Morning Ponyville (Concluded)

[GEffect]

After all that random joking around from Thunder Cracker had no other jokes to act out as soon as that void of awkward silence filling the room engulfed TC completely. He stopped fake snoring and just opened up his eyes staring at nothing but the wall since it was the first thing he saw. He blinked slowly as he just sat were he was not saying a word. A minute had pasted before TC finally sat on the couch properly. He unclipped the bow tie and just watched it drop down and bounce of his thigh landing on the carpet floor. His expression dropped to a blank state and just remained that way for whatever reason Thunder Cracker would choose to give you.

TC listened in on what Slipstream was asking which seemed like an odd question at first. He didn't turn, smile, blink, laugh, or anything else in that list of reactions. He just simply talked in a normal voice that was at a normal volume. "If you wanna look into the modeling business than you should do that. My opinion is too; basic for anything to really be useful for this kind of topic. What I am trying to say is if you think that modeling is something that you can honestly adapt to in your life and can commit to that profession then just go ahead and try it. Case and point" Once his side of the matter was given TC just remained silent. He didn't know what else to do at the moment so he just did whatever came first: looking at a wall. Thunder Cracker already knew why he even started DJing in the first place so he didn't need to recap on anything in that aspect. TC mostly hated these kinds of mornings because he feels so limited in things to do because of he has the mindset that it is not worth doing. Sometimes may take a while before he gets his enthusiasm back but, for now the mellow side of TC was roaming free.

[Dark Star]

Even after Thunder Cracker's advice (or lack there-of), Slipstream was still at a loss for thought. Then again, any-pony would be if they suddenly had a completely life-changing idea over a career choice. There was just something about it that made her want to give it a try. She honestly couldn't say why it was that she wanted to enter such a career to begin with, much less why it happened after TC was practically mocking it, but it only remained on her mind for a little bit. She realized that if she were to go into such a profession, she'd have to go on extreme diets, go to ridiculous locations just for some small photo-shoots, constantly having to put up with really girly outfits. It just stopped looking worth-while. "Yeah, it was just a thought, I'm over it now" she said bluntly as she lied back once again. "I was just thinking about what I wanted to do for a living is all" she explained shortly. Suddenly, she thought about a certain friend of hers and how she made a living doing volunteer work, and almost as if on cue, she heard a knocking on the door. 

Trotting over to answer it, Slipstream found a familiar periwinkle unicorn smiling at her. "Oh, her there, Softspark. I was just thinkin' of ya!" Slipstream beamed. Softspark kept her smile as she replied the conversation. "You were? Well then, I suppose you remember how we were going to hang out at the spa today?" Softspark asked under a shield of blissful ignorance. Slipstream completely forgot about making plans with Softspark and knew she couldn't get out of them. She scratched her head sheepishly and tried to come up with something-anything-to say to her. Softspark knew this look that the younger mare had, it was the look where she had completely forgotten something. Sighing gently-keeping her smile-she placed a hoof on the mare's shoulder. "It's alright if you forgot, you can tell me what's up?" she assured. "Well, I think it's better if you see for yourself..." Slipstream said carefully.

Softspark was confused at first until she walked in. Adjusting her eyes to the low light, she found an unusual-smelling unicorn stallion sitting on the couch. "Softspark, this is my new colt-friend, meet Thunder Cracker" Slipstream improperly introduced. Softspark nearly gasped when she heard "colt-friend". She didn't want to think it couldn't happen to Slipstream, she just didn't believe it could happen with some-pony so much...older-looking than she was. "Oh...Well, it's nice to meet you Thunder Cracker" Softspark greeted with a small bow. "My name is Softspark, I'm a friend of Slipstream's roommate's cousin" she introduced with a small tint of red forming on her cheeks. Slipstream chuckled slightly at the way Softspark was acting. "You don't have to give him the full story, just tell him about yourself" Slipstream told the older mare. "Well, I just thought it would be nice to know how we know each other is all" Softspark explained. Slipstream shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "Alright, do whatever" she stated bluntly. 

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker rested his head on one the couch's arms. He began to worry if he forgot anything important that he should be doing. That thought was thankfuly reassured when TC finally remembered that he didn't even make plans yesterday morning. So that means that today he was gonna be free for whatever activity that is planned. TC could finally smile again now that all his worries are clear; well he can't say that all of them are clear but, he could say the current ones were. So with that out of the way Thunder Cracker could get back to wondering why Slipstream suddenly wanted his opinion about a modeling career. The question itself wasn't the weird part the thing that puzzled him was how Slipstream had just asked about it right after TC recently mocked it a few minutes ago. As if it was some kind of mind trick Slipstream took the time to explain what her reasoning was for asking her last question. It made a lot of sense which Thunder Cracker had a bit of curiosity left but, he decided to erase his confused thoughts.

Right when the silence was going to fill in the room all over again a small set of knocks had filled TC's ears rather quickly. Slipstream removed herself from the couch to go answer the door. Thunder Cracker could here the greetings from where he was until the subject was changed. Who could have possibly been at the door this time? The door was closed but, now the sound of double the hoof steps told TC that the mystery pony was coming his way. Thunder Cracker fixed his posture immediately not wanting to embarrass Slipstream anymore than he already has. He felt like he owned it a little since she is going to had to put up with his craziness before. The quick change from a slouching TC who looked like he was brain dead from being lazy too long. To a well rounded gentle colt with a friendly grin on his face was almost an unbelievable change in such a short amount of time. In mere seconds Slipstream and another periwinkle colored mare had entered the living room. Slipstream introduced the two ponies as soon as they stepped hoof in the room. However TC could tell Slipstream liked using the term "colt friend" in such a way as if it was a gift from some princess. "Hello Softspark; it is always a pleasure meeting another one of Slipstream's friends." TC flashed a friendly smile just like he normally does hoping that he was setting a good impression of himself for the time being.

[Dark Star]

Softspark took note of how friendly Thunder Cracker acted. Thought to her, it looked as if he had just spruced himself up a bit in an effort to look more presentable to others. For a moment, she believed that Slipstream actually made him rehearse a series of different lines and body language before she could let any-pony know him. 'Nah, there's no way that Slipstream would ever want to do something like that. She simply isn't that kind of pony' the unicorn thought. There was also the matter that she didn't think Slipstream could be so deviously ingenious, but she chose to ignore it in favor of not underestimating her friend's intelligence.

"Nice ta see you two getting alone so well, just remember that he's mine" she said the last part in a low tone, though Slipstream could tell she was joking. "Ah, to be young and in love" Softspark commented blissfully. "Hey! Just because you're four years older than I am doesn't mean you can start talking like a tired old lady" Slipstream defended. Softspark giggled at how riled up the pegasus seemed to be. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean any offense. It's just that you really enjoy the sound of yourself having a coltfriend so much that I was reminded of how older ponies acted around school-fillies in love" she explained. Slipstream sighed. "Oh, come on, it's not like I'm that young" Slipstream defended. Softspark merely gave her an endearing look and an even-more-endearing nuzzle with her muzzle. "I'm sorry, Slipstream, can we please forgive and forget?" she asked in a loving voice. Slipstream accepted the apology by returning the muzzle gently.

"So, Thunder Cracker, I don't know if you heard, but Slipstream and I made plans to go to the spa today. Would you care to join us?" Softspark asked in a sweet tone. If you could rely on Softspark for anything, it would be showing kindness towards newcomers and being more than willing to accept times where plan change and even encourage others to join her and whatever group she may be in (OOC: Sue me for run-on sentences). Slipstream smiled at the idea. TC had already helped himself to mare-specific hair-and-fur-care products, so she figured, why not? "Sounds like a good idea to me" she stated.

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker was never going to sit like how he is ever again in his natural life. He just felt so...ugh being in this kind of posture for too long. Maybe it was due to him not being use to it but, the feeling of sitting like this makes TC want to punch himself for even trying. Unfortuneatly TC would have to be strong and ignore how awkward he felt in this state until something else happens. Lucky for him the two mares started their own little dialog with each other. It is crazy how whenever there is another mare around Slipstream and she knows them; some kind of debate or private small talk commences between the two. On the bright side these usually start because of something Thunder Cracker did not say. If it was something TC had started then these would turn into a 2 on 1 battle very quickly. That is practically the position no stallion in Equestria wants to get caught up into.

Softspark and Slipstream's chat did not take long to end though. It was rather short because the topic was not really all that important. Well maybe it is a little but, in TC's eyes he just thought it was cute how Slipstream gets all defensive sometimes. It is just absolutely adorable to see her expressions flare on such a manner. But the next thing that was brought up completely put TC in a bad position from the beginning. Now it was understandable why Softspark would ask this and, TC respected that. However nothing could keep him from giving that 'are you serious??' Face when she did ask. So it would turn out that Slipstream and Softspark had planned on going to the spa today. Ok that's cool two mares getting some relaxation done and all that is fine with ThunderCracker. But when Softspark asked if TC would like to join them is were he had to draw a big red line to think for a second or two. First off he is definitely not staying in this house any longer. That ship has blown up before it even left the dock. The problem is all the things that could make his trip to the spa very awkward. TC has a good idea what a spa is and, knows it is normally used by mares because, if stallions normally went there then it would not be called a "Spa" for one thing. Besides Thunder Cracker didn't want to step in that place and, then have practically every pony there wondering why he smells like cupcakes and sunshine. TC was also thinking if he could handle being there for a long period of time. Odds are if he was to somehow be getting a massage or whatever. The possibilities of trouble happening are kind of high. Think about it; unless Slipstream allows such a thing TC is pretty sure she would not be ok with some random mare putting their hooves on him in such a manner. And if you think TC is going to let some random stallion do that to him with out making sure it won't end up creepy then you are deeply mistaken. So it all comes down to this: either he stays here doing nothing or he goes to the spa hoping that nothing awkward happens. The answer was pretty clear once he narrowed things down. "Well since I will get to do something outside of this house then I guess I can give the spa a chance. I mean how bad can it really be?" Thunder Cracker sighed a little before he got off the couch. Afterwards he put on his saddle bag then joined Softspark and Slipstream so they could guide him to their new destination.

[Dark Star]

Both the green-maned mares were happy to have Thunder Cracker join them. He seemed a little disturbed on the idea, according to the way Slipstream read his face. Maybe he thought that stallions were looked at weird just for entering the spa? Not surprising. Though, she could certainly understand the reason behind it. "Don't worry about standing out, Morning Sun and a bunch of other stallions go to the spa all the time" Slipstream assured. Softspark gave a kind nod and added upon it with her own. "It's a place for any-pony to get to relax, to be able to enjoy themselves, and to improve upon their looks, though I highly doubt either of you two would need to go for that purpose" she complimented.

Slipstream would never tell her, but the way Softspark had a habit of kissing flank really annoyed her. She was only being nice and that's nice and all, but when it's practically something she does by instinct, it just gets old really quickly. She merely gave the older mare a pained smile and moved on.

Slipstream did her self-appointed job and led the other two out of the house, locking the door behind her and then cantering ahead to the spa. Softspark kept her pace, though both of them slowed down once they had gotten out, Slipstream still taking the lead while Softspark stayed next to Thunder Cracker. She turned her head slightly to face him and looked him in the eye with an inquisitive spark in her own. "So, if it's alright for me to pry, how exactly did you meet Slipstream?" she asked, curious to know how two ponies of (what she could tell) opposite ends of the spectrum could meet and instantly start dating.   

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker's nerves felt a little uneasy about this trip. He just didn't feel comfortable not knowing what to expect. TC was trying to keep any stereotypes from clouding his judgment because that wouldn't be fair for any pony how enjoys a day at the spa. Slipstream could see that TC felt this way and she was generous enough to add info about that helped fill the void. Thunder Cracker couldn't believe how many stallions actual go there. Softspark added on to Slipstream's comment shortly after which left TC with no more doubts about this place. Matter of fact he was starting to look forward to it but, he really didn't like calling it a spa it just felt weird to say that.

Well with all that covered Thunder Cracker followed the two mares out the house. As soon as Slipstream locked the door she took the position as leader of the group. TC didn't mind this at all because she had taken that position before whenever they ventured somewhere. He didn't even know where he was going so why not let her be in front. Besides if TC ever got bored at least there would be something to look at for the time being. Thunder Cracker snickered to himself a little from his personal joke before he noticed that Softspark was staring right at him let alone trotting next to him. That was surely something he did not expect to see when he turned in that direction. Of course it didn't take long for the curious Softspark to ask the cliche question as to how TC even met Slipstream. Thunder Cracker thought to himself if he should tell her the story up to this point or just cut it short. He was silent for only a couple seconds until he realized that telling Softspark the whole story is unneeded and a huge spoiler. If she wanted that all the information she was just going to have to ask for it. "It is quite simple really. I left my house early in the morning to take a jog around my residential block. I don't know why but, I just felt like jogging. Eventually I got stopped to take a break at one of those community bench you see around the area. Give or take a few minutes later and I heard I'd loud thud. It was just so sudden that I was confused as to where it came from so I looked around but, nothing seemed out of order until I noticed Slipstream sitting next to me. From that point we just chatted for a while, then went some places, did a few fun things, and boom we started dating. I like that story don't you Slipstream?" TC smiled a little before he double checked to make sure he have a good summary. Once everything checked out he just looked ahead of him as he trotted down the path to the spa.

[Dark Star]

Thunder Cracker's story was much like TC himself; short, sweet, and to the point. Of course, for a romance novel-lover like Softspark, it was an incredible disappointment. "I was expecting so much more" the periwinkle unicorn commented depressingly. Slipstream scoffed. "I thought it was nice, though I guess ya'd have ta be there ta really get it" she added. It was a little funny how it is the two green-maned mares acted when they were together. They got along rather well like her and Dark Star, though the one thing that definitely made itself known easily was that the two had a sort of rivalry as far as attention-grabbing went. Slipstream always had to make herself known, whereas Softspark merely attracted attention without even having to do anything. They were essentially exact opposites.

Within a few minutes, the trio of ponies had made it to the spa. They stood outside for a moment and yet, you could definitely feel the hype coming from Slipstream. A little ironic how she usually got so excited about getting to relax. Slipstream walked in ahead and greeted the spa ponies, whom of which seemed particularly cheerful at the sight of the pegasus. "Hey, girls, we'll just have the usual package, but don't be afraid to really work on this guy" she said while pointing to TC with a wing. The earth beauticians didn't say anything about the way he smelled so nice, but definitely could tell he may have been that type to just walk into the spa with a couple of mares. The group was then lead into a large room filled with a few hot tubs here and there and a large selection of different lounge chairs and massage benches. Slipstream and Softspark were especially familiar with the benches. "Alright then, let's get our relaxation on!" Slipstream cheered and she hopped onto one of the benches, eager to receive her usual massage from her favorite therapist-Lotus Blossom.

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker chuckled a little from Softspark's response. He had a feeling that she was in fact looking for all the juicy details between the couple but, sadly for her TC decided to hold on to that information. Slipstream's following comment further emphasized the actual background behind this story which was a big help in this case. "Well if you wanted all the nice romantic details to this story than I will be happy to explain that at a later time. However you did ask how we 'met' not exactly what happened after that. But I will admit that I was just teasing you a little." The stallion's mood received a little more light afterwards but, there was still some glimpses of shadowed areas around. Nothing a good day at the spa can get rid of right? TC sure did hope so.

By then the two mares and, one stallion had finally arrived at this so called spa after a nice short trip from the house. They were right there outside of front door to the place while Slipstream seemed to be getting even more excited by the minute. The very pegasus was the first one to enter and, greet the ponies inside to no surprise. TC trotted in shortly after with a little hesitation but, it was barely noticeable. He looked around the place which in this case he had to admit it looked very well organized and of course relaxing. He had a small grin on his face but, on the other had he was mostly confused as to what he should do. It was a no brainer that Slipstream and Softspark would already have an activity that they prefer here since they are so familiar with the it. However the way Slipstream pointed out TC to the other ponies gave him the impression that she was probably teasing him in some kind of secret spa mare code. "Huh?...what are you trying to say??" But it was too late to question her now since the group was all ready moving forward before he even asked his question. So he just dropped it and, caught up with every pony else.

The next thing TC knew was that he was in this room filled with assumed spa equipment. Hot tubs,lounging chairs, and some weird benches was what mostly filled this part of the building. After Slipstream announced that it was time to relax Thunder Cracker was left there wondering where he should actually go. He recently took a shower before they got here so TC didn't feel like getting into the hot tubs yet. Those lounging chairs didn't seem very appealing either so it came down to the odd looking benches as a final decision. TC trotted over to an open bench in a manner that had "first day" written all over it. He did not know how to exactly use these things so it should be understandable why he approached it in such a way. The head rest part kind of looked like a toilet seat with pads so TC was extremely confused as to what this thing is supposed to be. He had one of those adorable looks with his head tilted to the side curious as to what he should do. Eventually Thunder Cracker climbed up on the bench then laid on his back with his muzzle pointing to the ceiling. However this only reminded him of when he tried sleeping on the couch so he instantly disliked this position. TC turned onto his left side hoping that it would be better but, he was sadly proven wrong. He was all coiled up in a ball type of form which only made this situation look even funnier since he accidentally did the same thing on his other side. Then on an odd turn of events TC ended up on his back again which made Thunder Cracker become very frustrated to were a tic mark actually appeared around the temple area on the side of his head. His nostrils started to flare a little as it blew out hot air. The unicorn's face had a clear look of building frustration until TC took his hooves and rubbed those tic mark spots on his head in a circular motion trying to calm himself. "Geez am I really THIS tense??" Thunder Cracker thought to himself. Once the poor stallion finally calmed down to a normal degree he eventually spinned around on all fours and, stood on that bench staring it down while observing it with narrowed eyes. He was determined to conquer this bench and achieve his awaiting relaxation time. He didn't care if he was taking things a little too seriously TC just wanted to get it over with. So he slowly leaned back until he was sitting down on his bum with his tail moving around in a concentrated fashion. Thunder Cracker sat there for about a few seconds until he finally started to slowly lower the upper half of his body until he was completely laying down on his stomach. TC was so close to claiming victory all he had to do was finish it. So with out any further delay TC placed his head down on the head rest. Once that was done he gave a triumphant sigh then continued laying there for the time being. Thunder Cracker didn't see how this was relaxing but, he figured the answer would be revealed soon enough so he just waited until that actually happened.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream and Softspark were getting a load of Thunder Cracker trying to figure out the massage benches. The two tried to hold back their laughter as hard as they could, but some snickering was still heard regardless. 'This is seriously his first time at a spa?' Slipstream wondered as she nearly had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing. Softspark was fighting back the giggles for as long as she could as well, though it was much more difficult for her to keep a straight face than Slipstream, especially not at the sight before them. The spa ponies had come in at the best time, when Thunder Cracker was getting incredibly stressed out. Within minutes, all four of the mares immediately burst out into laughter, Slipstream even flailed her hind-legs back and forth as she laughed her tail off.

Once every-pony had settled down and gotten into position, the spa ponies stepped forward, Lotus Blossom-the blue one with the pink mane-stepped over to Slipstream, while her sister Aloe-the pink one with the blue mane-was preparing for TC. Softspark merely sat on one of the provided lounge chairs and levitated a magazine over to her while she waited for the beauticians to finish. Slipstream could hardly hold in her excitement. Getting a massage from Lotus always made her feel as though she was born without bones. She knew that Aloe wasn't as capable a massage therapist as her sister, but she would hopefully help TC relax just as well. He would need it after that little display.

"Part one to our usual package; a very relaxing massage by the best hooves in all of Ponyville, maybe even all of Equestria" Slipstream explained as said hooves started softly digging their way into her back. She let out a loud moan and her wings flared out out as they always did whenever her sweet-spot between her wings had pressure put on it. Needless to say, she was panting and moaning out all manner of different profanities, almost letting out short whinnies under her breath. Softspark always enjoyed watching Slipstream get into it, even if her cheeks always flushed a deep shade of red just from looking at her in such a state, and of course the spa ponies were no different. Both of their muzzles were a noticeable shade of red, greatly mis-matching their coat colors for that matter. 

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker was going to need all the help he could get from Aloe. As soon as TC was finally able to lay down correctly on the massage bench he just then noticed the laughter coming from the other mares in the room. It was a good thing he could partially hide his face in the head rest because an intense blush grew upon TC's face from his humiliation. It has barely been 10 minutes and, he was already making a fool of himself. It is very easy to say that his first day at the spa is at a bad start. Never the less Thunder Cracker kept faith that things would turn to a brighter side from now on. However that thought had a little doubt to it when Slipstream announced that this was only the first part of the usual package. TC gave a little whimper from the thought of there being more things that he could possibly humiliate himself with. But maybe he could pull through this because the worst was over for now. Thunder Cracker looked over at Lotus beginning to massage Slipstream's back. It looked very comfortable until TC had remember something kind of important in this situation. "I wonder if she knows about..." Thunder Cracker began to think in his mind until he was cut off by Slipstream's load moan followed by the 'whoosh' sound of her wings flaring up. "never mind she found it." TC finished shortly afterwards. Thunder Cracker let his ears drop a little to help shield from Slipstream's panting and all that other noise she was making. He just really wanted to get a good experience at this spa to determine if he was gonna come back or not. Because so far TC was THIS close to almost going through one of his rare military rages and tearing this massage bench off its hinges then chucking it out the window.

Overall Thunder Cracker didn't really have a big clue as what to expect to feel at this point. He has never received a massage before because he only knew how to give one. TC was definitely excited but, at the same time he nervous as to what he should prepare for. In reality that was all the stress and tension clouding his ability to obtain peace of mind. But Once Aloe had started massaging Thunder Cracker's back with her soft hooves all his worries just melted away like butter. The change in emotions was just mind blowing in all ways possible. TC's eyes had rolled back which was also followed by a small smile as he soaked in the soft rubs against his spine. The very spine that Slipstream has practically crushed about three times in a row. The sudden jolt against it had gently cracked it back into its natural place which made TC give two faint moans; one from the pain and the second from the pleasure. Anything else that tried to escape was held inside or muffled. The world around him felt like nothing but, a blur at this moment which TC enjoyed being in to a good degree. However his common sense did keep Thunder Cracker from enjoying it too much by reminding him he had a mare friend on the bench right next to him who he has GREAT feelings for. But as time moved on the unicorn became very loose and relaxed through out his body. TC eventually just let his front and hind legs dangle around the bench while his current therapist broke the evil walls of tension with in him.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream was getting the rub-down of a lifetime in the parlor as Lotus Blossom worked her delicate hooves over her spine. For the longest time, everything felt as though it were a blur. Her eyes had rolled back in her head and her tongue had flopped out, a large deal of saliva having managed to escape and slowly dripped upon the floor. At first, she had to fight the desire to buck her hind-legs, but soon enough, her legs just lost all feeling in them. All four of her legs lost feeling in them really. They simply lay sprawled out, dangling over the edges of the bench, her mind almost blank as the last of her ability to feel anything. 

Softspark tried to ignore Slipstream's howls of pleasure, even pressing the pages of the magazine she'd be reading over her ears in order to do so. But of course, leave it to Slipstream to find a way passed that. This had been the fifth time the two had gone to the spa together, yet the periwinkle unicorn could still never get used to hearing and even seeing Slipstream in such a state. Her ears twitched a few times when the cyan pegasus had finally been pacified. She looked up and smiled, watching as Lotus was able to put the final touches on slipstream's spine before the session had been complete. "I'm glad all that hollering is over" Softspark sighed. Both of the spa ponies agreed with compassionate smiles. The two of them had had enough of Slipstream's constant moans, but they could never say anything because she was a very valuable customer to them. Luckily, Slipstream never really stayed conscious long enough to drive any of them crazy. 

After having scraped Slipstream off the bench, Softspark chipping in with her magic, the two blue mares had managed to gently dip Slipstream into the hot tub, Lotus adding a few herbal ingredients into it soon after. "The second part of our usual package, a nice, relaxing dip in an hot herbal bath" Softspark beamed, explaining the matter delicately towards the probably-light-headed Thunder Cracker as his massage was getting finished. 

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker had escaped to another world in his mind as soon as his therapy started. However that was probably how most ponies would feel if this was their first day. TC's mood had changed in a whole knew way in the process. In the beginning he was very frustrated, depressed, basically anything that was hindering him from being the real Thunder Cracker. Then with the aid of very soft hooves all of those things just evaporated and, dissolved in thin air. Once all of that happened one by one TC's body became softer until it was nearly unnoticeable that he was tense earlier. Of course that just signaled that his therapist could finally dig deep into his spine in order to finish this session which fekt really good. During all of this TC had accidentally forgotten that Slipstream was making a whole bunch a noise and, when he did remember she passed out a few seconds after that. Thunder Cracker couldn't believe how far he fell into the relaxation until now.

Sadly after a few minutes Aloe had stopped massaging TC which told him that the session was over. During that time he was able to catch what Softspark had said about the second part of their usual package. He didn't want to leave the massage bench just yet but, also knew that it was only for the best that he moved on to the next activity. So he slowly pushed his upper body up with his front hooves kind of in a push-up motion but, then rolled off the bench on to all fours afterwards. Thunder Cracker slowly trotted over to the hot tub looking at it curiously because of all the random herbs in it. Now his nerves have returned to get the best of him. He didn't want to screw up again trying to do something so simple. So just like with the bench he slowly climbed on the edges of the tub. He gently tapped the water about 5 times with one of his hind legs once he had firm grip of the edge. Everything seemed fine so TC slowly began to dip his bottom half in the water while still watching it carefully. Once half of his body was under water he let go of the tub's edge then turned his body around so he could face forward properly. Once all this drama was done TC calmed down his nerves then continued his comfort as a smile appeared on his muzzle. He looked over at Slipstream noticing that she was still unconscious at the moment and chuckled a liitle. She may wake back up later but, in the mean time TC was going to enjoy himself.

[Dark Star]

Now that both Thunder Cracker and Slipstream had their massages, Softspark was next in line to get rubbed down. She smiled at Lotus Blossom as she hopped up onto the massage bench and got into position. Without losing momentum, Lotus got busy right away, applying the right amount of pressure to the exact points where Softspark's stress points needed them. Just like her namesake, Softspark's moans were hardly even audible, so soft that you could practically feel it in the air. She relaxed every part of her body just fine and simply let the earth pony beautician do her work. Once about ten to twenty minutes passed, Lotus was finished and Softspark felt completely rejuvenated. She nodded gratefully to Lotus and then slowly trotted over to the hot tub, getting in gently as not to disturb Slipstream. 

She dipped a hoof in gingerly, feeling a little startled by the increased sensitivity of her body after a massage. Slowly, she managed to submerge her body up to her neck, closing her eyes and leaning backward, letting out a soft sigh of relief. This had always been her favorite part, the herbal bath treatment. She had always thought highly of the spa ponies for getting to be surrounded by all this every day, being able to help ponies relax after so much stress they go through during their daily lives. It was just one of the things she truly loved about the spa.

Slipstream was soon aroused from her sleep from the feeling of warm water all around her. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing her soft green eyes just behind them. She sat up straight, stretching her front-legs out and then placed both of her shoulders back on the edge of the tub. "It just doesn't get any better than this" she said in a dreamy tone. Softspark let out another dreamy sigh. "It certainly doesn't" she added.

[GEffect]

Thunder Cracker lost all feeling in his body after a while. Well all feeling from half his body to be exact. It did feel rather odd the way that one half is just submerged in a watery heaven and, then the other is just dry and unchanged. He looked back noticing that Softspark was finally getting her turn at the massage benches. TC was more importantly glad that she had a better grip on her nerves than Slipstream did because he was in a very relaxed state to be interupted by loud moaning. As a matter of fact everything till this point has been relatively calm it is just that TC has put way too much pressure on himself during some of those events. That is one of the major problems that he has and, luckily so far the spa is annihilating all the negative influence it has had on Thunder Cracker. He was finally free of his worries and mindset to do things at a crazy standard. If TC had any resemblance to a Canterlot unicorn it would probably be the accidental urges of trying to perfect something that is all ready good enough. Only in rare case has TC gone on a crazy spree trying to make sure a certain thing is perfect or in this case presentable so other will look high upon him. On any other occasion Thunder Cracker is just the same old TC he has been any other time.

However In regards to the 2 ponies TC came to this place with; he nearly forgotten that they were even here. The swishing and swashing sound from some pony else dipping into the water is what broke TC's absent mind. His head jolted a little kind of in a startled fashion then as he looked around the room. He had the face of a pony who some how forgot where they're at in the first place. The orange unicorn's eyelids shut, opened, and then blinked a few times before the vision became clearer for him. Thunder Cracker leaned forward removing his back from the tub wall he was resting against as he regained his focus looking at Softspark. "Oh geez...Are we being cooked in a boil pot right now??" Thunder Cracker was very confused as to why he was in a pool of hot water. It wasn't until the Lotus and Aloe had giggled from his confused question that he remembered where he was. At that exact moment Slipstream had woke up and, then rested against the tub wall like every pony else. The two mares commenting on how great this relaxation was. TC didn't say a word but, his next actions were just as useful. He had slowly sank down off the tub wall and eventually had the water up to his chin. Which cause a few bubbly sounds to emit in the process.