//------------------------------// // Chapter 22: Gem Hunting with Rarity and Special Spa Day // Story: A Place in Equestria // by GoebelTron //------------------------------// When the warm glow of Celestia’s sun rose up against the deep aqua blue and deep orange sky and gave Ponyville’s residents a blanket of warmth, they got out of bed and ready for the beautiful day. In her boutique, Rarity was stirring very lightly in her bed underneath her red satin blanket, until she then let out a soft yawn. She placed her hoof gently on her face to take off her sleeping mask and then rose up to clear up her vision. “Oh my. Aah, well, what indeed a good night’s rest it was,” she said, until she carefully got off her bed, then stretched both her hindlegs and forelegs, and then her back and neck. “Ah, now that’s much better.” She turned her head and walked over to her cat, Opalescence sleeping on her little bed basket cutely, until she woke up and stretched out her front legs, flexing her claws, then looked up and saw her owner with a smile on her face. She got up and hopped down, padded over to Rarity and softly stroked her fluffy and furry body and nuzzled her soft plush face against Rarity’s forelegs with a deep purr. Rarity looked down and smiled warmly at her cat, until she gently stroked her back with her hoof. “Good morning, my preciously darling little Opal. And how did mommy’s adorable little kitty muffin sleep?” Rarity cooed, until Opal let out a meow. “That’s good. Would you like Mommy to fix you a scrumptious breakfast?” Opal meowed again, until Rarity gently placed the cat on her back, then Opal gently padded her owner’s back and gently stroked her claws on the soft white coat, then laid down. Rarity smiled warmly and kissed Opal’s cheek, “That’s better. Now come with Mommy and we’ll get you well-fed.” Rarity then gently trotted downstairs and walked over to the kitchen to prepare Opal’s breakfast. After getting a can full of fresh cat food and pouring it into Opal’s food bowl and filling up her water bowl, Rarity gave them both to Opal and then stroked at the top of her fluffy head, and kissed it. “I love you too, Opal,” Rarity said, after giving her cat a warm smile, then she made herself some morning tea with a couple slices of toast with apple butter spread, and a sunny side up egg to go with them, and made some oatmeal for her sister, Sweetie Belle. While she was enjoying her breakfast, she suddenly saw Sweetie Belle come down, “Hello, Sweetie Belle. Did you have a good night’s rest, darling?” “Yeah, pretty much,” the filly replied. “Why? What’s the matter, darling? Did you have a dreadful nightmare last night?” Rarity asked. “No. I just couldn’t sleep from all that fun from last night,” Sweetie Belle said, sitting down on her chair and eating her oatmeal. “Aww... poor little darling. Don’t worry, my dear little sister. After breakfast, you can go play with your friends while I take care of some business,” Rarity said. After finishing her breakfast and putting her dishes in the sink, Rarity suddenly looked at the calendar about today, then thought of an idea that occurred to her, “I know just what to do today. I think today would be a perfect time to spend with my darling little nephew.” She then looked at the main room of the boutique and into the chest that she keeps her gems for her designs. “I should probably get some more gems. And since my Spikey-Wikey is available. Hmm... I wonder if the precious little child would like to accompany his Auntie Rarity and my dear friend, Spikey-Wikey today?” Rarity suddenly thought of another idea, “And maybe after that, I can probably take him to the spa. I know Fluttershy and I usually get ours in four days, but it wouldn’t hurt for an early start. I think he deserves a a relaxing and warm comfortable time. And it’s probably a good time to get my hooves shined. But before I go, I should probably make Thomas something special for the spa.” After brainstorming for ideas, Rarity suddenly thought of something, and went upstairs and worked on the new design for Thomas with a gleeful smile and blush. When she was finished, Rarity strapped her saddlebags on her back and underbelly, and placed her gift for her nephew in the left pouch, and then went outside and locked the door. She then went to get her gem hunting equipment, consisting a shovel and a few pails, then she placed them into a red wagon that was by her boutique and tied the straps around her, and then walked off while taking a deep breath of the fresh air, “My, what a pleasant morning it is.” At Fluttershy’s cottage, Fluttershy was feeding the outdoor animals their breakfasts and then went back inside to wake up her son. When she got upstairs, she saw Thomas stirring in his sleep peacefully with a soft moan, then went over to the bed and stroked his shoulder gently with her hoof, “Thomas. Time to wake up, my little one.” Thomas made a soft yawn and then unexpectedly leaned towards Fluttershy’s chest, until he looked up and saw her smiling at him. “Hi, sweetie,” she said softly. “Good morning, Momma,” Thomas said, until he was lifted off the bed and onto her back, then Fluttershy took him downstairs. When all of a sudden, they heard a knock on the door. “Wonder who that is,” Fluttershy said, until she walked over to the door and answered it, until she saw Rarity and her wagon, and gem hunting equipment. She then saw Spike riding in the wagon. “Good morning, Rarity. Hello, Spike. How are you doing this morning?” Fluttershy said. “Oh, I am just doing wonderfully, Fluttershy dear. How are you doing this morning?” Rarity asked, with a warm smile. “Oh, I’m doing fine. My precious little angel’s just a little sleep-deprived this morning, so I made him some porridge to make him feel better,” Fluttershy said. Thomas made a yawn, then continued to eat his breakfast. “Aww...” Rarity said, and went over to him for a hug, and then he felt her lips kiss the top of his head, then cuddled with her white chest fur. “Oh, by the way, Fluttershy darling. Would it be alright if me and Spike take him gem hunting with us?” “Yeah, can he come? Dragons have a sharp eye,” Spike said. Fluttershy thought for a moment and looked down at the cuteness of her little colt, “Alright. He can come, but please make sure he doesn’t get hurt.” “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. As long as he has one of his favorite aunts and favorite dragon best friend, we’ll be sure he’s safe with us,” Rarity said. Fluttershy nodded and then she leaned down towards Thomas as she took his bowl, “Go get dressed, sweetheart.” Thomas nodded and went upstairs to get dressed. “By the way, Fluttershy darling. I know it’s a little early, but I was also planning on taking the little one to the spa afterwards for a relaxing and comfortable spa treatment. He deserves it as a reward from us being so kind to him,” Rarity said. “Oh... umm... well, that sounds nice, but I hope Lotus and Aloe won’t mind treating him even though he’s not a pony,” Fluttershy said, when she remembered the time he ran away from Diamond Tiara’s hurtful words. “Don’t worry, darling. I’m sure they won’t mind,” Rarity said. “I even decided to make these for him when I take him over.” She took the clothes out of her bag and showed them all a pair of royal blue swim trunks with a hexagon pattern design on them. “Aren’t they dazzling, darling? I decided to make these swim trunks for him to wear in the jacuzzi when me and Thomas head over.” “I’m sure he’ll love them, just like every outfit you make and have given him,” Fluttershy said. “I agree, Fluttershy dear. I’ll keep it as a little surprise for the little darling for now, so that I can present them to him when we finish gem hunting and head over to the spa,” Rarity said, until Fluttershy nodded in agreement. Thomas came back down wearing a dark blue long sleeve, gray hoodie, and black overalls. He walked over to Fluttershy and gave her a warm hug around her neck, “I love you, Momma. I’ll stay with Auntie Rarity and I promise I’ll be back for dinner.” She smiled warmly at him, and then gently pressed his head closer towards her chest and hugged him back, “I know, baby. And I love you too, sweetie. Now, you be good for her and have fun, okay sweetie?” Thomas nodded, and then Fluttershy gave him a soft kiss on the forehead. “There’s my precious little one.” Rarity suddenly smiled at the two, and then they broke the hug and Rarity suddenly let him ride on her back while she pulled the wagon with Spike riding with the equipment. “Bye, Momma!” Thomas said. “Bye, sweetheart! Be safe!” Fluttershy said. When they finally arrived at the crystal mine and rock quarry, Thomas looked around at it, then he looked up at Rarity, “Uh, Auntie Rarity, how are we gonna find so many gems in this big place? There’s nothing here.” Rarity scoffed and then giggled lightly, and then smiled down at the little colt and gently patted his head, “Don’t be silly, my precious nephew. You see, Thomas. My horn comes in handy, because not only can I use it to make my designs for dresses or suits, it also can detect a group of gems that are buried underneath the ground.” “You mean, like a detection spell?” Thomas asked. “Correct. My, you are so clever. That’s what we love about you, precious,” Rarity said gently ruffling his hair, until she then gave him a kiss on the cheek. Suddenly, her horn started to light up, and Rarity somehow glanced up as it started detecting something, “Oh, looks like I’ve found our first batch. Spike, could you be a dear and help Thomas with the equipment?” “Sure thing, Rarity. Okay, buddy. Now you grab that rope and we’ll pull it together,” Spike said. Thomas nodded and then he grabbed the rope next to him and helped Spike carry the wagon while following Rarity who trotted on ahead. After a short walk through the trail, they suddenly stopped at the spot where Rarity leaned her head down and used her horn to illuminate the spot to reveal the hole that had a batch of colorful glimmering gems underneath, “Ah, there you are.” Thomas walked over to Rarity and then looked up at her, “Go on, precious. Have a look.” Thomas kneeled down and looked at the gems with amazement, “Wow... they’re so pretty.” Rarity nodded and gently stroked his back, “Yes, they are.” Thomas looked closer and saw them in different shapes, sizes, and many beautiful colors that were twinkling like that stars at night and glimmering like actual diamonds on a necklace, until he then saw Spike getting some of the equipment from the wagon. “Can I help Spike dig?” Thomas asked. Rarity gave him a warm smile, and then motioned her hoof to bring him over for a hug until she gently patted his shoulders, “Of course, darling. I’m certain you and Spike can handle this. Just be careful, okay? And don’t worry, I’ll be right here, precious.” Thomas nodded, and after Spike brought two shovels and pails for themselves, they started digging. After a few seconds of digging the hole, Thomas grabbed the gems and looked at them closely, “Wow... They’re very pretty when they’re seen up close, aren’t they, Auntie Rarity?” Rarity nodded and then levitated them out of the hole and into the wagon. She suddenly thought about giving Thomas one for himself, then he looked up at her, “Is something wrong, precious?” “Is... is this for me, Auntie Rarity?” Thomas asked. Rarity gave him a bright smile and nodded while embracing him in a hug, “Yes, darling. I think you truly deserve it, and perhaps you can use these beautiful sapphires for your Momma.” Thomas smiled warmly and then softly cuddled with her chest fur, until Rarity’s horn lit up again, “Oh my. Looks like we have a few more to find.” Rarity kept searching while Thomas and Spike kept digging and collecting. Later on, after the first half, Thomas was panting heavily and then stopped to catch his breath. Rarity smiled warmly at him, until Spike took his shovel and put it in the wagon, until Thomas looked up at Rarity, “Are you tired, darling?” He nodded, until she turned towards her flank and leaned down on her forelegs, “Climb up, darling. You can rest on my back. Spike and I will take care of the rest.” Thomas nodded with a yawn, and then climbed onto her back and then leaned on her neck until he comforted himself with her soft white fur. Later on, after collecting the final group of gems, they looked at the wagon and saw that it was completely filled up with a big load of colorful jewels. “Well, darlings. I believe that should be enough,” Rarity said. “Yeah, we did pretty good,” Spike said. “Thomas, after we drop off Spike back home, I’m going to take you someplace special,” Rarity said. Thomas nodded, “Okay.” As they were heading back to Ponyville, Rarity dropped Spike off at the Castle of Friendship, and then walked off with the little child on her back. She then decided to give Thomas a bath before going to the spa. When she returned to her boutique, she let Thomas climb off her back and looked down at him, “Thomas, before I take you to the special place, I would suggest taking a bath first. I’ll wash your clothes while you take your bath and make yourself comfortable. I left you a bathrobe upstairs. Thomas nodded and then went to her bathroom to get his bath over with, and then Rarity went downstairs to wash his clothes. After a couple of minutes from getting bathed and dried off, Thomas put his bathrobe on and went to Rarity’s bedroom to find someplace to sit, and suddenly, he saw Opal, Rarity’s cat come in with a confused look, then she let out a soft meow. Opal padded over to the child and then felt Thomas softly stroke her head while she made a deep purring sound. “Thomas, I finished your clothes,” Rarity said. “Auntie Rarity, you have a cute fluffy kitty,” Thomas said. “Aww... you really like my precious little Opalescence, don’t you?” Rarity cooed. “That’s what her name is?” Thomas asked. “Yes,” Rarity said. “Would you like to give her a treat, precious?” Thomas nodded and then went to get the cat treats and then gave one to Opal. After she enjoyed her treat, the kitty nuzzled his hand, “Can I hold her?” Rarity nodded with a warm smile, then Opal softly hopped onto his arms and nuzzled her soft cheek against his bicep, and then Thomas softly stroked his hand against her back while she purred again. “Thomas, I think we should head over now,” Rarity said. Thomas nodded and then gently placed the cat onto her bed and gave her a kiss on the top of her head. When he was dressed into his clothes again, Thomas climbed onto Rarity’s back and left the boutique. As they finally arrived at a small place called the Ponyville Day Spa, Thomas saw it as a castle-like and tent-like structured building. The roof was pale red and the walls were sandy tan. The sign above the door was pale-green and in the center was a white pony with a golden mane and tail. “Auntie Rarity, what is this place?” Thomas asked. “This, my darling nephew, is the Ponyville Day Spa. I realized that you have earned so much hospitality from us, I considered about this as a reward from all of us,” Rarity said. “I also made you this wonderful swimwear for you to wear when we go get refreshed in the hot tub.” “Swim trunks?” Thomas asked. “Thanks, Auntie Rarity. I know I’m too young to be at a spa, but I’m pretty glad you took all this time for me.” Rarity nuzzled his cheek and then she entered the shop and saw lots of ponies getting spa treatments. Thomas felt a knot in his stomach when he felt nervous about being at a spa he was too young for. “Hello, and welcome to the Ponyville Day Spa, where we make your welcome as relaxing and comfortable for you. Oh, good afternoon, Miss Rarity,” a voice said, until Rarity turned her head and saw the source of the voice. It was an earth pony mare with cyan fur, a bright pink mane and tail, deep royal blue eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a lotus flower. She had a Eastern European accent. Next to her was another earth pony mare with light pink fur, a sky blue mane and tail, deep royal blue eyes, and her flank had a cutie mark of a aloe plant. “Miss Rarity, it’s so good to see you, too,” Aloe said. “Hello there, Lotus Blossom. It’s good to see you too, Aloe darling. I know it’s early for the usual spa days, but I managed to get an early start. I would like to have my usual, but before we start off, there’s a certain little nephew of mine I’d like you both to meet,” Rarity said, then she turned to look at Thomas, and spoke softly. “Don’t be afraid, darling. Just come out and meet some good spa ponies who work here.” Thomas took a quick peek at then saw Aloe and Lotus Blossom standing there, then he swallowed deeply and gently climbed off her back and walked towards the spa ponies. “Aloe, Lotus, I’d like you to meet my darling little nephew and the son of my dear friend, Fluttershy, Thomas.” Thomas waved at them both. “Thomas darling, this is Aloe and Lotus Blossom, the two wonderful beauticians who work very hard to get ponies relaxed and refreshed with comfort.” Aloe and Lotus both smiled down at the small child and knelt down on all four legs. “Well, hello there, little cutie,” Aloe said, softly stroking his arm. “My, you are such an adorable little one,” Lotus said, placing a hoof on his cheek. Thomas suddenly blushed and smiled softly, “Thank you, Miss Aloe. It’s nice to meet you and Miss Lotus, too.” Lotus and Aloe smiled warmly at his politeness. “Well, aren’t you just a very sweet and polite little gentlecolt,” Lotus said, softly ruffling his hair. “And you’re welcome to call us Miss if you want,” Aloe said. Thomas nodded and then they both stood back up and looked at Rarity. “So, you said the regular treatment for you, Miss Rarity?” Lotus asked. “Yes, darling. And perhaps one for my nephew as well,” Rarity said. “All right,” Lotus said. “Now, right this way please.” Aloe and Lotus led both Rarity and Thomas into the main spa room, Thomas saw that it was a huge room with many ways to enjoy some relaxing spa time. He saw two sets of bath, one being a huge bath tub and two that appeared to be mud baths. On his left were three lounge chairs where ponies would lay on to get massages and hooficures. He also saw hair steaming chairs for their manes to be steamed and into a new style. Mirrors lined the walls on the left of the spa and on the center was a big round jacuzzi. “Umm... Auntie Rarity?” Thomas motioned her to lean closer, and then he whispered softly into her ear for a request, then she spoke up to Aloe, “Aloe, could you be a dear and take my nephew somewhere for him to change into these?” She showed them Thomas’s swim trunks. “Of course, Miss Rarity. Thomas, would you follow me please?” Aloe asked, then he took his swim trunks and followed Aloe to the changing room. After he was changed, Thomas came out with a small rosy blush on his cheeks. “Don’t you look smashing?” Rarity asked. “Miss Rarity, the jacuzzi is already nice and warm for you and the little one,” Lotus said, as other spa ponies gently spread a couple of lavender and aloe beads into the tub, and then when Rarity got into the tub, the water already felt relaxing after she let out a heavy sigh. “Thank you and Aloe so much, Lotus Blossom darling,” Rarity said, then the two spa ponies nodded back and let her and her nephew have some time together. She suddenly heard some hoofsteps appear and then gently come into the tub, she looked and saw Twilight and Fluttershy sitting in the tub. “Twilight? Fluttershy? What are you two doing here?” Rarity asked. “We wanted to join you and my precious little one for your special spa treatment,” Fluttershy said. “Momma! Auntie Twilight!” Thomas said. “Hey, sweetie. Do you need help getting in?” Twilight asked, until she received a nod from Thomas. Fluttershy turned and reached up with her wet forelegs, then gently grabbed Thomas from underneath his armpits and very slowly lowered him into the tub and on her lap. Thomas suddenly felt like he was floating and then leaned back towards Fluttershy’s chest and relaxed with the nice soothing water as she held him with her forelegs gently wrapped around him, but made sure he had enough water around him. “This feels kinda nice, huh, Momma?” Thomas asked. “Indeed it is,” Fluttershy said, then gave him a kiss on the forehead. “So, how was you gem hunting trip?” Twilight asked. “Oh, it was marvelous, darling,” Rarity said. “He and Spike were so generous with helping me dig up some gems because I was running low today, so I thought it’d be a nice day to take the little darling along with. I also managed to make him some swim trunks for the hot tub.” “I never want to leave this place again,” Thomas said. “I knew you would like it, precious. You see, Lotus Blossom and Aloe always are sure their customers have a perfect relaxing time here at the spa,” Rarity said. “Alright, let’s just relax and enjoy the moment,” Twilight said, with a soft sigh, “Oh, yeah...” The four sighed softly as they sat there in the jacuzzi relaxing and enjoying the warmth of the bubbling water for a while. After a several minutes of relaxing in the scented hot tub, the three mares carefully climbed out dripping wet, then Fluttershy carefully lifted Thomas out, and then helped him wrap a towel around his small form, then brought him closer towards her chest and hugged him. The mares also got themselves dried off, and then wrapped some towels around their manes, and robes around themselves, and then they got a robe for Thomas, until Rarity placed him on her back so that he wouldn’t slip and fall. When they were ready, Rarity led them from down the stairs of the deck to the lounge chairs. “If it’s alright, we set up an extra seat for the little sweetie,” Aloe said. “Thank you, Aloe,” Rarity said, then looked at the little colt after she let him lay back on his lounge chair. “Now Thomas. While we are going to get some hooficures and massages, Aloe and Lotus Blossom are just going to tend some gentle like treatment for your hands and feet, but if you want extra, just let them know. But don’t worry, precious. These ponies are very gentle when they do things like this.” Thomas nodded and then watched the three mares get their spa treatments by other spa ponies. Thomas then laid back on his lounge chair, and then saw Aloe and Lotus Blossom come over to help him with his spa treatment. “Don’t worry, dearie. We will be as gentle as a cloud,” Aloe said. Thomas nodded and then she and Lotus looked at his cute little hands and feet. “Aww... now don’t you have the cutest little hooves I’ve ever seen,” Lotus said. “Those are called feet and those on my feet are called toes. These are hands and fingers right here,” Thomas said. Aloe and Lotus made understandable nods, then after Lotus grabbed some green mud mask fluid and two cucumber slices, Thomas looked confused. “Oh, it’s okay, darling. She’s just going to put a mud mask on your face and then put some cucumber slices on your eyes, so your face can look nice and fresh,” Rarity explained. “Okay,” Thomas said, then Lotus gently squirted the green mud all over his face and gently rubbed it all over, then Rarity helped them put the cucumber slices on top of his eyelids. Aloe suddenly got her hoof filer, then looked at him peeking, “Don’t worry, cutie pie. I’m just going to make your hooves look nice and smooth, okay?” Thomas nodded, and then Aloe very gently held the filer between her teeth and then carefully started to file Thomas’s toenails, and then he found out she was trying to be very gentle with him, so he went with the flow. After the first foot, she moved onto the next one. “There, cutie. I’m all done,” Aloe said very sweetly. “Thanks, Miss Aloe. Umm... can you do these next please?” Thomas asked showing her his fingernails. “Of course, dear. Just hold them out and I’ll come over,” Aloe said, as she walked over to him and then held his right hand on her hoof and gently filed his fingernails from thumb to pinky, and then she moved onto the left hand. “There, now all your hooves are done, little cutie,” Aloe said. “Thank you,” Thomas said, then he saw Lotus come over with some lotion. “Would you like me and Aloe to rub some lotion on your forehooves and hind hooves, sweetie?” Lotus asked. “Umm, ye-yes, please,” Thomas said, then Lotus gave Aloe another bottle of lotion and then they started to gently rub it on his feet and hands. While Rarity was having a hooficure, she took a look at her nephew having a good time, then a warm smile appeared on her face, “Oh, Fluttershy. Our precious little nephew is having such a good time.” “Aww... looks like they like him already,” Fluttershy said, with a warm smile. “I’m glad you chose to give him a chance to relax and enjoy some comfort, Rarity. No other aunt is better than you or either of us,” Twilight said, while a spa pony was painting her hooves. “I know. I just wanted this one as a special reward from us giving him a good home and a loving family,” Rarity said. “If you haven’t found him, Fluttershy darling, I don’t know what would happen to the poor little darling. He deserves so much more, and that’s why we all love him so much, and he’s very sweet and gentle.” She then got back to relaxing and enjoying her treatment. After the lotion was dry, Lotus thought of an idea, “Thomas, could you lay on your tummy? I just want to give you a nice massage.” Thomas nodded, and then unwrapped his robe as a mattress, and then turned himself around and laid on his belly, then he suddenly felt Lotus stroke her hooves on his back and gently massage the deep tissues of his back and his spine. He suddenly sighed heavily and smiled warmly at the nice tender feeling of his back, then he felt relaxed as Lotus continued to massage him. After spending a relaxing day at the spa, Thomas laid on Fluttershy’s back feeling totally relaxed and refreshed from his deep tissue massage with a deep warm smile, and then the three mares said goodbye to Aloe and Lotus Blossom and left the spa. After Twilight left for her castle, Rarity looked down at Thomas and then gave him a warm hug, and nuzzled the top of his head. “I’ve had a wonderful day with you, darling. I’m glad we’ve got to go gem hunting and I hope you enjoyed your special time at the spa.” He looked up at her and nuzzled with her fur, “I did, Auntie Rarity. Miss Aloe and Miss Lotus Blossom were so kind to me, and very gentle to me when tending to my hands and feet and massaging my back. I feel like I was sleeping on a cloud in heaven. Thank you for bringing me.” Rarity smiled warmly, “You are most certainly welcome, precious. But anytime you want to spend some time with your Auntie Rarity, or do another spa day, just remind me, okay?” He nodded, and then hugged her chest again, then she gave him a kiss on the forehead. Fluttershy leaned down and then Thomas climbed up on her back, “I’m really glad you enjoyed me and Twilight coming over. I know we usually do our spa treatments like we usually do, but I was thinking about getting one for myself as well. Twilight told me she needed one as some time off from reading. And it was indeed a good day to spend some time at the spa with my precious son.” “Oh, Momma,” Thomas said, hugging her neck, until she nuzzled him back. “I’m glad you all enjoyed. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to work on my new designs, feed my precious Opal, and tuck Sweetie Belle into bed. So, ta-ta for now!” Rarity said, carrying the wagon full of gems with her magic. Fluttershy and Thomas then went home for the night.