Jet Fly had been living in Ponyville for a little over a week now, and he was really coming to like this town. It was very homey, in its own weird way. What Jet liked about it specifically was how kind and generous everypony was compared to what Jet had seen in Canterlot and Manehattan. He also liked how roomy the town was. Unlike the huge skyscrapers of Canterlot and Manehattan, Ponyville's houses and shops were small and cozy, leaving plenty of open sky. Taking in a huge breath of fresh air, Jet finally made his way outside.
For the past week Jet had been living with Shade in his parents old house, and so far the arrangement was working nicely. Shade showed him around town and introduced him to his old friends, who were now the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. And to Jet's surprise, he found out that the Apple family was located here.
*Huh, I never did think to go to the nearby town while I stayed with them for two months...*
Jet had thought to himself when he first found out.
To his joy, the whole family was still together and it was a warm reunion of friends, even though so much had changed. Apple Bloom was no longer a baby, and Apple Jack was now the physical embodiment of Honesty.
Jet was liking this town more and more every day. It had this positive aura to it, and it made almost everypony happy.
*It's ponies like this that we'll be fighting for.*
Jet thought as he took to the air outside his shared home. Yesterday Jet found out about a recently opened lab that *totally* had nothing to do with the Princess, and after he applied he was almost immediately accepted. That's where Jet was headed now.
Today was going to different than all the rest of the days he had spent here in Ponyville. Today, Shade and himself vowed to return to the real problem at hoof: finding new members for TEK.
_______________
“So, none of the Elements can be on our team?"
“No, that would put too much strain on them, they already have enough to worry about."
Shade responded as he and Jet made their way into town, discussing what they were looking for in a TEK member.
“A TEK member should succeed in areas that we both fail at."
“Hmm, how about physical strength?"
Shade gave Jet a raised eyebrow in response.
“Look, even though we're both strong, we're still no match for dragons or any other beasts. Trust me, if we want any hope to survive, we need raw muscle power."
Jet explanation seemed to have an effect on Shade, and he nodded in response.
“Well, we'll meet back home in an hour. I have some... business to attend to.",
Shade seemed a bit suspicious. Jet noticed that he wasn't looking him in the eyes, suggesting that Shade was hiding something.
“Business? Care to explain?"
Now Shade was visibly nervous. Whatever he was hiding was obviously embarrassing for him.
“I-its nothing, really..."
“Shade, what's wrong?"
Shade finally conceded, having lost his solid composure due to Jet's intensive stare.
“Fine... I'll tell you. But if you laugh so help me I'll teleport you to the Everfree Forest."
“Sure sure, I won't laugh. Now what's so weird that you can't tell your best friend?"
Shade looked around first to see if the coast was clear. Seeing there was no-pony closer enough to hear, he began to whisper.
“I'm...I'm going to the spa with Fluttershy..."
At first Jet was surprised at this sudden revelation. Then it all became clear to him. On the other hoof, it became clear to Shade that Jet was using all his will power not to burst out laughing.
“I SWEAR IF YOU LAUGH..."
Shade seethed with rage.
“Pfft, No no, I'm *snort* fine. I won't laugh. It's just..."
But it was too late, Jet's body couldn't handle the sheer hilarity of his friends predicament. He was laughing so hard that tears began to form. But before he could even hit the ground from falling over, Shade's horn already started glowing. A bright flash later, Shade was all alone except for a small scorch mark on the ground. A little over half a minute later, Jet flew back to his original position. His giggles left behind in the Everfree Forest.
“Dang, I didn't think you'd actually do it."
“Hmph."
Shade said with a turn of his head.
Jet began to feel guilty about betraying his friends trust and embarrassing him even more than he already was.
“Sorry man, it was just... unexpected. Why are you going to spa?"
Jet asked while rubbing the back of his neck.
“Fluttershy asked me to go. Apparently she wants me to meet Rarity there. I introduced you to her a few days ago. She's one of her friends and she really wants us to hit it off. They have weekly spa meets, and the next one is today. I wanted to say no... but she looked at me with such big, beautiful, caring, loving..."
“Uh... dude?"
“-Sorry. But yeah, I couldn't say no to that face. So here I am, putting my dignity on the line for the mare I love."
Jet was impressed at his friends feelings towards Fluttershy. If it had been any other pony he would have definitely said no.
“Huh, I guess you have your reasons. Alright Shade, I'll let you have your fun. Guess I'll meet you back at the house after your pool party. In the meantime I'll search around looking for somepony."
Jet took to the air, waving goodbye to his friend he took off.
“IT'S NOT A POOL PARTY!"
Shade yelled after his friend. Looking at the clock tower to check what time it was, he was surprised to see that it was almost time to go.
“Well, here goes nothing. You better appreciate this, Fluttershy..."
Shade grumbled to himself as he made his way in the spa's direction.
_____________
Overall, Shade was having a nice time at this spa. He had met the mares at the entrance, having just made it in time. Rarity was kind enough to pay for his pass, saying that any friend of Fluttershy is a friend of hers.
Once they went inside, Shade was introduced to the two masseuses: Aloe and Lotus. They seemed like nice earth ponies. After introductions were made, it was time for the spa to actually begin. Fluttershy seemed to sense Shade's resistance, but she only wrapped a warm wing around him to calm him down. Knowing that there was no turning back, Shade bravely ventured into the unknown.
All of that was about 10 minutes ago, and here he was now, encompassed by searing steam coming from a small stand in the middle of the room filled with burning coals and water. The extreme heat was oddly relaxing. Shade hadn't felt this good in years. And to make it better, the love of his life was sitting right next to him.
*Ahhh... Can't get much better than this...*
But of course, all good things must come to an end, and at that moment Aloe opened the door to the sauna and announced that their massages were now ready for them.
Making their way out, Rarity decided to take up the back of the group. In reality, she needed time to think about this strange stallion walking beside Fluttershy. She had yet to come up with an opinion of him.
*Hmm, he seems nice enough. Not bad looking either. He's rather trim and fit. I wonder if he has any friends like him...*
Rarity thought as they continued to walk down the hall. Biting her lip to get back to concentrating, Rarity continued her silent judging.
*There is definitely something off about him though. But I suppose that doesn't matter. Fluttershy likes him, so I suppose all is well... Wait a second...*
Rarity paid closer attention to the now laughing pair. The way Fluttershy acted around him. The way Shade looked at her. It all became clear to Rarity.
*Oh my...*
_______________
Once in the massage room, Shade took everything in. It was a pretty normal room, consisting of a few massage tables and a huge tub filled to the brim with hot water. While Fluttershy was escorted to her table, Rarity walked up to Shade.
“So, have you told her yet?"
Shade froze at the words.
*She can't be asking what I think she's asking... can she?*
Shade decided to play it cool and remain calm in his response.
“What do you mean?"
Rarity only smiled at noticing his visual effort to keep a straight face.
“Oh please, don't play innocent with me, now. You have a crush on Fluttershy, don't you?"
She said slyly, a small grin creeping on her face. His secret out, Shade's facade broke down and he submitted to this mare's ultimate observation skills.
“What gave it away? I thought I was hiding my feelings pretty well..."
“Oh darling, don't feel bad about your emotions. That's just the way you feel. You can't help that. And for what it's worth, I believe that she may feel the same way."
Rarity spoke with a warm smile. Shade remained somewhat skeptical.
“...Really?"
“Really. I've seen the way you two act around one another. And I tell you, I've never seen Fluttershy so calm before. Your very presence makes her happy."
Shade smiled at this, and stood up straighter, now having new-found pride and joy.
“Now come on Mr. Charming, our masseuses are waiting."
Rarity said while she began to make her way to her table. Shade nodded in agreement, and he too made his way to his table. Once there he noticed that his table was empty of a masseuse. He expressed his confusion to the nearest one.
“Hey, uh... Miss Lotus? Um, don't I get a massage too?"
She nodded and smiled
“Oh but of course, sir. But our employee is a tad late. Please, just wait just a little while longer, he'll be here soon."
At that, she returned her attention to the white unicorn in front of her.
Shade waited about 20 seconds before he heard a light trembling. He looked at the tub of hot water next to him, and noticed that with every tremor it rippled. Slowly but surely, the trembling grew louder and louder, and stronger and stronger. It got to the point where the table was visibly shaking. Shade began to panic.
*This has to be some monster. Nothing normal can be making this trembling. This creature must have incredible power...*
Although the shaking and pounding was clearly present, no-pony else seemed to notice it.
*I can't be the only one feeling this, can I?*
Shade then decided that it was up to him to stop whatever monster was going to bust through those doors. He gathered up as much magic as he could in his horn, and mentally prepared for battle, even though everypony else around him looked at him like he was crazy. Then suddenly, the pounding stopped. But Shade didn't let down his guard, he knew that the fight was just beginning.
Then suddenly, the double doors shot open at the speed of light, revealing the source of the trembling. But Shade couldn't believe his eyes. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen before. Before him was the largest stallion he'd ever seen. He was pure white, and had a short, dark gold mane and tail. He was enormous, towering a full head over Shade. His forelegs were composed of massive biceps. Every inch of his masculine body was covered in muscle, and he stood with great pride.
Aloe seemed to notice Shade's shock and decided to ease his fears by introducing the two stallions.
“Mr. Vortex, this is Bulk Biceps. He's a masseur here. Bulk, this is Shade Vortex. He's visiting here with Rarity and Fluttershy."
Bulk stepped forward to acknowledge Shade. Shade only came up to his upper chest when standing in front of him.
“So... your my masseur?"
“YEAH!!!"
Shade had to take a step back after nearly becoming deaf by the intensity of the otherwise simple word. It was comparable to being slapped by a typhoon.
*Geez, even his voice is powerful...*
Shade thought to himself as he was escorted by Bulk to the awaiting table. After noticing Bulk's motions for him to get on the table, Shade began to grow nervous.
*NO WAY THAT GIANT IS TOUCHING ME! HE'LL BREAK EVERY BONE IN MY BODY!*
Again, Aloe noticed Shade's hesitance and once again decided to calm his nerves.
“Don't worry Mr. Vortex, although Bulk looks tough, he's very gentle. He'll make an extra effort to be careful. Isn't that right, Bulk?"
Bulk nodded.
Shade was still skeptical, and was just about to leave until he heard a small voice call out to him.
“...Shade? Is, um... everything okay?"
Shade looked to see Fluttershy, staring at him with concerned eyes. Those beautiful, teal eyes. He couldn't help but smile, and finally decided that if letting this steroid induced stallion massage him would make Fluttershy happy, it would be worth it.
“No problem at all."
Shade finally got up and lied down on the table. Then Bulk walked over to the smaller stallion and began to work.
Shade was awe struck. For such an enormous pony, this Bulk Biceps was surprisingly gentle and light on his hooves. The massage was actually very relaxing, and Shade admitted to enjoying it at least a little bit... just a little.
But it wasn't long before it was over, and afterwards Shade thanked his masseur, Bulk nodding before leaving the group. Aloe then directed the group to the large tub that was against the wall, and then she too left the room, leaving the group of ponies alone.
“I wanna thank you guys for inviting me to come to this spa with you. I'm not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first, but I've been having a great time."
Shade said as he began to sink into the warm, soothing water.
“No problem at all darling, it was our pleasure."
Rarity said as she began to do the same. Fluttershy merely nodded in agreement.
_____________
“I want to thank you both again for this wonderful afternoon. I really had a nice time."
Shade thanked Fluttershy and Rarity as he walked outside, flanked by the two mares in question.
"It was no trouble at all. It was a pleasure to have such a gentlecolt accompany us."
“Oh yes, it was nice of you to join us. I, um... didn't think you'd come to be honest... But I'm glad you did."
Fluttershy happily stated as she moved a hair closer to Shade.
“Well, I have to get going. I'll see you two later."
Rarity said as she began to walk back to her boutique. But just before she left, she gave Shade a quick wink while Fluttershy was preoccupied with a small butterfly. There weren't many cases where Shade blushed, it just wasn't in his nature. But just this once, his face turned a slight shade of red.
“Well, looks like it's just us now."
Fluttershy spoke with her trademark smile.
“Yeah, I guess it is..."
Shade responded with a small smile of his own. The atmosphere was growing awkward fast the longer they just stood there, and Shade knew that he had to go meet Jet back at the house.
“Hey, Fluttershy... I gotta go. I got some business to attend to."
“Oh... okay..."
Fluttershy spoke just barely above a whisper, reverting back to her shy self and hiding behind her massive pink mane. Shade's heart tore apart at the thought of leaving her. But he knew he had to go. He had a job, and he had to finish it. But that didn't mean he couldn't cheer up the shy pegasus.
Shade almost never gave hugs anymore, unless entirely necessary. This situation 100% qualified. He reached out with his forelegs and drew her in. Fluttershy had no time to react except for a small gasp. She immediately froze and remained immovable.
“Thank you, Fluttershy. I had a great time with you today."
Shade said into her mane that was currently engulfing his entire face. He couldn't tell, but he could almost feel her face warming up at his touch.
“...N-no p-problem. I...I'm glad you came..."
She stuttered a bit as she finally began to relax her body and fully accept the hug.
Shade's job here was done, and he finally let go. He liked to think that Fluttershy was sad that he pulled away, but he couldn't know anything for sure.
“Goodbye Fluttershy, until next time..."
Shade said as he began to walk back home.
“Goodbye Shade! I hope I see you soon!"
She yelled to him in a weird whisper/ shout that just barely made it to Shade's ears.
*So do I...*
____________
Jet was extremely upset and disappointed. He searched all day for somepony who could be the muscle in TEK, but all he found were average ponies. He had wore himself out from flying all day like that, and now he was lying on the couch wiped out. He had no hopes that Shade had found anything because he'd been at the spa the whole time with mares, while his friend worked his wings off.
Then Shade burst through the door.
“Dude, you could have just opened the doo-"
“NO TIME FOR WHINING I FOUND THE PERFECT PONY FOR OUR GROUP!"
Shade yelled while reaching out with his magic and grabbing Jet, lighting him to the front door that was now broken off its hinges.
“How could you have possibly found somepony? You were at the spa the whole time."
Jet said as he gave no resistance to the magic carrying him, far too tired.
“But that's just it, I found somepony at the spa that could very well be the perfect fit for the muscle. Trust me, you've never seen anything like this before."
Shade mused as he and his levitating friend started down the street.
“Speaking of, how was the spa?"
Jet yawned.
“It was... an interesting experience."
Jet turned his head in a quizzical look. He was a bit curious. But he knew better than to ask further, because he knew he wouldn't get an answer.
But that didn't matter right now, all that counted was that they might have found somepony.
“Whatever bro, as long as you found somepony, that means the spa may not have been a complete waste of time."
____________
“Good work today, Bulk. You earned this paycheck."
Aloe smiled as she reached out to give the huge stallion his paycheck.
“Sweet!"
Bulk exclaimed as he grasped the small envelope. Payday was always a big day for him, especially after he'd gotten his raise.
As he made his way out, he saw somepony familiar waving at him. Yes, this was the same grey unicorn who he served about an hour ago. It would be rude not to acknowledge him, so Bulk decided to wave to him as well. He was surprised to see that the unicorn was waving him over to join him.
“Hello, Bulk Biceps. It's good to see you again. I was just coming by to see if you could help me with something."
Shade said while motioning to a cart full of bags of sand. The cart was audibly struggling to keep itself together with the heavy bags of sand on top of it, and one of the wheels already seemed to have broken under the pressure.
“Do think you can hold up this cart while I replace the broken wheel?"
Bulk eyed the cart for a second, wondering why somepony would need a cart full of sand, but he just shrugged and did as he was asked, getting down on his stomach to crawl under the cart. Once that was accomplished he pushed down on his legs and lifted the cart with his back.
_____________
Jet was awe struck. Watching from a nearby alley, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. This stallion was enormous, a giant, white mass of pure muscle. When confronted with the task of carrying the weight of the 300 pound cart, he didn't even flinch. He just picked it up like it was nothing.
“Incredible... This guy is the strongest stallion I've ever seen. Shade wasn't kidding when he said I'd be surprised. And he's STILL holding it without even breaking a sweat. Unreal... Roids... It has to be roids..."
Jet whispered to himself as he observed from a distance.
“This is 100% who we need."
_______________
After Bulk was finished helping the unicorn, he continued back on his way home. Once there, he unlocked his door and was immediately surprised to see that he wasn't alone in his house. He saw that the dark unicorn and some other orange pegasus were present in his living room. Since nothing was missing from his house that he could see, he decided not to beat the color off off the two smaller stallions for breaking into his house, and see what they wanted. They seemed to notice his confusion, and the orange pegasus stepped forward to explain himself.
“Hello, Mr. Biceps. My name is Jet Fly, and you've already met my associate and friend, Shade Vortex. We're here because we'd like to offer you a job opportunity..."
Now Bulk was somewhat interested. He liked his job at the spa, but he was looking for a way to bring a few more bits into the house. Sensing his peaked interest, Jet continued.
“...But it's not like any other job you've ever heard of. So, to explain things better than we could, we've brought a friend."
“Thank you, Jet. Greetings, Bulk Biceps."
Bulk's jaw nearly fell to the floor as Princess Celestia herself stepped out of his kitchen. He immediately bowed low to the ground, or at least as much as his huge chest would allow.
“I assure you, there is no need for that at this time. "
Bulk stood up once more with a raised eyebrow.
“Jet and Shade here are part of a group of anonymous ponies, assigned with the task of protecting Equestria, and gaining reconnaissance information on possible threats to our home. This group is called the Taskforce of Equestrian Knowledge, or TEK for short. But they cannot do this alone. For this, they need your help. They have found that you have qualities that would make you a great team member. If you accept, you will become an elite member of a secret group, and you will be given substantial pay for your services. But be warned, it is not an easy task. You will be asked to put your life on the line, and you may not tell anypony about this, to protect the public from panic. I'll understand if you decline. This is allot to take in and we shall give you time to think about it."
Bulk's expression was unreadable to Jet. He held a perfect poker face, and whatever he was thinking was hid beneath his impermeable facade. Not that he shouldn't be surprised. He was just asked to work for the Princess, join a secret society, and put his life on the line in the span of a few sentences. Celestia sure wasn't trying to beat around the bush.
Jet assumed it would take the shell shocked stallion a few days to make up his mind. Not that it mattered if he said no, because the princess taught Shade a "amnesia" spell that erased short-term memories. But still, it had to be a lot of pressure on the massive stallion.
“YEAH!"
Jet and Shade's eyebrows rose as their heads tilted in confusion. The Princess too seemed confused at the stallion's sudden reply.
“Are you sure? It's not going to be easy."
Bulk aimed one of his huge biceps at a small square picture frame on the wall. It depicted him and another small, light green pegasus on his back, and they both seemed to be having a good time.
“I'm not sure I understand."
“I believe I do, Jet Fly. Is that your sister?"
"Uh-huh."
Celestia nodded in understanding.
“I see. You want to protect those that you love. Especially those like your sister."
Bulk nodded as well. He wasn't backing down.
“Very well. Bulk Biceps, welcome to TEK."
“Welcome to the team, buddy."
“Let's put that strength to good use"
_______________
The next week
_______________
“Dude, where are you going? We're supposed to train Bulk today. We made this schedule exactly last week today so that we could already have it planned out and that there wouldn't be any distractions!"
Jet argued furiously with Shade, who had just informed him he wouldn't be coming with him to Canterlot just yet.
“Look I'm sorry! Something came up at work at the post office. I gotta go take care of it."
"You work at the post office?"
"Yeah, I help with transporting packages aside from standard mail. I'll meet you guys in a few hours, no biggy."
“...Fine. A few hours. Later, bro."
Jet sighed as they both went their separate ways on the street.
A few minutes later, Shade arrived at his destination, and his two companions were already there, waiting on him. Rarity and Fluttershy greeted him as he neared the entrance.
“Good to see you again, Shade."
“Yes. We're, um... glad you made plans to join us today. That was very kind of you."
“No problem. Now let's go. This week at work has been exhausting. I need this."
Shade smiled as they walked inside the spa once again, though deeply he thought to himself.
*...He must never know...*