//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7 
// Story: The Calm before the Storms 
// by Shieldheart204 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 7

"Who would have guessed that a town this small would have a Starbeans Cafe?" said Moondancer as she gulped down her large mocha frapuccino, her hands gripping the plastic cup with a certain passion. "I haven't had one of these beauties for at least a year!" 

Rarity and her had been walking toward the spa, but were forced on a detour the second the Commissioner had caught a glimpse of the legendary coffee company. After her quick purchase they returned to the dirt roads, her pace a tad more accelerated than Rarity's. 

"So, are you from Vanhoover?" asked the seamstress after a cough.

"Well no. I was born in Canterlot and I've been stationed in Hollow Shades for about three years. But I was stationed in Van for about four years. Really nice place, and the best part was that there was a Starbeans every three blocks. And unlike Hollow Shades, more than one competent Spa House."

"So what's Hollow Shades like? I've heard some stories, but I've never had the privilege of going there." said the seamstress as she sipped her cappuccino. 

"Shady, for starters." chuckled Moon. "It's a nice place, all things considered. The trees are tall and old, and so strong that we find it easier to just build stuff around them rather than dreaming of taking them down. And it's rare to see a car, most either use either motorbikes or fly."

"So you build your city up? That's got to be difficult to get around." Rarity asked as they made a last turn toward their destination.

"No, all trees have these giant elevators that take you up and down. That and you can get used to it." 

"So what is your connection to Shield? Aside from being a fellow Commissioner that is." They passed through the glass doors and came up to the reception area, "I mean, Fire has this sort of his mature close friend. So I was wondering what sort of role you play in his life." she paused, finishing her coffee. 

As Rarity nodded to the receptionist, who knew well what she wanted, she turned to face the only person sitting down in the waiting room. To Moondancer this particular woman was larger than she appears. Clothed in a sweater a tad too big, a white blouse and a lime green skirt that covered her feet. "Hello Fluttershy, how has this day treated you so far?" 

"Well, okay, I guess. Nothing new, though my bruises are hurting even less now. So I guess you could say that it's going good." the woman turned to look at Moondancer. "I didn't know you were going to bring company." she added. 

"I know, and I'm sorry I forgot to tell you. But she's a friend of Shield who just got here and I thought it would be a good idea to take her around town and maybe relax after such a journey." said Rarity as she grabbed her friend's arm. 

"Wait, if I'm interrupting something then I can just stay here and wait for you to start. Not like I'm in much of a hurry." intervened Moon as she removed her cape. 

"No, it's all right. I was just a little surprised. That's all." Fluttershy said as she backed away from Moondancer.

"In that case, would you care to join us?" 

"Of course! Anything to get me out of this grime." 

A couple of minutes passed as the trio of women were removed of clothing and outfitted with white towels. Afterwards, they were directed to the massage tables, where very delicate hands struck at every knot on Moondancer's back. 

"What do you do to have so many knots?" asked Aloe as she unmade a particular tumor on her left shoulder-blade. "I haven't seen this many knots since the big wedding."

With a moan the ultramarine-haired woman twisted her head. "Mmm, yes... that's the spot. Just like the doctor ordered." After a couple of seconds her eyes opened, her pupils scanning for danger. "Sorry, I dosed off for a second. What did you say?" she asked and released a moan as her eyes rolled up and her right trapezius muscle became free of knots. 

"She was inquiring about your line of work." Rarity said. 

"Oh, right. I'm a Ranger. And yes, it is a stressful environment." she replied before releasing yet another moan. 

"Well, I've never massaged a soldier before."

"Then I'll forgive you if you happen to pull a muscle." Much to Aloe's surprise and relief, the rest of the session went on without any event, and once her customers had entered the sauna she made sure to run for the mud and cucumbers. 

While inside the vapor chamber Moon could feel her pains melt out of her body, the urge to beat Shield senseless oozed out of her pores and her brain could finally tell her to relax. "So how much damage has my friend caused so far? I'm betting at least a thousand bits."