rarity being angry at first because she felt hurt from not learning about this sooner.

Anyway, the next chapter will involve Pinkie Pie, and this time I really need your help on this one because Rainbow and Pinkie will be going on a pranking spree. The problem I'm facing is that I can't think have any appropriate pranks in mind for the moment for some of the respective characters. So I really need good suggestions on some ideal pranks and who they're targeted at.

For example, I want to do a prank which targets Applejack, and I want Rarity to participate in it just to get back at her from the previous week. Maybe involve pears in some way.