//------------------------------// // Extra Life: The Royal Spa Treatment // Story: Ponyville DxD // by Naughty_Ranko //------------------------------// Extra Life: The Royal Spa Treatment “Ahhhn! That's the spot right there.” I moan heavily as the skilled hooves run up and down my spine. “Ohhh, don't stop. This is heavenly.” “Wow, Princess. I've never seen you so expressive before,” Twilight says with astonishment. I turn my head towards the pony laying on the massage table next to me. “Twilight, I have asked you before to call me Luna. We are practically family now.” “Right,” she replies sheepishly as Aloe and Lotus spread some more oil on our backs. “Old habits.” “Mmph. Careful, the base of my wings is very sensitive.” I sigh. “I must admit, your idea to come to this spa was a good one. Though I'm not entirely convinced I deserve it. It feels like I've done the least to prepare for the Rating Game out of all of us.” “Come on,” Twilight disagrees. “You've got ten times the experience we have and your real job will start with the Game itself. You formed the Equestrian Militia during Discord's reign, giving yourself and your sister enough time to find the Elements of Harmony. You commanded the Royal Guard during the Crystal Wars, forcing King Sombra to go on the defensive and not a year ago you rallied all of Ponyville to fend off the Nightmare forces. We know you're an excellent strategist.” Sometimes I forget how much of a history buff our newest princess is. “Well, Tia has always been the heavy hitter between the two of us. She tends to lead from the front, taking on danger herself rather than putting her subordinates in danger. But sometimes she loses the big picture. You also need tactics and strategy to prevent needless loss of life. That has always been my job. But I'm only as good as my team and you've all worked very hard this past week.” “Yeah,” Twilight agrees. “Especially Rarity. I thought she might not be able to concentrate on her training. She's been so worried about Spike. But instead of moping around she's thrown herself even more into magic practice. Plus she's been working day and night on that special project. I never knew she was so good at illusions.” “It's the residual effect of being taken over by the Nightmare,” I explain moodily. “That's the worst thing about it. You're fully aware of all the horrible things it makes you do. It's very good at illusions, the Nightmare. Spike's about the only one I know off who ever managed to resist it while he was on the moon. But the knowledge of the magic stays with you just as the knowledge of your sins remains.” She's silent for a moment. “I think you're both incredible. You've managed to overcome that awful experience and turn it into a strength.” “Thank you, Twilight. It is kind of you to say.” After our massage is done, we make our way to the steam room. Twilight sighs heavily. “I am worried about Spike, though.” I nod in understanding. “Understandable. You have been like a sister to him since he hatched. But while I may not agree with Discord's methods, I do believe there is some truth in his assessment that he needs to do this by himself.” “I know. It's just hard to let go for me. At least we know that he's alive and well. Did you visit his dreams last night?” I start to blush. “Yes, but like always I did not give myself away and left after only a short glimpse. Spike's dreams … they tend to feature your friend Rarity in rather … compromising positions. I should not think that comes as a shock to you.” Twilight chuckles a little and then sighs again. “I still miss him, though.” Strangely enough the words that seem to pick right up from our conversation aren't spoken by Twilight, but one of the two occupants already in the steam room. “I know Ise will be fine, it just feels like everyone's spirit isn't as bright without him around.” “I know what you mean, Rias. But look. It appears we're not the only ones who were in need of some pampering the night before the Rating Game.” Himejima Akeno, who said those words, looks at us. “Good evening, Luna-sama, Twilight-san.” I nod my head towards them. They may be our opponents, but they're also our guests. “Rias, Akeno. It's a pleasure to see you again.” “Likewise,” Twilight mumbles as we take a seat next to them. But she keeps her head down. “Have you recovered from our sparring match?” Akeno asks lightly. “Yeah, I'm fine,” Twilight answers just a little defensively. Then she gives her a confident smile. “And I won't lose to you again.” “Ara ara, I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your training.” There's a bit of an awkward silence as the four of us sweat together in the steam. For some reason my eyes are drawn to their chests as the sweat runs down the ample curves of the two devils, uninhibited by fur of any kind. Curiosity overcomes me, since I've only seen them clothed so far. “It's almost like Ise never left,” Rias comments jokingly. “Ufufu, true. Though I'm a little jealous that you seem to be the center of attention like always.” Realizing what the two of them are getting at, I quickly look up. “I … I apologize. I did not wish to be rude. I've just never seen a human body up close. Your culture seems to be more partial to clothing than ours.” “Don't worry about it,” Rias says. It seems like she's used to being in the spotlight. I can relate. Half of my evening routine at court consists of turning down marriage proposals. “Twilight-san, is it true you visited the human world before?” Twilight nods. “Yeah, I even gained a human body myself for a while. Though it wasn't as … developed,” she replies delicately, making a cupping motion with her hoof in front of her chest. “Which was just as well. It was hard enough to walk on two legs. I would have probably fallen over with such extra weight.” With a mischievous smile on her face, Akeno hugs Rias from behind and takes her breasts in her hands. “A-Akeno!” Rias protests. “Next time you visit the human world, look me up. There's techniques that can help make them grow.” Wanting to elicit a moan from her friend, she pinches her nipples lightly and nibbles on her ear. “Ahhnn!” “Actually I met someone who had about that size,” Twilight mentions, obviously a little uncomfortable at the display in front of her and wanting to change the subject. Casting a sidelong glance at me, she admits: “In fact it was your sister's counterpart.” Figures. “I suppose Tia is a celestial beauty in any reality.” “Well, she did have a 'great rack', as one of the students called it, but her face was so weird.” “Mmmhh, Akeno,” Rias says with a red face. “Do you mind? We're not alone.” “Ah.” It looks like Akeno was so busy listening to our exchange that she actually forgot that she was massaging Rias' chest. “Sorry. My hands started moving on their own. It's just that they're so soft.” Twilight squints at them. I know that expression. She's up to something. “Would you say humans prefer them like that? The bigger, the better?” “Well, size is not everything,” Rias says a little defensively, looking over at her friend, who is the larger of the two, though not by much. Akeno begins to chuckle at that. “Ara ara, it is true for Ise-kun, though. Wouldn't you agree, Buchou?” Rias doesn't respond. Obviously she can't really deny it. Human culture and rules of attraction are strange indeed. The two devils stand up and get ready to leave. “It was nice seeing you again. Enjoy the rest of your spa session and good luck for the Rating Game tomorrow,” the crimson-haired Ruin Princess says with a bow. “Likewise,” I reply, inclining my head politely. “Please enjoy the rest of your stay in Ponyville. I'm looking forward to a good match.” Twilight keeps looking at the door after they've left. I've gotta admit, the way bi-pedal creatures can sway their hips is a sight to behold. But I feel like this isn't just Twilight's natural curiosity at work as she thoughtfully rubs her chin with one hoof. “What's on your mind?” I ask. The Princess of Friendship gives me wicked grin. “I think I just figured out a way to take down their most dangerous player.”