A Date with a Sage (Geffect-Bron3 and CableZ)

[Dark Star]

Morning Sun trotted along the dew-covered grass as he approached his new workplace; a tea shop held by his new employer, Jasmine Soul, the self-proclaimed tea sage. He was skeptical about what would happen during his first day on the job, but considering the only thing to do was provide tea and other snacks, there wasn't any reason to think it was difficult. He was great with ponies, after all. 

But of course...there was Jazz himself. 

"Good morning, my child, I thank you for acting early" Jazz greeted, standing on his left fore-hoof with all his other limbs pointed out in the air. 

Jazz had this highly...well, as Sun would put it, "whack-job" persona that really put a lot of others off. How it was even possible for this stallion here to be considered a sage was beyond him, he still figured he had put something into his tea to make others think that. 

"Morning, Boss" Sun greeted as cheerily as he could fake. The fact that he worked for this nutjob was something else to think about as he got started behind the counter. 

"So...Where's Pillow Tock?" Sun asked as he looked around for his co-worker, a pillow-sized hippogriff with a serious sleeping disorder. 

"I sent the little creature downtown to spread the word a little more, he's likely going to be out there all day long" Jazz touched back down on all fours and gave his long mane a flip. 

"Well...I guess we should get started on brewing, eh?" Sun feigned another smile. The sage smiled and nodded before heading into the back with a glazed-over look in his eyes. 

---

Some hours later, Slipstream was cheerily fluttering low to the ground while doing the occasional flip. Not only was this the opening day of the new tea shop in town, it was also a chance for her to meet a sage. Ever since she had first found out about them, she immediately wanted to meet one, and now, she and her lover-Thunder Cracker-had the chance to do it. She had asked him out the night before, and he seemed enthusiastic enough to give it a shot. 

The young mare touched down just outside his door and gave the wood a whimsical tapping, keeping a wide smile on her face. 

[GEffect]

“Such a standard morning; come on Ponyville bring something exciting!” a certain orange stallion remarked while tiredly walking into the living room. Sometimes the morning time isn’t always the best to this go getter. Well lots of drama is building up in his life so he has his reasons. Good ones at least. First and foremost ThunderCracker was on his off work day. He wasn’t opening up shop today so that scratches of work completely; hooray! The main reason why he did that was because Slipstream is coming by to take him somewhere. Where exactly that was he forgot, due to post-sleep mind wipe. What does that mean? It means TC is too tired to worry about going anywhere. Sadly life doesn’t take no for an answer so he got ready anyway. Now he was in the kitchen, blankly looking around the area as if he has never been here before.

Literally just standing there not saying a single word and, swiping the room with his beautiful pink eyes. Until finally; *blink!* there goes the light bulb of instant memories. "Oh that's right.” One simple phrase to jog the announcement the ideal moments of memory jogging; beautiful isn’t it? ThunderCracker walked over and, filled the sink with cold water and, then turned to walk over to the magical box of keeping things fresh. Seriously that is what his mom put as a label on the exact item that in the modern world is known as: The refrigerator. She was always a goofball at times but, when she got into her strict mom moods EVERYBODY acted right. Ah; sweet sweet memories.


TC ended his short term daydreaming and, opened up the freezer compartment. After a quick search he grabbed the bag of ice and, set them on the table. He opened up the bag and, poured some cubed ice in the sink of cold water. After letting it sit for a while ThunderCracker then dived his head in the water and, held it there. *sploosh!*

After a minute or so he lifted his head back up gasping for air. The good news is he was wide awake now like he hoped. The bad news is that he has to do his mane again now. “TC my friend you are a genius.” he commented to himself before drying his face and, mane with a free clean towel. Then not wanting to waste his time he cantered back up stairs and, into the bathroom to fix what he messed up. It took some decent minutes of effort for ThunderCracker to get himself back in his shining moment of appearance. As he was heading back down to get something to eat, those gloried knocks at the door halted him. With a smile he trotted over and, peered through the provided peeping hole. Cyan hide...Cyan hide EVERYWHERE! Oh wait that is Slipstream; cool.

He unlocked the door and, opened it completely to reveal his one and only, greeting him with a wide smile. “What’s up babe?” he asked in a tone as if he had no idea why she would be here, even though he did. TC pretended to check the time from an nonexistent watch. “Thats a new record time you are getting too used to this. Looking great as usual by the way.” he joked/complimented shortly after. TC then stepped outside finally and, closed the door behind him. Then gave his joyful love a returning smile.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream giggled and nuzzled her lover gently upon first meeting. There was something about him that was also so charming, so nice to be in the presence of. Really, Slipstream just loved him for the way he was. Then again, she could also have simply been a hopeless romantic who would gladly take anyone that she could get. Either way, it was certainly a nice feeling that she always got when she was around him. 

"Nice ta see ya too, babe" she answered. While she certainly didn't mind being called "babe" herself, she did find it a little weird from time to time when he did so. 

"You're looking pretty good yourself, but I can't help but notice how cold your face feels. What, didja dip your face in ice water or something?" she continued, chuckling to herself at the idea of him actually doing that. Even Slipstream herself wouldn't be stupid enough to do something like that. 

"Anyway, all kidding aside, let's get going. This new tea shop in town just opened up and we gotta get some sweet seats" Slipstream stated before turning back towards the town, her wings eagerly flapping with her excitement. 

Sensing the obvious question coming a mile away, Slipstream craned her neck over to look Thunder Cracker in the eye. 

"Why, you ask? To get the guidance of the legendary tea sage, of course!" she answered with a small hop into the air, her wings happily buzzing as she circled around him. "So, let's get going!" the pegasus added as she pushed TC forward to get him going.  

[GEffect]

Now that the other link to this gradually interesting morning was connected. The two of them should be able to advance pretty well from this point onward. TC tried his best to keep a straight face even though, the wind was making his face feel extremely below normal temperature. He was starting to regret sticking his head in ice cold water again.

Sure enough Slipstream saw right through his failing efforts. Thinking fast ThunderCracker first faked a small laugh but, then immeadiatly came clean afterwards. "I wasn't exactly engerized this morning so actually I did take a short dip. Just to wake me up." It would be crummy to start the day off lying about something so miniscule.

Fortunate enough for him the thought of getting a move on would change the subject anyway. He watched as Slipstream willingly turned around ready to lead the way, followed by some eagar wing flapping. Well isn't that cute. TC didn't join her quite yet though.

He was about to ask why they are going to a tea parlor, shop, stand, whatever, but she reacted before him; revealing the intention of meeting somekind of legendary sage. ThunderCracker was full of theories but, Slipstream didn't want to wait as she literally pushed him into gear. This made the unicorn chuckle as he quickly regained his ground to avoid falling over as he walked ahead. "Ok, ok. Wow; Slipstream you are really that psyched about this." he commented while looking back.

Leaving his questions behind TC kept a subtle pace so they could venture together. Maybe this sage might actually be worth visiting who knows? Whatever keeps Slipstream happy.

[Dark Star]

It hand't taken long for the cafe to get some customers. There were some interesting faces here and there, but Jazz was more focused on taking care of the orders coming in, Sun lending a helping hoof when he could. After a little bit, they had gotten into a good rhythm between taking an order, brewing it, then bringing it to the table where it was ordered. Even if Sun had never worked with him before, he managed to find a way to make things work. 

---

Just outside, Slipstream was happily leading Thunder Cracker towards the door when another familiar face descended right then and there. 

"Oh, hi there, you two" Hummingbird greeted with a smile. 

"'Sup, Hummingbird?" Slipstream greeted back. Meeting her at a place like this was expected, just not in the way that she had hoped. 

"Well, it is the opening day after all. I mostly just want to see the tea sage in action though" 

"Nice, that's why we're here too!" 

A short giggle outside, followed by a door opening later, and the trio of ponies had managed to find a decent seat near the back of the shop, noting the large space with a couple of throw pillows just beyond that. 

---

Sun was mainly handling things in the back during the time the others had entered in. Needless to say, it was quite the surprise to suddenly see them sitting in the back. The poor stallion nearly dropped the tray he was holding up, he was so surprised. He rushed right over to his employer-whom of which had just gotten finished standing on his head at the request of a customer-and dragged him off towards the back. 

"I take it there is a problem you did not expect?" Jazz questioned, his inner gears already turning.

"A couple of friends of mine are out there, and I really don't want them to see me. Any chance I could get the day off?" Sun tried. Considering how reasonable Jazz had always managed to be, this should've turned out just like-

"No"

"...What?"

"It's exactly as I said. You are not allowed to leave during this time" Jazz elaborated, an unusually serious look adorning his features. 

"Have you been holding out on drinking tea or something, how can you not be so easy-going when I actually need your help?" 

"I'm a businessman first, and a sage second, Morning Sun. While I do believe that money and other such materialistic possessions are unnecessary, I can't deny that I wouldn't be able to live properly without food, supplies, or shelter, all of which can be gotten easiest when you have money" 

Sun couldn't even recognize the stallion standing before him right now. It was bad enough that he had managed to completely take him by surprise, it was worse to see that he-a sage-had sold out to...well, the grossing industry. What kind of self-respecting sage took the easy route over the natural route?

"A smart one, that's the kind" Jazz answered. Once again, Sun had to question whether or not this guy could read minds. 

---

"And so the doctor says, 'Wait, if this is my thermometer, then where'd I just put my quill?'" Slipstream just finished up a rousing story about a little medical mishap she had heard about. Hummingbird was a little apprehensive to laugh at something so tragic, but she couldn't help but find the idea of a quill being stuck where the sun doesn't shine quite humorous. 

It was around this time where Sun-against his will-came up to them. Slipstream and Hummingbird both stopped their laughing and just stared at him, completely wide-eyed for a short moment before turning their gazes towards each other. 

"So...What can I get you three today?" Sun asked, trying to get the ball rolling. 

"A time machine so that we could show you from the past what you'd become after calling the tea sage "a load of hooey'" Slipstream deadpanned, a wide grin on her face. 

"Can we please just put that behind us?"

"All things considered, no"

Sun just groaned, trying all his might not to whack his face against the table. 

"If it helps, Sun, I'll have a cup of barley tea and an order of biscuits and honey"

"Got'cha..." Sun scribbled down the information as quick as he could for an earth pony with a pen in his mouth. 

"Same here, Sunny" Slipstream teasingly winked, further adding to Sun's annoyance. 

[CableZ]

For a pony who didn't technically live within the town of Ponyville, being given the brief by his publisher to write a travellers guide to the merry little town was a somewhat perplexing endeavour. Sat within a small park with a notepad nearly brimming with notes, reviews, critiques, guides and maps, a large dark pony rose an eyebrow at how he was going to arrange all of this. He figured talking about various hotspots in the town would cover a decent section, but he was weighing up putting in a new store into this guide because you never knew how things would go with the state of business. Dread Lock had been to a few stores today, he pondered where to head next as he took a bite of a lovely muffin that he'd bought to satisfy his modest sweet tooth. He decided to pick one newly opened store to look into to point out the developing area of Ponyville, but once again mentioning the aspect of not technically living within Ponyville meant that he had nothing approaching a clue on what store to do that on.

As he polished off his muffin and slid his notepad back into his satchel bags while throwing away the muffin case in a nearby bin, Dread looked around for a moment. He'd been in the town enough times that he should be able to recognize a new store, although there was that ever so slight worry that he'd just go in a store he'd not seen before and think it was new. He walked down the street, glancing at various different store fronts with inspecting eyes that hoped to spot something that might indicate a new store. Luckily for the tendril haired pony, he then spotted a convenient flier on a nearby public notice board with the large block letters of "new" written across it. Approaching with his usually cold face, he looked over some of the fliers and soon determined that there was a new nearby tea shop.

It didn't take much to find the shop, he'd gotten lost so often in this town that he was pretty familiar with the layout of things. He soon noticed the pokey little shop with tables around outside and generally a pleasantly arranged surrounding to it all. Dread would have smiled if it were in his nature, instead he simply walked over rather directly and pushed the door open, noting the heat and smell from the store that hit him immediately. Aromatic would be a word to describe it, while Dread had never minded much about tea he could at least appreciate it. Looking around, he was unsure if he were to sit down and have his order taken or head over to the counter, seeing a pony taking down notes in front of a group, Dread hoped that meant what he thought it meant as he took a corner seat at one of the smaller tables. Pulling his notebook from his satchel after taking the bag off, Dread flipped his head a bit to get the dreads out of his face as be began to jot down notes.

~~

In all the world and with all you know, there is one simple immutable truth.

Avoid getting in the way of Quip Crack.

Now this was no threatening notion, it was one to protect both your personal safety and free time. Ponies had learned that you swiftly got wrapped up in some improbable adventure that came from no where and ended just as swiftly, one pony had moved out of Ponyville after getting embroiled in an international political affair and having to impersonate an envoy to the Dragon lands after he said good morning to the masked pony. The locals really liked the manic pony, he was friendly, fun and brought joy to many. However he was still fairly unpredictable, the kind of thoughts that you got when you saw a mask like his were generally on the money for the most part. He was out and about today, while some were used to seeing him hop about on his pogo stick in a impressive display of acrobatics prowess, today was a little different..

A series of thunder hooves could be heard coming from ceilings and attics across Ponyville, a systemic flurry of hoof steps rattled on surface. The speeds that they seemed to be moving at was an impressive rush. There was confusion abundant around the town as ponies tried to figure out what the source of the sound was, that is until somepony spotted a figure running across rooftops and leaping over walls and other such things. The art of parkour from Prance was not an unknown idea in Equestria, it was just a little rare to see. The figure leapt from a rooftop, sustaining a delayed back flip as he plummeted down the toward the ground. The slow rotation in the air completed just as the pony's hooves slammed into the ground as he rushed into a forward roll, never losing momentum.

Impressive to all who saw it, many ooh's and ahh's were heard as the pony rushed surged off in ways unseen to most. After kicking off a wall, the figure began spinning around in the air as they did several forward flips as they rotated in like, six different ways. This happened to be right in front of Jasmine Soul's humble little tea shop. The pony landed with a stomp down on the ground, his legs giving way slightly under the weight of the landing pony, before he stood back up tall and proud. The pony in question was facing away from the window so it was difficult to see their face. Although when the pony turned around, it was no easier to see their face when there was a metal mask stuck on the front of where their face should be. Creepy though it was, there was a clown like nature to the pony, the purple unkempt hair and the bubbly and happy way he walk/skipped toward the door of the tea shop.

As Quip approached the door of the tea shop, he went out of view for a moment due to the angle and door frame getting in the way. However the door never opened, he just seemed to disappear. That is until a voice was heard near the counter.

"Hello my good vendor of hot water and leaf, do you serve ice tea here?" Came a happy, slightly high pitched and giggly voice.

Quip seemed to have materialized near the counter, no one ever even saw him enter.

[GEffect]

As the two ponies made their journey; TC took the time to find some kind of a reason to be excited. He didn’t want to be a killjoy so, this was crucial to him. As a first resource he decided to let the excitement come to him after some thoughts were brewed up. He can’t force such a thing, especially at a time like this. Living in Ponyville for so long he is used to the scenery like any other local civilian around here. Right now there was nothing else to look forward to besides a wonderful afternoon with Slipstream and, tea.


He didn’t bring his saddle bags which are normally filled with certain essential items. He also didn’t bring his headphones, there was nothing that he took with him besides an open mind. Just him and, his morals. Yet; he still felt as if something about him was off. Where was that nifty little spark in his attitude? What happened to the a TC that can brighten a day in so many different ways you’d figure he is happy all the time naturally. He seriously felt distorted and, unnatural in some way. So what changed? It was a concerning matter but, right now he can’t afford to worry about personal problems. Not this early.


Along the way towards the Tea Shop; more so as right before they actually went inside. The couple had ran across HummingBird along the way there.  It sure was an unexpected encounter. Its like they played a real life slot machine game to regulate when a random friend is going to pop out of nowhere and, greet them. Seriously if Arion or, anyone else of their numerous list of friends arrives and, joins them TC is going to think some kind of left over spell is causing all of this.


Well maybe he was over exaggerating here but, it was weird to him for some reason and, decided to come up with some kind of explanation to at least relax his mind. However just to be civil, TC flashed his signature inviting smile, as the pop star started up a mini conversation as to where they were headed. He gave a short wave of the hoof to say hello too and, let Slipstream do all the talking from there. Seeing as HummingBird was inevitably going to the same place anyhow it all works out he guessed. The trio finally entered the shop after that short meeting, opening up their views to this whole new addition to the Ponyville world.


First off, everything looked so...relaxing. By stepping inside alone ThunderCracker’s body already switched into a state of being totally chilled out. A small smile began to form at this point as he thought about what to do. He doesn’t really know too much about tea so he would have to rely on the mares for guidance. Taking their desired seats ThunderCracker spent most of his time enjoying the scenery of the entire shop.


During which he didn’t even notice that Morning Sun had walked up to them until he had started taking their orders. “Looks like somepony got a new job.” TC commented with a smirk. Maybe this line of work will suit Sun. Who knows? His business is strictly that anyway. So for the time being TC thought about what to get. He pondered a little, wishing there was a menu of some sort. In about a minute or two he found at least one thing to ask for. “If there is any sweet tea, I suppose that will do for me.” It would only be a short while before TC got distracted again. Mostly about the rumored legendary sage. As a matter of fact where was this sage Slipstream was talking about? Does he even work here? Surely it couldn’t just be Morning Sun running around for the whole shift.

Just then another pony walked in. A stallion with a very long, drooping mane. TC didn’t stare at him, it was more of a slightly longer glance. This new appearance simply sat at a table and, started fiddling with a notebook. TC had all that he wanted to see at that point and, left the stallion to his business. But, weird things just keep popping up. Then there was a miniscule rumbling outside the shop. TC barely felt the force of it but, his ears picked it up perfectly. He didn’t turn to look at the door until the hoofsteps sounded as if they were getting closer to the entrance. He expected to hear a smoosh of the door letting out all the air and, being pushed open but, it seemed to never happen. He started at the entrance hard waiting to see who caused the rumbling but, that process was interrupted as a sudden gigglish voice broke his concentration. The voice was faint muffled by what could be a mask. TC was so confused who did this stallion even get in here?


So many questions to ask. TC leaned over to Slipstream and, whispered in her ear. “Am I the only one noticing a random stallion suddenly appear in front of the counter? Please tell me I’m not seeing things.” ThunderCracker was fully concerned. First no sage, and now this teleporting stallion? And, what's with dark, long, and moody over there? TC was freaking out a little on the inside but, he calmed himself down eventually. The last thing he needs is to cause problems that way he doesn’t embarrass himself and, his friends. Still; things were getting very odd in here.

[Dark Star]

Jazz had started happily brewing some tea, humming a merry little tune as he worked. So far, so good. Pretty much everything had managed to come up roses, there weren't any real problems to worry about. If anything, maybe this was a sign that-

*CRASH*

Sun went wide-eyed and ran straight back towards the brewing area. There, he found the sage quivering over a broken teapot. He was shaking like a leaf, ironic as it was. 

---

Back at the table, the girls had been wondering what may have happened. All things considered, it was probably just some mishap in the back and they didn't need to worry about it. What they did have to worry about however, was a tall, dark and rather gloomy looking stallion had just stepped in through the door and taken his seat. 

"What's with that guy, ya wonder?" Slipstream whispered. 

"Is it possible he's one of those ponies you mentioned from Nocturne's Valley?" Hummingbird wondered. She had heard about how ponies with pitch-black coats were usually ones born in that area, and even how Slipstream and a couple of others went there on one trip, but didn't think she'd ever get the chance to meet one outside of Dark Star or Midnight Scar. 

"Probably not. This guy doesn't look like he'd fit in, even there" Slipstream responded.

---

Sun had just brought an arm around his boss' shoulders and bringing him back up, the poor sage clutching his head in pain. 

"What's going on here, Jazz?" Sun asked, concerned. 

"I can sense...a black sheep coming here" Jazz answered in a very serious voice, almost as if he had been brought to the gates of Tartarus. Sun merely looked at him as though he were huffing paint fumes. 

"...Maybe I should handle the tea brewing for now, boss. I think you might be getting too much in here" Sun patted his worried employer's back and sent him on his way, then proceeded to take care of his friends' orders. 

Naturally, Jazz had known better than to assume he was crazy. The tea leaves and fumes never lied to him, not ever. His only premonition was that if he stayed where he was, a great disaster would befall him. Looking around, he found all of his customers, his followers had remained. Of course, there was also a rather intimidating one sitting in the corner. He was fussing about with a notepad, which actually made him worry further. 

Naturally, he knew better than to judge a book by its cover. He could already feel a depressed aura about him, almost as though there was something driving him forward in such a negative way. Just looking at him made him feel depressed, so he unknowingly started pouring some tea. While it was mostly to comfort him during such a time, it was also just what he needed to calm his nerves. 

A much-needed sip later, and the sage felt his heart nearly sink at the feeling of dread suddenly appearing. The next voice he heard requested some iced tea, and when he turned to face it, he found a masked pony standing right in front of the counter. The feeling of dread lessened slightly, but he had still kept his guard up. Reaching for a glass and a pitcher, Jazz nodded and smiled towards his unusual customer. He could see many problems in this pony's past, something emotionally scarring or mentally disturbing that would drive him into hiding behind the mask. Just as he finished pouring it, he suddenly thought about changing his name and getting a new career in therapy. 

"Here. Normally, it's three bits, though for you, I'll drop it down to two" Jazz stated as he kept eye contact with the masked figure. 

[CableZ]

Quip looked down at the cooled glass containing the conicindentally cooled liquid for a moment, he then looked back at Jasmine for a moment. Being that it was impossible to gauge what his reaction was due to the slab of metal strapped to his face. Moving a bit of his purple fringe out of his psuedo face, Quip was quiet for a moment before picking up the glass.

"Why? I don't know if you noticed this but I'm wearing a mask. Why would you drop your price for a masked pony like myself?"

From nowhere, Quip pulled out an overly elaborate silly straw and began sipping at his drink through some unseen method as he put the end of the straw to his faceplate. He also pulled out a colourful hat with a little bell on the end and put it atop his head, with no indication as to where he'd actually gotten these things from. Sipping the drink with a happy smile beneath his happy mask as he put down three bits on the counter.

~~

Dread Lock looked around the store, his eyes wandering to various aspects before jotting down notes. He felt it better to not let the owners know he was reviewing their stores to determine if they should be in the travel guide, well actually he'd been told by his publicist and she had to spend twenty minutes explaining to him why. Still, he'd done a fairly decent job so far. He did however want to try this place, he wondered if they served pastries, but that felt like more of a coffee place's thing.

The dark pony was no connoisseur of this kind of thing, he thought maybe that's why he might have been chosen to write this guide, since he had no perspective on anything at all. Or it could just have been that he was expendable and got the job done. He still sat there, wondering if he was meant to have his order taken, frankly if it was he was getting pretty bored of waiting.

[GEffect]

ThunderCracker was a little on the uneasy side. Yet he was doing better. He started the day off wrong thats it. Now if only he could get his tea. Then he could relax and, actually enjoy himself. Who would expect an ethusiastic, wild, and outgoing DJ/Drummer to get all bent out of shape at a tea shop? Man he is going to have to drop by at the spa after this...

But, before he could dwell too deep into his thoughts there was a loud crashing noise in the inner portions of the shop. TC's ears shot up as his attention was grabbed just like everyone else. Well, everyone being Slipstream and, HummingBird for that matter. Thats when the subject of Dark Star's homeland come by. Naturally TC had no recognition of such a place besides its name. He just listened for the time being. He couldn't help feel that these comments were kind of judgmental in a way. Those thoughts alone sparked his need to give a few words. "Don't you think that is a bit harsh Slipstream? Looks aren't everything," he commented. "But, It can certainly go a long way." he added after, giving a short glance again.

Ignoring the subject TC turned his attention to look at the mask wearing stallion over at the counter. Wait is he drinking tea with the mask on? How is that even possible?! In all honesty this is actually pretty cool. Now that he thinks about it TC wants to learn how to do that. What was with this guy anyway? Is he some kind of magician? Clown? Performer?...paradox? Well whatever he was; him and that colorful hat are becoming slightly more interesting. Maybe this won't be as bad afterall.

[Dark Star]

Jazz practically had to bite back his tongue to keep from saying something he shouldn't. Normally, he didn't mind chatting to those who needed help, but this pony...This pony seemed as though he were beyond help, even from him. With that in mind, he just kept his distance while he could and avoided eye contact. 

"My apologies for thinking such, but I merely thought you were...troubled, as it were. Judging from the mask you wear, I can only assume that something troubling occurred to you during your past. You were scarred by that event, and as such, decided to hide all of your trauma behind that mask. I understand if I'm being out of line here, but this is simply the only real reason you would wear that. Forgive my rambling, I'm a bit of a analytic type when it comes to others"

Jazz explained himself carefully, each word making absolutely sure not to overstep any boundaries. He wanted to help ease the troubles of the soul before him, but he first needed to know if there were any troubles to soothe in the first place. Even if he didn't want to, he'd still be obligated to track him down on account of his nature.  

---

Sun had just taken out a tray for his friends, filled with everything they had ordered. He wondered a bit about whether or not Jazz would be okay, but needed to focus on his own job first. 

"Alright everyone, here you go" Sun stated with a fixed smile as he set the tray down carefully. 

"So, what's the damage, Sunny?" Slipstream asked, fluttering her eyelids cutely. 

"Twenty-five bits in total" Sun responded. Before anyone could even blink, Slipstream brought a bit pouch out of nowhere and payed the man before them. 

"Might wanna take care o' that guy over there in the corner" Slipstream took a moment to take a sip of tea, "He looks like some kind of important critic or something" she continued with a satisfied grin. 

Sun glanced over from the corner of his eye and found a rather unique-looking pony writing things down on a notepad. Opening day and they already had to deal with a critic; just perfect. At least he didn't have to deal with the obvious headcase at the counter. 

[CableZ]

The iced tea became a fine misty spray as Quip could barely contain his laughter at what the pony behind the counter said. He fell down to his side as he couldn't stop his uncontrollably giggling and guffawing at something seemed to be the funniest thing that anypony had ever mentioned. Quip laughed and laughed and laughed until he had to gasp for each breath. He planted his hooves on the counter and pulled himself up weakly as he let out a few chuckles as he tried to compose himself, having to support himself on the counter by clinging on with his arms. He raised a hoof and wiped unseen tears from the eyepiece of the mask as he giggled.

"That is the funniest thing I've heard in a while, thanks for that." Quip let out a happy sigh, until he saw the face of Jasmine and then chuckled a little weakly.

Standing back up properly he waited for a moment and then rose an eyebrow.

"Wait, you're serious?" He asked, not really believing it. "OH!" He said in a pained and dramatic tone.

Quip's legs weakened again as he dramatically fell, halting his fall by leaning against the counter as he rested his foreleg against his forehead dramatically. "You're right, I hide behind this mask to hide the most traumatic event in my life. You've seen through me, you see the scared little colt behind the mask. I can't-" He couldn't quite finish that sentence as be began giggling again.

He composed himself a little quicker than the first time, laughing more at Jasmine this time instead of with him. Letting out another exhale with a happy tone, he shook his head as he stood up again.

"Truth is, the reaaal dirty secret is." Quip looked around for a moment. "The reason I wear the mask is.." He gestured for Jasmine to get closer. "I wear the mask so that..." He leaned in a little closer. "I wear it because I'm always smiling!" He giggled as he took another sip of his iced tea.

Quip picked the glass up before swiftly letting go of it and planting his hooves on the counter, pressing off them and leaping into the air. Now any sensible pony would assume it would fall and break on the ground.As Quip's entire body rotated in the air, he seemed to rotate around the point in which the glass was currently falling. It was a testament to his speed and skill than when he landed a few steps back away from the counter and caught the glass before it had barely moved an inch.

"Ta daaa." he laughed, his tone just made you imagine that he winked, even if you couldn't see it.

With that, Quip spotted an empty table at the edge of the tea store. A lovely looking padded seat pressed back against the wall, with a happy giggle he made his way over. Another spectacle followed as he cartwheeled over to the chair, the glass swapping between hooves as he did so, holding it with his forehoves and actually balancing it on the flat of his back hooves as he made his movements like a perfect wheel. With one last kick off the ground, both the glass and Quip were launched into the air. Another tense moment as the laws of probability seemed to dictate that what would follow would be a smashed glass and a pony with broken legs. Instead, with perfect timing, both the glass and Quip landed at the same time. The glass landed first, then the ice, then the tea followed quickly by the straw. Quip landed in the chair, in a perfect seated position with his legs crossed. He held his fore hooves out like he was holding something, but nothing was there obviously. Just then, a newspaper softly floated from the ceiling, fluttering in the breeze and it curved in it's path through the air, catching the air in just the right way that it landed perfect in Quip's hooves. Giving the paper a quick flick to straiten out the pages, Quip then began reading the paper, as if nothing had ever happened.

~~

Dread Lock just watched this scene, rose an eyebrow then simply went back to his notes as he waited to be served.

[GEffect]

So far so good. Within an elasped time of about 15 minutes total possibly. Morning Sun in all of his shiny blond glory came back with a readied tray of beverages. TC gladly took his and, sipped it for the first taste. He would rather chug it down just because but, with tea as great as this? It would be worth savoring it in his opinion. "Thanks a bunch Sun. Or should I call you waiter? Don't want to embarass you on your first day now would I?" He smugly teased. All in all TC might be sparking some mischief in that crafty brain of his.

However this wasn't the best part. Now it was time to bask in a whole new level of entertainment. For that masked pony was starting to perform feats you wouldn't believe to be true. ThunderCracker was astonished to tell the truth. All he needed was a secondary wake up call and, poof he got his thrill factor back. He watched as the masked pony and, the glass of tea was flung to and fro with amazing unison. The sync of everything was so on point to where you knew this pony was skilled. Then came the finale as the masked pony flipped into his seat in the most odd of ways. Everything in the cup was intact. But, what was the skilled stallion holding his fore-hooves out for?

Just then TC caught sight of the random newspaper falling down. ThunderCracker was doubting it would but, the paper actually feathered down right into the pony's hooves. No. Way. Its offical: Earth Ponies are awesome. TC smiled as he turned to the mares. "Did you see that? You saw it right?" He asked not sure what to say quite frankly. TC was done waiting for something to do. He had questions to ask. So in that case he took one good gulp of tea before getting up and, walking over to the masked stallion. He stood there for a few seconds, getting a good look at him before actually saying anything. "Hey I don't mean to bother you but, do you mind explaining how you did that? That was really cool to say the least. The name is ThunderCracker by the way." Not the best greeting but, TC was still sort of mindblown as if he just met a famous pony or something. So he had to do the best he could to act somewhat civalized he supposed.

[Dark Star]

Jazz, Sun, and the others all just stood still, slack-jawed at this strange...harlequin-esque pony. Jazz was the one who was mostly shocked over it though. Either his hunch was off, of this guy simply had way more issues than he let on. Either way, he seemed quite happy when he was flipping about like a living cartwheel. He even managed to juggle the glass and produce a newspaper from somewhere.

Slipstream just bumped Sun in the shoulder, which almost wound up breaking it. Sun didn't seem to notice it though, and instead continued to stare.

"Dude, that just happened..." Slipstream breathed, stating it rather than questioning it.

"Incredible" Hummingbird wanted to applaud the pony's skills. The only thing keeping her from doing so was that she didn't want to make any more of a scene. "I don't think I've seen something like that since the one time I was on Equestria's Got Talent" she continued, still in awe about the individual. 

"I know right, what do you think, babe?" Slipstream asked, then looked to find an empty chair. "Babe?"

Sun smirked at how TC worked on the cartwheeler and just got back to work, reveling in the thought that Slipstream's acrobatics finally got bested in public. He headed over to the dreadlock-maned pony and pulled out his own notepad. 

"Welcome to the Jasmine Vibe, I'm Morning Sun. How may we serve you today?" he asked, turning on his own level of charm. When you live in Trottingham long enough, you learn to really schmooze the masses when you need to. Sun just kept his eyes on the prize and didn't let the ideas of a...critic change...'Oh, crud' Sun thought as he suddenly realized his own mistake. Trying to charm someone into getting a better tip, that was just low. Only the seediest places he could think of would sink so low. He just kept his grin and thought horribly of himself as he looked the other stallion in the eye.

---

Jazz merely kept to himself as he calmly brewed a bit more tea. Seeing as how he could use something else to help him relax, he lit another stick of incense. It wasn't as if the building reeked of it already, so having just another burning stick would help out. Then again, maybe he just needed to offer some guidance to someone. No, that would just make the problem worse. 

For better or worse, Jazz simply headed over to the back of the room, then sat down on his pillow. Once he got himself comfortable, he merely closed his eyes and let the essence of the universe take over from there. 

[CableZ]

Quip let go of the tension on his paper as he looked over the paper at this new pony, you could almost see him raise an eyebrow from the silence. He then chuckled soflty as he folded the paper into a Ferris wheel as if he were simply folding it up and putting it down.

"Don't worry about it, I wasn't even reading it." He laughed in his typically bubbly manner. "Explain it though? Why would I explain it? I did what I did because I do what I do and when I do what I did I do it because I can did it." Quip said with a giggle. "I appreciate the compliment though, lets me know I'm still good at my job." Quip said with an implied wink.

Noticing the group at the nearby table, Quip leaned forward to get a better view for a moment before sitting with with a snigger.

"Cute little group..Allow me to introduce myself." Quip hopped up from his seat and bowed his head down as how took his hat off and bowed with it. "Quip T. Crack, international performer and.." Quip stood back up as he put his hat back atop his head as he thought for a moment. "huh, no that's about it. I'm Quip...no one else." He sounded disappoint for a moment. "So! What can I do you for...I want to say Bunder Takker?"

~~

Dread Lock meanwhile looked up at at Morning sun with a cold stare that froze the heart and soul within a pony. He meant nothing harsh by it, he just didn't really know better. He didn't know enough about emotions or feelings to be able to decipher facial expression meaning, let alone control his own. He gave Sun the old death stare for a moment before glancing over to the chalk board with the types of tea and stuff they sold here, he didn't really know much of anything about tea so it was all gibberish to him.

"Uh, could you perhaps bring me what ever's best? I don't really drink tea." Dread Lock said with a sigh.