//------------------------------// // Spa's Warm Welcome // Story: Unforgotten // by Riddle-Me-Think //------------------------------// I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Hoof reaching over and pulling firmly on both scarf and the makeshift hood, Roma tried to ignore the slight chill that permeated the now crisp air, or the orange and yellow leaves flittering by. The cold wasn’t that bad yet, and she knew that it would let up in a while more than likely. But at the moment, the cold front the pegasi were brining in has been her bane ever since Twilight highlighted it during her visit a few days back. She grumbled and groused towards herself, already unable to wait for spring to start making it’s way around and bring about summer. She was sure every other changeling felt the same, really. None of them liked the cold. Made them sleepy. And cold. Or just plain annoyed. “Roma.” Rarity’s voice snapped the aggressive mare out of her thoughts, turning to look at Rarity. The mare had chosen to have a nice baby blue windbreaker jacket, and a bandana over her mane to protect it from the wind. “Are you alright, you seem to be more… aggravated than you normally are.” Concern clearly evident in the unicorn’s voice. Giving a sideways glance, Roma gave a slight grumble and said, “I just hate the cold, Marshmallow.” Leaving it to just end at that. Lifting a brow and looking her friend over a bit, Rarity continued to ask, “Do you need something more to keep you warm darling?” Seeming to think on it a bit and add, “I do have this jacket, and though it might be a bit tight around your torso—” “Rarity, I’m fine.” Roma cut the other mare off, “I just get a little more grouchy with this stupid cold weather coming in. So really, just keep your jacket.” She then turned her gaze forwards again, trudging on as she told, “Now come on. The others are going to be there soon. You know how Sparkles is with keeping time.” Watching the mare starting to take the lead and letting out a slight sigh, Rarity moved on to follow Roma, saying, “That I do, Roma. That I do.” As they walked through Ponyville, Rarity took a moment to look around and just take in the preparations being made. One of them being a few preparations for Nightmare Night, something only a week or so off. Personally, Rarity hopped it wouldn’t be too cold. Some costumes only worked with fairly cool weather— not chilly as it was now. That struck a question in her mind, and with a glance towards Roma, Rarity asked, “If you don’t mind me asking Roma, how often do you participate in Nightmare Night?” The question was enough to make the fake earth mare blink, and turn to Rarity saying, “Wait… you mean the night brats come knocking on my door to annoy me even after I put up a ‘Go away’ sign?” Persnally she always wondered why that never worked. She was sure the butcher’s knife in the wood would just help encourage others to keep out when she was trying to sleep. With a odd look, Rarity asked, “You…. do know what Nightmare Night is, right Darling?” Not having… expected such an answer. “Some holiday where little brats knock on my door calling out ‘Nightmare Night, give me something Sweet Tonight’ before I slam the door in their faces.” Really, what was up with that? Just up and demand something sweet from some random pony. Ponies can sometimes be so weird. There was a slight silence, as Rarity was looking at Roma with the most confused, if not affronted look on her face. Shaking off her current confusion, Rarity asked, “Have you ever tried to be apart of Nightmare Night?” “Nah.” Was the short response from Roma. “Normally the day before I got stuff to do and all I want to do the next day is sleep.” Pausing to think on that before adding, “And maybe drink my pony self until I pass out on the bed or couch.” For some reason… Rarity couldn’t muster any surprise over that. It did, in factuality, sound like something Roma would do. Something that I will be sure to discourage during this Nightmare Night. Rarity thought with a mental nod. There was no way she was going to have a pony drowning herself into a stupor at her own home— even more that Sweetie Belle was going to spend the night during said holiday. With this in mind, Rarity said, “Well Roma, I think it’s time you socialize with the whole of Ponyville during this momentous event that’s held once a year.” And to make sure Roma didn’t try to reject the idea, Rarity told, “And I forbid any intoxicating drinking in my own home during it.” Giving a very stern glare as she told, “I very well can not have Sweetie Belle picking up any possible bad habits or ideas for her later years.” Roma gave the there mare a stink eye, and told, “Alright. Then I’ll just head back to my place and enjoy my hangover there—” “You will do no such thing!” Rarity insisted instead, “You will come with both Sweetie Belle and I in this little festivity.” Then gained a smile as she went on, “I’m sure a pony like you could make quite a few ponies get a scare.” “An’ what’s that supposed to mean?” Roma asked, knowing it was some sort of complement with how Rarity’s amusement and honesty felt— but it also sounded like a jab. Giggling, the white mare told, “Nightmare Night is a day, or rather a night, were ponies dress up and participate in a number of games and entertaining situations. Chief of which, is to scare some of the other participants.” Eyes on Roma’s face, Rarity found herself placing a hoof near her lips to contain her laughter, the false pony just gapping at her. “You… ponies want others to scare you?” For some strange reason… Roma was having another moment of confusion. Why is the name of Anarchy would anypony want to be… willingly scared out of their wits! I wonder what is wrong with these ponies. Having a sudden intuition that this could… go aware, Rarity carefully worded her response. “Well, perhaps not every pony, Roma.” Thinking on it and making an example, “Some of us are just looking for a bit of fun, and even know a good scare can be one— some ponies, like Fluttershy do not take it nearly as well.” She was happy that her friend began to nod in some understanding, thinking it over as she did. Smiling, Rarity went on, “Think of it like this Roma.” Regaining the tan mare’s attention, “Think of it like one of Pinkie Pie’s or Rainbow Dash’s little immature pranks. Nothing too serous to be harmful, but maybe somewhat annoying enough to get a sight rise.” Roma hummed to that, working the thought over and over in her mind, while Rarity had to wonder… how was it Roma never truly became aware of Nightmare Night. While living in the middle of the festival as it were. I suppose it had to do something with that seclusion of hers. Was the first thought to come to mind for the mare. It made sense, and with how Roma didn’t really have that many ponies as friends… well, she must have never gotten that many invites. After a bit more thinking, Roma eventually said, “There’s somthin’ wired with how you ponies think, you know that right?” Letting out a sigh, Rarity responded, “I could say the same for you, Roma.” Sometimes feeling unable to understand the mare beside her. When did it decide to get so cold! was the initial thought that ran through Masquerade’s mind as he trekked on the dirt road, glad that he had his black cloak with him that was now over his body. It was doing well to keep his body warm, but he still shivered now and then when a strong breeze woodshed by. Note to self. Learn heating spell from Twinkles. Personally, he could not wait to reach back to Ponnyville. To get inside the large tree home, find a nice comfy spot, a nice comforter blanket by the fire— and a nice soft mare to cuddle. Yep. Sounds like a perfect plan. In fact it was such a nice idea, it slightly made his pace pick up, all the more egger to have it. It however didn’t last too long, as he slowed down with a shiver and bitterly thought, Maybe I should get a more hardy body. But a quick look around stopped that idea. He preferred to always change shape in cover, and never out in the open. The only reason he didn’t fly all the way back to Ponyville, was mostly to enjoy the weather. Apparently the weather at the Wonderbolts Academy was nicer, and Ponyville’s resident weather management had decided that it needed to be colder. A thunder storm he could handle. Drizzling rain he could handle. Blistering heat was manageable. But a fridge wind that almost felt like the hints of winter? He’d prefer something else. Nothing life-threatening maybe, but something else that could possibly be more pleasant than being cold. Or he could break down and shove that paranoia to the back of his mind and just shape-shift into a body that could handle the cold better. But that would really undo some of his training in being as covert as possible, so at the moment, a slightly irritating chill was something he just had to put up with. So much with leaving the Griffin Kingdom and enjoying the warm weather. Sure, that was weeks back— but the thought still irked the stallion. The cold was no where near as bad, but if the few green-turning-orange/yellow trees were any hint, it was going to get more colder and chilly. The only good sign from this was that he was nearing town, and sure enough he could see the buildings in the distance now. “Home at last.” Masquerade sighed out, trying to keep his pace brisk and quick. The sooner he got back, the warmer he would be. “Fluttershy!” Called out a pink pony hopping in place, “Over here!” Taking a moment to land before jumping up, fore hooves waving, “We’re over here!” Making sure to shout out at the hight of each bounce made, “Oh, I see Rarity!” Landing before coiling up her legs to make a even higher jump in the air, “HI RARITY!” Applejack eyed the pink pony as she bounced up and down like some rubber ball on unlimited energy. She considered a few times to grap her friend’s tail and make her stop… but she figured that all that jumping was helping her to stay warm. Or, that’s what she told herself. Any sense was logical sense when applied to a mare like Pinkie Pie. Zooming to her side and placing both hooves on the pink mare, Rainbow Dash said, “Alright, alright, we get it, they’re here!” Then lifted more into the air and commenting, “But where’s the egghead? Isn’t she the one that likes to be on time?” Hooves coming down to rest on her hips while she cast her head left to right to find the unicorn mare. “She’ll be here, RD.” Applejack said with certainty, “Just gotta be a migh’ bit patient.” Then turned her attention towards her left, giving a warm smile as she spoke, “Well howdy Fluttershy.” Returning the smile with one of her own more meek ones, Fluttershy responded, “Hello Applejack.” Her eyes starting to become filled with a hint of concern when she asked, “How are your chickens holding up since you asked me to come look at them?” “Righ’ as rain, thanks t’ you, ‘Shy.” Nodded the orange mare, “And relived I had ya take a look at the lot o’ them. Be a mighty shame if they didn’t do well this comin’ winter.” Settling down and glancing to the apple farmer, Pinkie Pie asked, “Speaking of winter— what about before it~!” Getting a few looks from the others before rushing up to Applejack and scrunching her face, saying, “Nightmare Night!” Soon letting go of the mare to bounce around them, “And I can’t wait for it! For the apple dunking, the hay-rides, the corn mazes, the candy, the scares, the—” “It sounds like somepony is certainly excited over this coming Nightmare Night.” All eyes turned away from Pinkie Pie, to Rarity and Roma. The Former looked on with a amused smile as the hyperactive mare bounced around the three, while the later was listening to the babbling mare. Having a grin, Rainbow said, “Well, yeah. For her it’s like a town-wide-party with all you can eat candy. How could she not like it?” Then glanced to the side and nodding, “Hey Roma.” Getting rather used to the crass mare that has been, more or less, part of their group each and every outing for a while now. “Ey Dash.” Roma returned with just about the same enthusiasm as the athlete had, watching Pinkie Pie continuing to bounce around them all now, and said, “So… she's excited bout that Nightmare Night thing, right?” “It’s one of those day o’ the year Pink’s enjoys.” Applejack nodded, “Fact, I think she helps with a good chuck o’ the work t’ make the whole thing happen fer Ponyville.” Then gave a smile while placing a hoof to her chest, “Would’n rightly know though. We Apples like t’ fix up the ol’ farm fer some visitors durin’ the whole evenin’.” Before Roma could make a comment to that, Pinkie Pie was up in her face, asking excitedly, “Oh, oh, oh! What do you think of Nightmare Night? I bet you changelings are really good at costumes and scaring— but not the bad kind of scared, but the good kind of scared, you know, the kind where you go ‘BOO’ and at first you’re scared, but then you laugh!” Then went on with a hoof to her chin in thought, “Wait, do changelings celebrate Nightmare Night? Or do they celebrate something else?” Then she gasped real deeply, “I just realized! Changelings don’t need to eat— they don’t get candy on Nightmare Night!” A little tired at how close and loud Pinkie was being, Roma forcefully lifted the mare, getting a surprised yelp before putting her down a slight distance away. “No, we don’t really celebrate it.” Roma began, “Or at least I don’t. Second, I wouldn’t know about the candy, I don’t have it that often.” Then lifted a hoof before Pinkie Pie adding, “Third, we don’t celebrate anythin' on that day. Or at least I didn’t.” There was another long gasp from Pinkie Pie, hoover to her head and eyes wide. Her mind trying to comprehend what hear ears were telling it… but actually taking a few moments to compile the full implications. Thankfully, Rarity chose then to step in with. “Seeing as Roma wasn’t all that invalid in previous Nightmare Nights, I have decidded to try and introduce her to it.” Then gave a glance to the mare adding, “That is assuming, she doesn’t try and make a large fuss over the situation.” “I’m not the one demandin’ the other to do somthin’ Marshmallow.” Deadpanned the tan mare, “If I recalled, you Insisted I’d be part of this whole thing.” “Be part of what now?” All eyes turned to the side where Twilight now stood, scarf fastened around her neck and looking at the six mares with a puzzled look. She glanced between them and asked, “Were you all planning to do something later after the Spa?” Waving a hoof, Applejack told, “Naw, we jus’ found out tha’ Roma here ain’t been part o’ a single Nigh’mare Night.” Then motioned her head twords the tomato vendor in qestion, “Rar figured t’ try an’ get her to be part o’ the whole thing.” Smiling at that, Twilight said more to herself, “Well… now that you mentioned it, I don’t know Masquerade’s been part of Nightmare Night either.” Then glanced to the rest adding, “Maybe that’s a little something we could try out for them all, get in on the whole spirit of things.” While the varying mares sort of agreed to the thought, only one pipped up meekly with, “Couldn’t I stay home for that?” Eye’s being drawn down to Fluttershy, who… more or less, looked less than thrill at helping. Though it didn’t take much figuring as to why. Rolling her eyes, Dash swooped down and stood next to Fluttershy, “Oh come on Fluttershy.” Giving the mare a few shoves of her elbow, “It’ll be fun. Get out and try to get a few scares in too!” “No thank you.” Was the instant response from the shy mare, “I mean, I do appreciate the offer but…” Her light blue eyes looking about as if looking for an escape route. “I..erm…” Then landed on the Spa’s doors as she perked up with, “I-I think we need to head inside the Spa!” Startting to find herself moving. Snortting at her close friend, but letting it slide, Rainbow Dash said, “Alright, fine. I guess we could go in now that we’re all here.” Then glanced to Twilight asking, “Say, what took you Twilight? You’re normally the first one here.” Then added, “Well, beside me.” Looking up to the pegasus that once more took to the air, Twilight told, “I noticed some of the changelings weren’t outside. They’re normally very active compared to ponies and I’ve gotten used to a few greeting me every time I’m outside.” Her horn soon glowed as a pink aura took hold of the Spa doors and opened them for the group to walk right in. A plesent warmth from the heated building made Twilight slightly more relaxed and the soothing scents from within only promised some needed relaxation. “So, I decided to ask Chypher why there wasn’t that many changelings out like normal.” “Were they up to somthing?” Asked Pinkie Pie, “Like another secret party? Or maybe some super-secret undercover—” “They’ar just gettin’ ready fer winter Pinkie.” Applejack stopped the mare before she could go off on some crazy burst of ideas. “Iv’ an’ Eb’ weren’t too happy t’ get outta bed this mornin’.” She shook her head and explained, “The ol’ house don’ stay as warm durin’ he night, an’ Mac had trouble tryin’ to pry the two off him an’ the bed.” As soon as the doors were closed, Roma was rather quick to get off her scarf from her shoulders and head saying, “I don’ blame them.” Shivering and soon basking in the humid warmth of the Spa as she told, “Changelings really don’t like the cold. Even in warmer pony bodies, we’d rather stay somewhere warm.” With a slight bit of interest, Fluttershy asked, “Is that why you never… came out during N-Nightmare Night?” Wanting to avoid the subject if possible of the scariest day of the year, “Becuse it get’s colder?” “Pfft, no.” Snorted out Roma, “I just like drinking and bein’ lazy on that day after doin’ a crap ton of work.” Though did point out, “But as ya could figure it, we hardly can get our butt’s into gear when Winter Wrap-up comes around.” Thinking on it, Rainbow Dash said, “Huh… and I thought that Serenity was just being a big foal when he complained it was just too cold.” Taking a moment to think on it before looking to Roma asking with a hoof pointed to her, “But it was just him being bugged by the cold because he’s, well, a bug-pony.” “Ya get that way when a shell don’ do you any favors in the cold.” Roma said rather blutly, “If we couldn’t change shape, be real bad for us.” Perking to this, Twilight asked, “How bad?” Not recalling Cypher saying it actually gave problems for them. Roma only shrugged though and said, “Just a bit of aches and pain, Sparkles. Sorta happens when your shell get’s a bit tighter from it being cold.” Twilight gave a slight nod to that, and made a mental note to talk about it with the Gem Twins later on, or if she was lucky, with Masquerade. If I remember right, he should be coming home soon. The week is up and he should be home soon. There was a small smile in place as she and the other girls waited to get signed into the spa. The door to the library was nearly tossed opened as Masquerade rushed in and close the door behind himself. He took a deep breath in and let out a content sigh. Finally he was back home, back in a familiar surrounding— and even more importantly, somewhere finally warm! The only thing that could had made the situation better was if his fillyfriend was there to greet him, but from what he could sense, she wasn’t even home at the moment. Trotting through the room though, he could sense bit’s of Spike’s own emotions, meaning the young drake was around someplace in the tree home. He figured to find him later, after he put his things up in his little corner. The mentioned corner was, more or less, left untouched. But with some observation, he could tell Twilight had cleaned up his little work/living space while he was gone. Using his magic to look through his things, he even noticed, oh look, she even alphabetized my notes. That was definitely Twilight’s hoofulwork there. After making sure everything was more or less in order, did Mask begin to place his things up in their prophet places. While he was using his magic to do that, he gave glances around the room to see if anything else had changed. But from the looks of it, things had pretty much stayed the same during his absents. As soon as the last things were placed up, did he make his way to the calendar and look over it. He was mostly doing this to see what his adorkable mare had been up to while he was gone… and see what needed to be possible done. There wasn’t very much, just a few things here or there in her studies. And even then, the next few days held a few things that, in a sense, could be done at any given time. The Spa huh? So that’s where she’s at today. From the looks of it, it was an outing, meaning her and the whole gang of element bares. He partially wondered why Spike hadn’t gone with, but he figured it might have something to do with the sudden drop in tempter. For all he knew, the hatchling was taking a nap in some nice warm blankets. With a smile, he agreed wholly with that line of thought, though if he was right, Twilight would be back in some hours from now. For a moment, he glanced from Calendar to clock. For a moment, he just wanted to be lazy and just take that nap. But on the other hoof, he had possibly three hours before Twilight got back home. After weighing the options in his head, Masquerade nodded to himself and moved to the kitchen, mind already buzzing with thoughts. But before he could do anything, he had to first figure out what Twilight had in the fridge. Magic aglow and opening not just the fridge, but cabinets and the likes open, he scanned over what was in place and what could be used. From the looks of how stocked things were, Twilight had just finished shopping. With that in thought, Mask paused his idea before heading back out the kitchen and rechecking the calendar for anything he needed to watch out for. Mainly future dinner, lunch or breakfast schedules. Didn’t need to go and waste the wrong ingredients and get a harsh little letter from Twilight. Thankfully, there wen’t too many in pace, and left him room to make something nice. Smiling, he turned back to the kitchen and looked around once more and tried to think of something to cook up with what they had. After some tinkering with his thoughts, he decided something simple, but also fancy. Or at least looked fancy, it wasn’t anything big or grand. Though that left him with a small problem. With how simple it was, meant it wouldn’t take him nearly three hours to make, just a few minutes. Meaning, he had three hours to waste doing… something. When in doubt, check the schedule. He nodded and left everything in the kitchen alone for now, knowing he would get to it later. As for wasting up his time doing something… he had a few options. His first one was to look at what Twilight needed to do in the next few days and see if he could do them now for her and make some room for them both. But as he scanned through it he frowned. Some of the things required him to go outside— something he didn’t feel like doing unless he had to. Another was some research that, ideally, wouldn’t help Twilight as she would be the one doing the studying for it. Maybe I should just clean the bathroom? The thought wasn’t very appealing, but it was something to do and he was sure Twilight would love the thought. Even Spike would like it even more, he had to do everything by claw! Poor guy. Best quality of the unicorn body? The power to just use magic to hold things at a distance without ever making contact. Made cleaning all the more easier, or most anything really. But that was besides the point. He could either do nothing, or clean the bathroom up and get a few more cuddle points with Twilight. Stopping to that thought and looking at his little workplace, complete with a nice, comfortable blanket and pillow, Mask really did considered being lazy and taking a nap. But that didn’t earn him anything big with Twilight if he did something for her. Way he saw it, the more stuff he got done for her, the more time they got to spend with the other. Objective found and goal made. And with a grin, Masquerade began his little tedious work of cleaning… well, what he could.