Episode 15: Applejack and Kion's Day Off
Episode 15:
Applejack and Kion’s Day Off
Inside the Ponyville spa and inside the steam room, Rarity was waiting impatiently for somepony to arrive alongside Fuli. The former had already been in the steam room for quite a while, and was getting more and more impatient with each passing second.
As Rarity continued to wait, Aloe poked her head into the steam room as the former sighed. She then moved to ask. "Um... Miss Rarity? Eh, how much longer are you planning to stay in here, darling?"
Rarity lifted her head to face Aloe, she'd already lost of track how long she'd been in the steam room. "Oh, dear. Is somepony else waiting?" She hopefully asked.
“Along with a certain lion?” Fuli also brought up as she asked.
Aloe shook her head to both questions. "Oh, no, no. I just don't want you both to get all... What is word? Pruney. Yes, pruney, that's it." She said to Rarity.
Rarity moved to explain. "Oh. Uh, well, we’re just waiting for Applejack and Kion. It's been so long since we've had a relaxing day at the spa together. But I'm quite certain she'll be along at any moment."
Aloe reluctantly decided that since nopony and nobody else needed the steam room at the moment, she would let them both stay. "Very well, just try not to wait too long."
“Thanks for the tip.” Fuli thanked before moving to leave the steam room alongside. “And I’ll take your advice here since I can’t wait any longer.”
“No worries, darling. No worries.”
And she closed the door, allowing steam to pour in with a hiss.
Sometime later, Applejack along with Kion finally came bursting in.
“Hey, there, Rarity. Sorry we’re late.”
”I really tried to get here earlier," Applejack added. "I just can't believe how much time my chores are takin' up these days. But at least now we'll finally get to spend some quality spa time together. Right?"
“And where’s Fuli?”
But at that moment Aloe called with Fuli appearing beside her. "Okay, fillies, that's it. We are closing up for the day." Before she shut the steam room door again.
“Does this answer your question, Kion?” She asked with a flat and annoyed scowl that conveys much more anger than she is showing.
“Yes.” Was all Kion could say in response knowing full well he really messed up this time if she's giving him that look to which she normally never does.
"Aw, shucks, Rarity. I guess I missed the whole day. I sure am sorry." Applejack apologized, before she noticed her unicorn friend had a towel wrapped around her face.
Rarity removed it to reveal that her coat had gotten "pruney" due to being in the steam room for too long. She also happened to have a pocket watch with her, which did not melt even with the intense heat it was exposed to. "Me, too." Was all she said to her friends in response as Fuli followed after Rarity but not without looking on their friends with disappointment leaving the both of them to see that once again they messed up.
The following day, both Rarity and Fuli were then walking to Sweet Apple Acres and both were still a bit upset over Applejack and Kion blowing off another one of their spa days together. To Rarity, it seemed like the country pony kept coming up with excuses to avoid going to the spa. And as for Fuli, it seemed like he was too busy with his role as leader of the Lion Guard along with wanting to get up to speed with his magic and flight training to want to do anything that is remotely close to relaxing. While she can understand it a bit, it was now getting to a point their patience is now running thin and if they blow it off one more time. There might not be another discussion about should the two of them decide they now have time to do it when the roles reverse.
“I really hope Applejack can actually manage time for us this time, today.” Rarity expressed hope to Fuli who was feeling the same way.
“Me too. And I wish the same can be said for Kion too. It’s like ever since his dad nearly died, every off day is dedicated to keeping watch over his father in case something happens even though that it’s the Royal Guard’s job with Princess Luna leading them.”
“I know. I feel the same way with Applejack myself. It’s like there is always something at the farm to keep her from wanting to make time with us at the spa. Something that we’ve gotten into the habit of doing whenever we need to relax and loosen up every now and then.”
“Yeah. Though I do have to admit it actually does wonders more than I thought it would. And I feel think I’m getting a lot faster because of it.”
“Exactly the reason, why I feel both Applejack and Kion would greatly benefit from if they just manage the time to just come over and spend time with us there. I mean honestly, what are we going to do with those two?”
“I don’t know. But one thing’s for sure, we’re definitely not going to see them blow us off again, because if they do, we’re done.”
“Agreed. Though not exactly breaking off our friendship but more like we’re just not to try to arrange this meet up again.”
“Right.”
By then they made it to Sweet Apple Acres, where they came across Twilight and Spike, who were carrying a bunch of empty pie tins.
"Good morning, Rarity! Fuli!" Twilight greeted. "Lovely day, isn't it?"
"Morning Twilight! Morning Spike!" Rarity greeted, and eyed the pie tins. "Good heavens, what's with all those pie tins?"
"Good question." Spike nervously laughed though it did little it convincing everyone else why they have so many empty pie tins. "We were just on our way to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up some fresh ones. How about you two what are you both here for?"
“We’re here for both Applejack and Kion.” Fuli answered. “That is they are around and can actually make time for us.” She added rather annoyed.
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.
Rarity sighed, as she explained her complaint with them. "We mean it's time for our rescheduled spa appointment, but of course, knowing them they’re going to blow it off until the last minute when the place is about to close. Again." She finished with a frown.
"You both sure about it?" Twilight asked Rarity and Fuli. "Sure you haven’t talked out and set aside time properly?”
“Of course we’re sure.” Fuli asserted sounding a bit agitated when she said it. “We’ve been trying ever since the whole Kumbuka celebration mess where we all nearly got killed that day.”
“And ever since then both Applejack and Kion are so busy these days, it's next to impossible." Rarity added equally agitated.
“From Applejack’s chores to Kion’s increased dedication to being leader of the Lion Guard making extra time to protect his dad, we don’t if it can be managed at all.”
Twilight and Spike both looked on very surprised to hear this, both are now wondering how this is all possible from Applejack taking all day to get her chores done and why Kion feels the need to swear extra personal protection to his father even with Princess Luna taking charge. "Wow. I didn't realize Applejack had so much to do." Twilight commented. "I mean I can understand Kion for a bit but I never imagined he is going that far with his role as leader of the Lion Guard or helping Applejack more so than usual. We should definitely figure out what and why this is happening.”
“Let’s.” Fuli said quick to agree with her there.
Twilight, Spike, and Rarity all approached Sweet Apple Acres, where they all saw a mind blowing sight. Applejack was running around, acting like a complete fool. She was standing on the side of the pig pen, babbling and making ridiculous motions with her hooves, apparently trying to scare the pigs! Then she started trotting around, clucking like a chicken for some reason. And then to top it off, she dashed up to the top of the barn and suspended herself on a rope, knocking over a bucket of slop for the pigs to eat.
“Hey, girls! Hey Spike! What’s all the kerkubble….?” Beshte happily greeted before eyeing what has the group of visiting friends all trying to wonder what their friend is doing. “Applejack?”
“Is this new news to you too, darling?” Rarity asked her equally shocked friend.
“It sure is. Or at least before it became a constant routine.”
“Constant routine?”
“What do you mean by that?” Twilight then asked.
“Maybe it’s best we ask her together.” Beshte suggested before they moved to get her attention. “Hey, Applejack!”
She just turned to Twilight, Spike, Beshte, and Rarity, and greeted like that awkward moment never happened. "Oh, howdy there, y’all. What’s up?"
"Not much other that just so happening to come by you feeding the pigs and doing a lot of… interesting moves in getting their attention.” Fuli replied.
“Very odd moves I should say.” Rarity said while eyeing her friend weirdly. “Any particular reason why do all of this as opposed to you know, simply opening the gate and take the slop directly to them?"
Applejack chuckled in response. "'Because, it's all part of the necessary routine," And she explained. "See, this gate here used to squeak so loud, the pigs would run to the other side of the pen and never come out! So now I open and close it to let them know it's safe."
"But it doesn't even squeak anymore, does it?" Twilight asked.
Applejack laughed as she shook her head. "Of course not! It was fixed ages ago. But then I realized puttin' a little fright into the pigs got 'em all hustlin' out of the pen. That's why I made that there face."
"Well, they don't look scared to me." Spike commented, as he spotted Rarity roll her eyes at Applejack while Fuli looks on like she is seeing the most bizarre thing to date.
"Well, no. They got used to it. Which is why I started doin' the chicken dance!" Applejack explained. "To show 'em that if they didn't get to eatin' their food, the chickens would. 'Course, bein' a chicken, I couldn't very well open the gate. So I had to think of another way to feed 'em."
"And I suppose that’s why you were dangling by the rope?" Fuli asked as she has just put two and two together.
Applejack nodded. "Yep! Although, gettin' the food bucket to spill into the trough was just a happy accident because one time I left it there by mistake. Since then however, it's what I've done to get the pigs fed."
Rarity, nor Fuli, could hardly believe her eyes and ears, as what they saw and heard made no sense.
“Um Applejack?…” Fuli spoke up. “...excuse me for saying this but it seems like everything you’re doing to fix things that aren’t really problems anymore.”
"Well I ain’t complaining!” Applejack asserted. "Sure it may some odd and sight for staring eyes but it’s been working mighty fine for me and I haven’t had any problems since then!"
“Even when said problems may be a waste of time?!”
“Maybe if you don’t wanna watch, but to me it isn’t a waste of time!” Applejack asserted while looking on at Fuli as if she insulted her who likewise refuses to back down on glaring right back at her.
Rarity sighed and snorted to change the subject before her friends to come to blows with each other. "Well, in any case Twilight and Spike came here to pick up some pies from you while Fuli and I were just on our way to the spa for our weekly visit where we were hoping you and Kion would finally be able to join us. But from the way things look that’s not going to happen today, again."
“Speaking of which…where is the leader of the Lion Guard, Kion?” Fuli brought up.
“Oh! He’s resting up in the barn.” Applejack gestured to said building nearby. “He came by to help out at the farm today after crashing here for the night.”
“Any reason why?” Twilight asked trying to understand how that happened as opposed to coming to his other home in the castle.
“He was told to live in Ponyville after he kept constantly getting worried over his dad. Since there wasn’t much fuss here, I let him sleep in there.”
“Huh?” Twilight blinked in surprise as every word about Kion is becoming more and more mind boggling by the second.
“It’s all right. Really.” Applejack assured. “The chickens usually don’t come on in up until right high noon.”
“You mean right about now?” Rarity asked as she looked at her watch which shows it’s exactly that time right now.
“Exactly.” Applejack’s smile faded into sudden shock as he realizes what this means for him. “Uh-oh.”
Right on cue, the chickens were all clucking and screaming as they all flapped their wings right out of the barn like they’ve seen a ghost. And if it wasn’t for the fact that was Kion himself. Wearing hay around his body, covered in mud from head to toe, and looking on with tired eyes, complete with purple dark circles, looking red inside, with agitated angry eyes.
“Seriously?!” Kion exclaimed angrily at Applejack. “You said that barnyard would be the perfect place for me to sleep in and not worry about being disturbed or even disturbing the other animals here at the barn!”
“I did…” Applejack meekly defended. “...expect for the fact that the chickens come in for their chicken feed during lunch time at noon.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that before I went and slept in there?!”
“I...I thought you were going to wake up sooner. Really! How was I supposed to know that you were going to be up late last night?!”
“Ugh.” Kion grumbled as he shook the hay and mud off of his fur before slumping down onto the ground knowing he is not going back to sleep until tonight.
“Kion…” Beshte spoke up looking worried. “...you okay, buddy?”
“Because you don’t look too good.” Fuli added in concern.
“Because I’m not feeling great.” Kion replied as he moved to sit and lay down on a nearby bale of hay. “As if that wasn’t enough along with constantly wondering what Scar might do next. I have to live here for a few days while Princess Luna and her guards watch over Pride Rock in case someone from the Outlands does try to make another move there.”
“And that last part is a bad thing?” Twilight asked not completely getting what her friend is saying.
“Of course it is!” Kion snapped. “I mean what if something really bad does happen and I’m not around to stop it?! I mean I get what my dad is trying to tell me, but at the same time, I can’t help but still feel worried for him.” He then looked down like he is going to cry. “I worry that should the worst of the worst come when I’m not around, that might be the last time I ever see him again. And it’s all because I wasn’t there for him when he needed it.”
Twilight and the others looks on with pity and sympathy seeing that what almost happened to Simba back when the scorpion stung him back then has affected Kion more than they thought. And now he is clearly hitting a breaking point from all of the stress of the ongoing events around him. Applejack herself looked looking especially taken aback by what her friend just cried out as if it she is looking at herself in a mirror right now.
“Kion…” Twilight softly spoke to his friend as walked to be beside him. “...it’ll be okay, really.” She then moved to pull up another hay bale so she can sit beside him and pat him on the back while he is looking down with closed eyes and a pained expression on his face. “All you got to do is just really trust the ponies and Pride Landers around you and let work out on it’s own. Also, since you’ve been really overworking yourself recently like Applejack once did, think of today as a day to recuperate and take your mind off of everything involving our Lion and Pony Guard duties.” She then turned to Applejack with something she has to say too. “That being said Applejack, you could benefit from the same.” She then offered. “Tell you what. Spike and I will manage some of your chores for you, while you, Fuli, Kion and Rarity go to the spa for some much needed rest and relaxation."
“Sounds good to me.” Spike spoke seeing that as a fair deal. “And the good part about it is at least it doesn’t involve a honey badger trying to be a princess for the day.”
“Hey!” Bunga screamed from afar as if he heard that leaving everyone else to wonder how he did that or was just shouting towards someone else who offended him.
Applejack sighed, as she found herself in no position to turn it down, especially upon seeing that Kion himself is also in her hoof steps for once and is having a near breakdown because of it. “Oh, all right! Fine! I’ll go to the spa with you y’all.”
“Splendid! Splendid!” Rarity said with delight. “Hopefully by the time this day is over! You’ll be wanting to arrange for another opportunity to do this again!”
“We’ll see. Before I go. Just have one thing for the two of ya.” Applejack then rushed off and quickly returned with a large scroll. "This here's a list of all my chores and how to get 'em done. Follow them to the letter and if you have any questions feel free to ask Beshte who will be around to assist you when needed."
"We’ll try.” Spike replied. “But no promises if there is something we need to leave out along the way.”
Twilight then said next. "Whatever happens here is something I’m sure we can handle by ourselves, Applejack. If we run into problems along the way, we'll check the list and see what we need to do along with the necessary adjustments to help make it easier for us and yourself later on.”
“And since I’m going to be around, they’ll have someone who knows how to do things around here to help them out when needed.” Beshte then reminded. “So go ahead, Applejack. Take your time off to relax with Kion and the girls. We got this!”
Applejack sighed, but agreed. "Fine, fine. Just don't be surprised if I happen to swing by and check up on y’all. It’s just something I’d to do to assure myself that everythin' is okay.”
“Great! Let’s go!” With that both she and Rarity walked off with a reluctant Applejack and Kion in tow.
Both Fuli and Rarity led Applejack and Kion across the country roads and through the outskirts of Ponyville, deciding it would be best to take the long way over to the spa to give their overworked friends time to adjust being away from the farm and on duty from their Lion and Pony Guard roles.
“I know this might seem like an odd thing to get used to, but it’s definitely something you won’t regret doing.” Rarity once more assured the two. “It worked wonders with my little sister, Fluttershy, and even Fuli has grown accustomed to the benefits of going to the spa every now and then. And I have no doubt it’ll do the same to you both.”
“I sure hope you’re right.” Kion returned as he is now feeling much more awake after having a cup of tea to perk himself up with. “Whoa!” He said after downing the last of his cup. “That sure helps!”
“It sure does, doesn’t it.” Rarity returned with a smile. “Nothing like a fresh cup of tea to help wake you up and relax your nerves after a hard day of work.”
“No question about that.” Fuli said in agreement. “Funny coming from someone who spent some tea time with you and Fluttershy to discover that.” She said with a chuckle before turning to Applejack. “So what do you think, Applejack? Still feel like you’re not missing much outside of farm work?”
Applejack was silent up until now when she spoke up to answer her question. "Ya know what? I'm actually glad we're doin' this. I've been puttin' work before our spa time for too long. I can't wait to have a nice steam today."
"Oh, a steam is just the start," Rarity replied to Applejack. "I know exactly what we'll do where today is a day where you and Kion will both find yourselves coming out as healthier and stronger than before.”
Shortly after their friends left, Twilight and Spike were both quick to get to work with Beshte on the farm. And so far things seemed like they were off to a good start.
"Hmm..." Twilight said as she examined the barn around her along with the long list of written down chores Applejack has written down. "...she really sure has a way of doing things around here nowadays."
Beshte who happened to be nearby along with Spike with the former popping open his mouth to ask. "Everything good, Twilight?"
Twilight turned to face him. "Oh yeah, Beshte. Although for someone who's dealt with lists before, I have to admit I am really baffled with all of these instructions Applejack has left for me and Spike." Upon seeing Spike chuckle she is quick to glare and say to him before continuing. "Don't laugh. How do any of these make sense? Like this..." She then read out. "Step one, open the gate." She proceeds to do so. "Step two, close the gate." She then does exactly that. "Step three, walk away."
"Huh?"
"Odd."
"Exactly. Any reason why Applejack does it exactly like that?"
"Not any out of the ordinary reason..." Beshte answered before recalling. "...expect for that one time a while ago when this gate here used to squeak so loud, the pigs would run to the other side of the pen and never come out! So she opened and close it to let them know it's safe. Even though it was no longer a problem after her brother Big Mac fixed it she still didn't see it that way. Then she realized it ended up frightening the chickens who all went running of the pen like a dog was spooking them. Which now explains why she started doin' the chicken dance along with everything you've seen and witnessed when you got here."
"Right, that dance that her look like she was crazy." Spike also recalled.
"Hmmm..." Twilight then pondered as she skimmed the list along with taking a look at her surroundings. "Maybe it isn't so hard to get stuck doing extra work after all." Then she asked. "That said I wonder if there is something else that Applejack has been doing that around here with anythin' else. Would you happen to know what, Beshte?"
"Come to think of it. Actually yes, quite a lot actually I never bothered to question up to this point." Beshte admitted as he gave it much consideration."
"Like what?" Spike asked.
"Probably best I show you myself as I explain along the way." Beshte suggested before leading the way. "After all my dad always said "There's only one way to find out!""
"That is true." Spike acknowledged before he and Twilight proceeded to walk alongside the hippo as they see for themselves what extra work has been keeping their friend extra busy recently.
As the two ponies, lion, and cheetah all approached the spa Applejack nervously commented. "I just hope Twilight and Spike can handle things until I get back."
Rarity immediately replied quick to get her to stop even thinking that. "Now, Applejack, if we are really to enjoy this time together, you simply must give yourself over to the idea that you are off-duty and try to relax. Everyone needs a little bit of pampering every once in a while, even the most hard working of ponies will agree to that. And that also extents to the most hard working Pride Landers and members of the Lion and Pony Guard."
“And besides, with Beshte around to help them out in case they get confused, it seems to me you have nothing to worry about.” Fuli also assured while turning to Kion to do the same. “And that goes the same for you too Kion in regards to your dad back home with both Princesses Celestia and Luna checking up on them whenever they met up together along with royal guards watching over the castle and Pride Rock 24/7.”
"Of course." Kion replied after some much needed consideration. "It's just so hard for me not to think about it when an unpredictable force of nature is lurking around. But knowing them and remembering what Twilight said at one point, I now have faith that everything will be fine in my absence as much as the farm’s for Applejack."
Rarity nodded. "Exactly. Now kindly step this way. Rest and relaxation awaits."
Rarity, Applejack, Kion, and Fuli all trotted through the spa door, as the jingling of the bell announced their arrival. The two looked around, all sorts of ponies and even several non ponies were either lining up for various treatments, ordering a treatment, or waiting in the lounge for their turn for their designated time. One of those ponies just happened to be Rainbow Dash, who was dressed in a purple robe with green tortoise slippers, something that the four all found odd.
"Rainbow Dash! What are you doing here?!" Rarity gasped, before she, Applejack, Kion, and Fuli all giggled to each other.
Rainbow Dash turned and looked on in horror upon seeing them, as Applejack said to her. "Yeah. I didn't think spa treatments were your thing exactly."
Rainbow quickly kicked off her slippers and tossed aside her robe, as she immediately protested. "Oh, they're totally not. At least, not the froufrou kind."
Applejack and Rarity exchanged glances that made it clear they didn't buy Rainbow's excuse for a second while both Kion and Fuli look with smirks that showcase that they find this quite amusing.
"Yeah, it's.... not what it looks like!" Rainbow tried to insist. "You saw nothing! The only reason I'm here is because I, uh, I think I tweaked something at Wonderbolts practice the other day. So I just came in for a deep tissue sports massage."
“Really?” Fuli asked still grinning at the pony’s expense. “Because last time I checked up with Ono, he said you were fully recovered from the muscles you tweaked during your Wonderbolt debut performance.”
To confirm it, one of the spa workers (an earth pony mare with a lavender coat, a pink mane and tail styled in the same style as Aloe and Lotus, blue eyes, and a cutie mark depicting candles) approached Rainbow and said to her. "Ah, Miss Dash, I am so sorry, but we are running just a tad behind, and we are not quite ready to start your pampered muscle massage just yet. Our deepest apologies."
Rainbow Dash blushed in response realizing the cat is out of the bag here. But even still she quickly protested it in vain with a nervous laugh. "Oh! I-I'm pretty sure that wasn't what I signed up for."
The spa worker looked at her clipboard as she stated. "But it says it is your usual."
Rainbow quickly added. "And it seems like you're really busy today anyway! So I'll just come back tomorrow," To Applejack, Rarity, Fuli, and Kion she shouted before flying out in a flash. "Uh, see you all later! Have fun!"
The spa worker shrugged in response. "Oh, well. I guess that’ll have to wait until next time. And quite odd considering she never is one to turn it down, given she is one of our best customers.” She then trotted away.
Applejack couldn't help but chuckle at what she'd just seen. "Too bad Rainbow Dash just hates those 'froufrou' spa treatments. She probably could have joined us for a nice steam bath. Hoo-wee! I can't wait."
Rarity laughed at Applejack's comment. "Indeed," Then a thought struck her as she pondered. "Although, if they couldn't fit Dashie in, I wonder just how far behind things are running.”
“Good question, Rarity.” Kion agreed as he took notice of their surroundings inside the building. “Are they because I thought you said this was place isn’t normally this busy?”
“It isn’t.” Rarity replied as they made they way towards the steam room, only to bump into the tail of a stallion just a few seconds later. The line was indeed quite long, longer than anything Rarity had ever seen before. "Oh dear, this is quite a problem." She said to herself.
"I know. And we’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience." Caramel replied. "I hope you're not in a hurry."
Rarity sighed. "Well, Applejack, Kion, I guess we'll just have to start our spa treatment with something else for a change."
Applejack put her hoof down as she firmly scoffed. "Nothin' doin'. I came here to have a steam, and that's just what I'm gonna get!"
Fuli groaned in response at the country pony’s ongoing stubbornness. “Of course you would say that.”
Just then, Aloe approached Rarity, Fuli, Kion, and Applejack. She was quite delighted to see them again. "RRRRarity! My favorite customer!" She greeted, kissing Rarity, before she turned to Applejack. "And Appleyack? Well, it certainly has been a long time since you two were here together! So lovely to have you back." She then turns to both Kion and Fuli. “As well as my favorite Pride Lander customer. It’s always a delight to see you’re loving our services, just as much as your pony friend, Rainbow Dash.” Fuli smirked and giggled in response as the spa pony turned to the young lion cub and took notice of his tense muscles and tired eyes. “Ah, I see someone who looks in need of much needed relaxation, Kion. Well not to worry, we have just the thing to help soothe those worries away.”
"Well, I wish I could say the same," Rarity commented. "Because it seems very clear that things are here busier than usual, Aloe."
Aloe sighed to confirm it. "Yes, the wait time for the steam room certainly has been getting worse lately. Budget cuts sure don’t happen matters at much. But I'm sure we'll be able to accommodate your usual treatments, somehow."
"Not without my steam bath!" Applejack insisted firmly.
"And it’s pretty clear she won’t take no for an answer.” Fuli said to Aloe with dismay.
"Even if it'll take almost an hour just to get through the line." Rarity added in the same tone.
Meanwhile, Applejack had gotten out of line, and was monitoring the gauge just outside the steam room door. The needle was currently pointing to the red, indicating a lack of steam. And it didn't seem to be going in the right direction at all.
"Honestly! How long does it take just to get a simple steam these days?!" A familiar snooty voice exclaimed, which turns out to belong to Spoiled Rich herself. "Without steam, a steam room's just a room, and I've got plenty of those at home. Because I live in a mansion," There was a long silence, as everyone looked on and aside blankly. "Well, it’s true. And excuse me if I have luxuries that none of you have."
"Mrs. Rich, please, I'm terribly sorry for the delay, but we are working as hard as we can to get the steam room fully operational," Aloe apologized. "In the meantime, kindly help yourselves to some of our warm towels."
Spoiled Rich and several other ponies accepted the warm towels from a cart pushed one by one of the spa workers, and tossed their old, cold ones, onto the cart. "Gladly. Consider yourself lucky I’m not getting my husband to purchase this business of yours and fix whatever problems you can’t fix.” She then grumbled. "All this for the trouble of a simple pleasure in life, outside of dealing with my own daughter. Why she decided she doesn’t want to spend time with me anymore, I’ll never know."
Kion having watched this as he caught up to where Applejack, just simply walked on by to mask the disgusted frown from making eye contact with the pony who just so happens to be Diamond Tiara’s mother. If he had more energy, he would have taken the time to chew her out for her attitude, but here is a day of relaxation per the princesses orders. But it didn’t stop him, from wondering what the farm pony is up to.
“Hey, Applejack. What’s going on, here?”
“What’s going on is that I am starting to see a problem that I may be able to help out with.” Applejack replied before turning to Aloe. “If I may offer some input, I’ve noticed from this here gauge is showin' me, there isn’t any steam building up here. You wouldn’t happen to know if you got any leaky pipes around here?"
Aloe tapped a hoof to her chin before answering. "Come to think of it, actually, yes.” She answered as she is just realizing what is happening too. “I believe it is the pipe just down the hall.”
“Just as I suspected.” Applejack nodded as she knows what needs to be done.
“What do you mean?” Kion asked still not understanding what she is talking about. “How does a small leak affect everything around here?”
Applejack moved tell her friend her analysis of the problem. “A small leak like that means the steam takes just a little longer to build up. And while ponies wait, they get cold. Cold ponies start wrappin' themselves in towels, and all those dirty towels have to be cleaned because Ponyville Day Spa prides itself on cleanliness here.”
It was there Kion began to realize himself as he spoke the analysis of the problem himself. “So basically, losin' steam makes you use more towels. That means you do more laundry, which uses up the hot water you need to make more steam, so the problem just keeps gettin' worse.”
“Exactly!” Applejack stated proudly at him for being quick to figure out what’s going on before turning to Aloe. “And since it seems your local plumber hasn’t been around soon enough to fix this, I guess it is up to me to fix this right up!”
“Really? You think you can help us out with this?” Aloe asked feeling delighted and hopeful that a quick fix today of all day’s is possible.
“Yep.” Applejack nodded. “Either way, I can't just leave things like this. Which means I'm gonna need my tools for a job like this. Which means a trip back to Sweet Apple Acres."
“Figures.” Fuli replied as she and Rarity just look on defeated as the farm pony’s mind on the matter is now made up.
Back at the farm, Twilight, Spike, and Beshte continued on with work with the latter himself explaining every extra thing Applejack does around here. From there, Twilight was able to figure out how to make Applejack's work life going forward easier. For feeding the chickens, Spike find one open space for all of the chickens to eat their food as opposed to each chicken having a small amount of feed placed in each and every one of the pens. For watering the plants, with some quick adjustments, Beshte was able to make one big wheel connect and have all of the other small hoses water all of the plants so that way there would be no need to do it to each hose, one at a time. And as for the barbed wire and fence, Twilight proceeded to cut up a long new piece to replace the one where there were little bits tied into it whenever it got a hole in the old fence.
By then Applejack dashed back to Sweet Apple Acres, hoping that her friends there are having luck getting her chores done. Though she is curious herself of how they’ll manage to actually streamline them, since farming is something they have little experience with.
But she was quite surprised when she came back and saw that not only were Twilight and Spike already done feeding the pigs, but were also helping Beshte give the pigs a bath, including Piggington.
"Oh hey, Applejack," Beshte happily greeted, turning his head towards her while Twilight used her magic to levitate a brush over to Piggington. "Everything all good?”
“Of course.”
“Then why are you back so soon?” Twilight asked knowing full well there is more than what she is letting on with her simple reply.
“I'm just here for my tools so I can do a little bit of repair work at the spa." Applejack replied, before she went into the barn and retrieved her tool kit. “Not to worry, it’s something that can be fixed in a jiffy.”
“Okay.”
“If you say so.”
Both Twilight and Beshte called after her as she ran back to the spa.
Just then Piggington was gone and before they knew they were suddenly splashed with mud.
“Come on now, Piggington.”
“We just cleaned you up!”
Applejack returned to the spa, and quickly got to work on fixing the leaking steam pipe. Rarity assisted a little along with Kion and Fuli, but for the most part the former was just content to occupy herself with other spa treatments in helping keep them pleasant as possible.
With her safety goggles placed securely on her eyes, and her tool belt buckled firmly around her flanks, Applejack loosened and then tightened all the bolts on both the top and the bottom of the pipe. She then pulled out a role of scotch tape, and used it to patch up the holes from which the steam was escaping. Lastly, she gave the wheel used to turn the steam on and off a spot of oil, just to make sure it would turn easily. At last, her work was done, and the needle on the gauge outside the steam room had moved firmly into the green.
Wiping the sweat from her brows, Applejack said to Aloe. "Now that that leak's fixed, ponies won't get so cold they use up all those towels! And without all that laundry, there'll be plenty of hot water for all the steam anypony could want!"
The spa worker who had been responsible for delivering the warm towels happily exclaimed! "And I only have to be doing vash once a day!" He then zipped inside the steam room and closed the door.
Even Spoiled Rich looked on like she was just proven wrong to doubt her. "Well done. I must say you certainly did quite a remarkable job here today." She commented with a small but hardly noticeable and sincere smile. "Perhaps should we have problem at our place, maybe we can call upon your services.”
“Well see.” Applejack replied with a polite nod before turning to Aloe who is the most impressed.
She wasted no time in happily exclaiming. “Wow, Appleyack! Have you ever considered a career in the spa industry? I'm sure I can find something for you."
Applejack laughed and shook her head. "No, thanks. I'm just relieved I can finally relax in the steam."
"Well then, be our guest. But if you ever do change your mind. Just let us know.”
“I’ll consider it, thank you.” Applejack returned as she tipped her hat to Aloe who kindly handed her a check before heading off leaving her with her friends.
“And to think that was able to happen because Applejack was too stubborn to relax.” Rarity commented while both equally impressed yet still disappointed.
“Who would have guessed.” Fuli remarked feeling this is nothing new yet another major wrench in their attempts of relaxation for the day. “And now that we’ve solved the steam crisis, think maybe just maybe we can actually relax for the rest of the day as in today today?”
"Honestly, you spent so much time fixing that steam room, so at I least hope you're going to use it." Rarity remarked feeling the same way.
“Absolutely…” Applejack assured before rushing off ahead. “...right after I drop off my tools off back at the barn, along with checking up on how Twilight, Spike, and Beshte are doing.”
Both Rarity and Fuli groaned, as she watched Applejack set off again. It’s times like these which is pretty much all of the time, they wonder if that pony is ever going to loosen up. At least Kion is taking the time to actually catch up on his sleep as evident by the comfortably resting pony quick in getting a massage for his troubles.
Applejack was expecting to come back to find Sweet Apple Acres in the middle of a wild rodeo, and for Twilight, Spike, and Beshte to come over to her begging for help. It wasn't that she didn't trust her friends or thought they were incapable of this, they were skilled at many things, something that share some or have separate skills that they are capable of on their own. But farming was never as easy as one would think. Applejack compared to other farm ponies who struggled had the fortunate to grow up in a family that had much experience needed to be able to get the hang of it in short time.
"Twilight, Spike, and Beshte are many things, but farmers ain't one of 'em," Applejack said to herself, as she made her way towards Sweet Apple Acres.
However, Applejack found herself very surprised to find that upon reaching the farm, things seemed to be just fine. It looked like Twilight, Spike, and Beshte had everything under control. There were some clear signs of exhaustion on their faces, with their bodies having mud spots all around with Twilight’s mane and tail a bit disorganized, and Spike had just wiped some sweat from his brows. But nothing was out of place, nothing was destroyed or close to being in that state. It was as if everything went along smoothly in her absence, for once.
"Hey Applejack," Spike greeted, waving a claw. "Did you fix that leak already?"
"Yep, and then I figured and reckoned since I had come back to drop off my tools I could check up on ya all and see if ya needed any assistance," Applejack explained, as she put her tool kit away in the barn and then came back out. "But from the looks of things, ya'll did just fine as it is."
“We did.” Twilight then eyed Applejack with concern. "Though it seems to me that you haven't you gotten around to relaxing yet? As if you don't think we can manage for even a few hours. You do know that if we did get into trouble we have our other friends to call for help, not to mention your family who is around most of the time, right?"
“Right. I mean it’s not that I don’t trust y’all. It’s just I’m not used to living live off of the farm where I don’t have to worry about anything here even if it’s for a day.” Applejack defended hoping she isn’t coming across as insensitive and not trusting her friends with one would think.
“I understand, Applejack and we appreciate your concern, but we made great progress today and everything that has been needed to be taken care of is all under control. In fact, we even managed to help fix up and streamline the chores you'v been taking extra time with. But seriously, if we need your help, we'll let you know. And in the meantime, can you please go back to the spa and relax like Rarity and Fuli wants you too or do I have to make it order from the princess herself?”
“Okay, okay.” Applejack relented as she then left Sweet Apple Acres to get back to the spa.
“Don’t worry about a thing, Applejack.” Beshte called after her. “Both Twilight and Spike have got me around so you have nothing to worry about.”
“Thank you.”
Once she was gone, Beshte can only shake his head. "If only she'd put that much work in relaxing as much as working, then she wouldn't be having this problem."
Twilight snickered. "She sure wouldn't be. Though should she start to make these spa trips more frequently, I'd be more than happy to help you out on the farm again like today."
"Really? You really liked it?"
"Yeah. It was quite fun actually. Being able to streamline all of those chores, spending time along with helping out more than one friend along the way, and being able to get to do all of that exercise too."
"Poa." Beshte couldn't help but feel delighted as they managed to find something they can do together now. "I'm glad you enjoyed it because I had fun too. It's not everyday we get to hang out together outside when on patrol."
"Nope." Having that thought occur had her thinking and tapping her chin. "Come to think of it, it makes me wonder what other pairings hardly had any interaction and in common. Maybe I'll create a chart about it someday."
Beshte laughed along with Spike. "I'm sure you'll find the answer in no time, Twilight."
"Me too. And now that all of that work is done, boy I am now starving." Spike's stomach growled the moment he said that. "So, who's up for dinner in town tonight?"
"Sounds good to me.
"Same here. Though I could actually go for a shower before we do."
At that moment, a large amount of water came dumping on her entire body with soap from shampoo and mane conditioner mixed inside of it. After a few good seconds of quick scrubbing courtesy of a rainbow colored swirl and trail in it's wake, more water was dumped on her courtesy of a dark cloud Rainbow Dash herself produced especially for her. She then proceeded to fly right by her which immediately dried out her mane and tail to the point while still a little messy, not as messy as it was the first time around.
"Thank you." She returned gratefully yet annoyed as it was now the shower she was expecting.
"You're welcome!" With that Rainbow Dash quickly sped away while laughing at her expense.
"Well looks you're now about ready to go already." Spike commented with a chuckle.
Twilight turned to Spike still annoyed while pulling out a comb to brush her mane back into place. "Yes, I am." She then said with a pleasant smile now feeling completely refreshed herself. "Shall we?" She asked Beshte before making their way to town for a night at a restaurant of their choosing.
"Let's."
The three friends then all proceeded to do so, after a long day of hard work together.
Back at the spa, both Fuli and Rarity were waiting impatiently for Applejack when the farm pony returned. "Well it's about time," The formar complained. "At least this time I wisely decided not to wait in the steam room for you like last time. Honestly, how long are you planning to keep blowing off your much needed relaxation time? You've done more than enough work for one day, surely you can manage a few hours of relaxation."
Aloe then spoke up. "Applejack, your steam bath is waiting for you. And Rarity is quite insistent on signing you up for a muscle massage," She pointed her hoof towards the steam room door. "If you would kindly step this way, we can begin the pampering."
But even knowing that she'd fixed the steam room problem, and that she wasn't needed back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack still wouldn't find herself getting into what her body needs even if nothing bad has happened yet. "I'd love to take a steam bath, really I would. But if you've got a leaky steam pipe, then you've probably got some other problems you ain't noticed that I can help ya with. I just love bein' helpful ya know."
"While we appreciate the offer, I assure you that we have everything under control and that won’t be necessary." Aloe replied. "If we have a problem around here we have like Bulk Biceps to help fix it. And we know full well now the importance of checking for problems before they start costing us money and how to have available help to call upon when needed."
"But even still, it still seems you still need a pony like me to look over everythin' for you!" Applejack firmly insisted. "Plus an outside eye can catch things you may not even notice and I reckon there's probably some other problem that needs fixin' that you didn't know about."
"Applejack, please!" Fuli pleaded. "What’s so hard of taking no for answer?! And the more you keep dragging this on, the more you’re going to keep getting yourself worked up over nothing. You think I go to these spa dates just because I like pampering myself? If that was the case I would do it more often than you would think. Not to mention Rarity is being kind and generous enough to arrange these spa dates not just for us but also for your benefit.”
“Yeah, Applejack!” Rarity chimed in agreement. “Even Rainbow Dash and Kion, after much convincing are both taking the time to come here whenever they need downtime. But with you, it’s like one pampering once every while is a crime. Why exactly do you feel like it’s something you really can’t allow yourself to do when all we are trying to do is help you?"
“I…” Applejack returned as she struggled to properly answer that question. “I can’t.”
“Why can’t you?!”
“I just can’t!”
“Why not?!” Fuli practically demanded of her to open up for a good answer to come out of her mouth. “Give us one good reason why should take your word for it and understand why it is so hard for you to accept something you body can afford every now and then before something really bad does happen to your body?!”
Both Rarity and Fuli's words cutting deeper inside Applejack, as she resisted the urge to tear up. "Because I really can't because that’s how I lived life!" She insisted as she explained. "Back when I was just a filly like many others I wanted to play too, even when my family kept tryin' to tell me that hard work is more important! I never wanted to listen and had always slacked off from my responsibilities, up until the day it all finally caught up with me, and by then it was too late. By the time I learned what happens when you slack off, that happened to be the last time I ever saw my parents! Ever since then I thought if I'd just listened instead of thinkin' about my selfish desire to have fun whenever I can, I'd have never gone near that bridge, and Ma and Pa would still be alive! So that's why, Rarity! Fuli! That's why I can't find it in my heart to relax!”
Both Rarity and Aloe were surprised by Applejack's statement along with Kion who just so happened to have listened and watched the whole scene from the other side of the room, as both ponies placed a hoof around her as she slowly stopped sobbing and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Applejack, everyone knows that you are the most hard working pony in Equestria. And that is saying a lot considering some of my toughest customers are the ones who come here thinking they have no time to relax. That is why my sister and I started this spa, we wanted ponies and by extension Pride Landers and other Outsiders to have a chance to relax so that they could be more productive and think more clearly." Aloe insisted.
"Aloe is quite right, darling." Rarity nodded in agreement. "Just look at what you are doing to yourself. A little bit of pampering every once in a while isn't going to kill you, but working yourself to exhaustion definitely will.”
“Is this something that your parents would want you do? For you to work yourself to the point to what you are doing to yourself?" Fuli also asked in agreement with Rarity.
“Mine wouldn’t.” Kion finally spoke up as he made his presence with a towel wrapped around his body as he approached the three while taking the cucumbers off of his eyes which are now healthy and relaxed like all of his previous worries were just erased. “And for someone who just came in here worrying for the exact same reasons, I can tell you right now that your parents even while wanting you to be hard at work, would also tell you take time off so you can enjoy yourself.” He then approached Applejack for a heart to heart moment. “When I first came here I didn’t feel like it was going to accomplish anything, but the moment I allowed myself to take the time to relax even with everything going on around me, is the moment I began started seeing clearly. Believe me, I didn’t get it at first when I was brought here, but I do now.”
“And you can always take the time to arrange for quality family time when needed.” Fuli brought up. “Even as busy rulers, they at least have the time to spend with both you and Kiara every now and then.”
“They sure do.” Kion answered as if he is just realizing this.
Applejack paused, as she processed all of this and how she'd been so caught up in working herself to the best of her ability, all in the name of atoning for her youthful foolishness. But really she was once more making the same mistake she did before like she did during that fateful Applebuck season a few years back, and the Apple Family reunion the year after that. If even Twilight, Kion, and Fuli all could learn how to relax, then why couldn't she? Maybe if her parents always taken a little time out of their days to play with her and Big Mac when they were younger maybe things would have been different now.
Reluctantly, Applejack spoke up after briefly hanging her head in shame. "You're right. I guess I was so caught up in my beliefs about hard work, that I couldn't see the problem I had. But you were the outside eye that caught it and intervened to fix it before it became a big problem. And yet I kept pushin' you all away, focusin' on my chores and how to make myself helpful to others. And to think I thought that even a little bit of pamperin' was a crime until I saw Kion telling me what I needed to hear."
“Takes someone who knows what it’s like to be in another pony’s hooves to understand what they’re going through. An eye for eye, only friends can see.” Kion returned with a smile as the grateful pony moved to hug him to thank him for helping her see that.
Rarity just smiled slightly, as she said to Applejack. "Trust me, I've been there myself and so has Fuli. From working on an important dress for an important client…”
“...along with tackling solo missions constantly at full speed up until I run out of energy.” Fuli added. “There are times when I too tend push myself to exhaustion before I admit I need to take a break. But you'll find that, sometimes, being pampered can be the best thing that's ever happened to you. While it may seem hard to believe, it actually does work wonders to your mind and body. And yes, I’ve been then before, so I know what’s it like.”
“Right you are much like the wonders of a good night’s sleep.” Rarity replied before turning to Applejack to press this question once more. “Now, with all of this in mind from me, to Fuli, to Kion, can you finally allow yourself to unwind with some rest and relaxation, now? Or do we have to keep dragging you to the spa until you do."
Applejack laughed slightly. "I don’ think that will be necessary. Because I’m already on board for what you want from me." Then she turned to Aloe. "And I’ll be glad to take you up on offer to come by and check up on any maintenance you might have going forward. Just give me a call and I’ll get it done lickety split. Ya all can count on that."
"That will be lovely." Aloe replied. "But in the meantime, I believe it is now time for your long overdue steam bath."
“Then what are we waiting for?”
“Let’s go!”
Both Applejack and Kion both happily stated ready for that as Rarity and Fuli follow after them, ready to do the same.
Applejack enjoyed the rest of her day at the spa, and much like Kion, she soon discovered just how good it felt to unwind. The muscle massage especially proved useful, as her limbs were quite sore from months of constant field work and rodeo practicing. As she and Rarity along with Kion and Fuli were making arrangements for the next spa date, Applejack sighed happily and asked Rarity. "Think you can come up with enough things for us to do now that we have more time to relax?"
Rarity smiled and replied. "Oh, please. I could plan a week's worth of treatments! And if you're going to be working part-time at the spa from now on, I think I'm going to have adjust our spa dates to arrange it so you can join us."
"True, and I reckon this is going to have me needing more pamperin’ which I’m sure I’ll gladly accept going forward." Applejack commented.
“That’s great to hear!” Fuli complimented. “That we can work with no problem!”
“Same here.” Kion also agreed as both he and Applejack feel the same way.
Just then, both Rarity and Applejack heard a sigh, and to their surprise they saw Rainbow Dash emerge into the waiting room with her purple robe and tortoise slippers, accompanied by Aloe. "Thanks for letting me know there was an opening. I don't know if I could make it without my pampered muscle massage," She said to Aloe. "It's just what I needed after a long day of Wonderbolts flight practice."
Aloe just smiled. "Don't vorry about it. Shall I put you down for another one tomorrow?" She asked her client.
"Oh, absolutely!" Rainbow agreed, pressing a hoof to her cheek as she fondly expressed. "Sometimes a girl just has to pamper herself, am I right?"
"You certainly are." Rarity commented, drawing Rainbow's attention to the presence of four of her friends.
“Truer words have never been spoken.” Fuli added looking on very amused as the Pegasus was look sporting pink cheeks herself.
Gasped at having been caught at the spa twice in one day, Rainbow became immediately flustered and tried to stammer out an explanation. "Oh! Hey! I was just, uh, uh..." She struggled and failed to figure out how to explain otherwise of the truth.
Applejack lightly jabbed at Rainbow as she teased. "Gettin' a 'sports' pamperin'?" She then giggled.
“It’s okay if you are.” Kion then assured. “There is nothing worry with going to the spa every now and then.”
Rarity giggled too before she added. "Don't worry, Rainbow Dash. We were just heading in for some pampering ourselves," Then she thought of an idea. "You know, you could always join us."
"That is, if you don't mind sufferin' through one or two froufrou' treatments." Applejack teased.
Convinced she had nothing to lose and hoping that she might be able to talk her friends into not revealing her secret, Rainbow agreed as she said to them. "Uh... well.... I suppose I could take it. You know, for you ponies, lion, and cheetah."
“And we won’t say a word about your visits here.” Kion then said showing a willingness to compromise for her.
“Thanks.”
The five friends then giggled to each other, as they headed off for some more pampering together.
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Oh, boy. I’m really curious who it will be next week. I have some guesses, but we’ll have to wait and see
Great chapter but there is a mess up and it is when fuli said- like ever since his dad nearly died, every off day is dedicated to keeping watch over his father in case something happens even though that it’s the Royal Guard’s job with Princess Luna leading them.”
11951106
That's the point. And knowing Kion, no doubt he would want to be stubbornly protective of his father.
I know we've still got a ways to go, but maybe that's something you could do for Rani as well. As a way to help her learn not to judge others following the misunderstanding at the Tree of Life mountain pass and the debacle with Machuka's army, Queen Janna will order Rani spend some time in Ponyville for a while so she can get to know the Mane 7 better and make friends. I have a head canon that until she met the Lion Guard, Rani didn't have any friends growing up, especially to help her through the grief and trauma of losing her parents.