Bad Memories

Two Tone wasn't oblivious to the concept of going to a salon in my Royal Equestria Security Forces (RESF) dreamscape. She went to one at least twice a year to get her coat thinned along with getting her mane and tail trimmed.

However the Shining Pool Spa and Salon was a whole another experience. The zebra never asked what the bill was for the visit, but she was willing to bet it was more than what she spent a month on her apartment rent. The whole thing had the air of a carefully choreographed spectacle where cost was not a concern. Link

After breakfast and her third cup of coffee Two Tone's personal assistant for the day Shining Ray returned with a pegasus who also radiated a similarly aura of disturbing cheerfulness. The Zebra found that she was Chrysalis/Glimmer Gems assistant for the day. Brilliant Skies was her name and Two Tone wasn't sure what her and Shining Ray were taking but she be made illegal. In the zebra's mind nopony should be this happy in the morning.

Hem Line would not be joining the zebra or changeling for the days festivities. "Oh no!" She said with a crisp voice. "Unlike you 2 today this is a work day for me, and if I am have your outfit ready by 6 tonight I cannot afford to lounge around here. Now must be on my way. I'll return around with your outfit around 5:30 so we can do the final adjustments before you leave. Goodbye." Then the unicorn took her leave.

Two Tone and the disguised queen were led out of the atrium and down a hall and into the main part of the salon where a squad of specialist went to work on the 2. Since getting your coat trimmed meant getting undressed the zebra had wisely decided to leave her primary .45 pistol along with it's IWB holster and spare magazine pouches back at her apartment, and she'd already transferred her much smaller, but still .45, backup and spare magazine from the right main pocket of her black leather biker jacket pocket to her purse. Besides from what Two Tone had seen in photos of the outfits mares attending events like tonight's gala wore she'd have no pockets to put anything in anyways.

The routine was similar to other normal visits Two Tone had made to salons. However today's visit had much more pomp and circumstance thickly layered on the whole thing. Enough so that instead of making Two Tone feel pampered it was starting to annoy the mare.

Except for the back massage. Two Tone rrrrreeeeaaaalllyy appreciated that.

However it was when one of the spa assistants started washing her mane that it happened. Two Tone was lying in a reclined salon chair with her head resting over a sink. The zebra was now wearing one of those luxurious fuzzy spa robes. Chrysalis was similarly dressed and was lying in a chair next to the mare. Unlike the zebra the changeling was soaking up the attention.

A young unicorn mare came along and stood near the zebra's head and shoulders. She looked down at her and smiled and turned on the faucet. In a soothing voice she said. "Okay. I'm going to tilt your head back under the water and wet your hair then we'll shampoo it."

With her right hand she started to gently push Two Tone's head under the steady stream of warm water. The combination of overhead studio lighting and the skylight turned the mare into a dark silhouette looming above the zebra–

Suddenly a flood of dark old memories and images surged up. The dark silhouette of a stallion towering over her. Both his hands on her throat as he tried to shove her head beneath the bath water again. His voice thundering in her ears.

"You damn fucking filly! Just drown and die already! You–"

Two Tone's left hand shot up and grabbed the assistant's right wrist as the zebra bolted upright in the salon chair. Her right hand clenched into a fist and she cocked her right arm back in preparation to throw a heavy punch when suddenly the zebra saw the look of terror in the unicorn's eyes. Two Tone froze as the realization of what she almost did came crashing down on her. To her right she heard the calm but firm, commanding voice of Chrysalis.

"Two Tone. You're safe. She's not a threat and means you no harm. Please do not strike her."

The zebra slowly turned her head to the right to find that changeling rising from her salon chair and getting to her hooves. Her assistant was frozen in place as well. The changeling didn't even need to scan to identify the emotion that the zebra projecting.

Fear and terror. Desperate life and death fear. It was fear that was deeply intertwined with this mare's psyche. Fear that had been a constant partner for this zebra for many years. Without breaking her gaze with the zebra the changeling came along and gently cupping her left hand around Two Tone's still clenched fist. "I am here Two Tone. You're safe." She repeated.

Gently she intertwined fingers of her right hand with the zebra's. Then she slowly lowered her right arm. Not letting go of her right hand the queen slowly reached across and carefully pried Two Tone's left hand fingers free from the assistant's right forearm. For a just moment she broke her gaze with the zebra and looked over at the petrified unicorn. Making eye contact the queen a small head gesture for the mare to step back. With trembling steps the assistant moved back a few feet.

With the immediate situation defused the Chrysalis let go of Two Tone's left arm and then gently leaned the zebra back down on the salon chair. Taking advantage of a stool next the zebra's chair she sat down and rested her hand gently on the mare's shoulder. With a practiced smile, a casual voice, and her horn gently glowing she spoke.

"Yes, yes. It obvious you needed this day marefriend. You're wound up tighter than clock spring! Just put the last week behind you and let yourself be pampered by these fine, hard working ladies. Okay?"

The zebra looked the disguised changeling in the eyes and silently nodded her head. The queen patted her on the shoulder and then rose and stepped over to the assistant who standing their trembling. With a practiced grace and centuries of lying she whispered softly in the unicorn's ear. "The war was not kind to her, and well she's coming out of a very, very bad relationship. Let me help you wash her hair. Okay?"

The assistant looked her in the eyes and swallowed. Then she and said. "Yes. That would be appreciated." The queen smiled and let her magic help the mare relax. With that accomplished Chrysalis looked over assistant and smiled.

"If you don't mind I want be by my friend's side while your coworker washes her head. You can wash my hair once we're done here. Will that be a problem?" The changeling's horn was still glowing slightly.

Chrysalis's assistant looked down at Two Tone and then back at her. "Of course. I'll take care you afterwards."

Chrysalis smiled. Thank you.