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

[GEffect]

The most memorable moment at any point is always when Morning Sun and, Slipstream get into arguments about who knows what. It never really mattered if one of them started it or, both had equal give and take. Usually it leads to some level of hurt pride/feelings and, or the occasional punch from Slipstream. Are they entertaining? Not really. Only when they don’t get passed the levels of average bickering. When things get heated it is always recommended to end it early. So in that case HummingBird get a gold star for good instincts or, whatever it is cheap teachers reward good students nowadays.


ThunderCracker himself was a little short this time. He was going to stop it himself but, seeing as Hummingbird had it under control he kept his thoughts to himself. Instead he let out a low sigh of relief and, moved on. Yet he couldn’t help but, think that was all Sun’s doing this time. Was that a biased opinion? Possibly. Whatever; he needed to get back to the conversation at hand and, luckily he did it now or, else he would have missed the part where Hummingbird is actually living next door to Slipstream. Well that  is all for good measure right? His mind started thinking of what could possibly be going on in that part of town when he isn’t there. Hmm; he will have to wonder about it later before he gets lost and left behind.


Now about that reporter, critic, dreadlock guy. Hmm, lets call him Dready. No that won’t work ok then its just Dreadlock. Anyway when Dreadlock gave a basic clue of what he wanted to ask TC tilted his head a little. It was because of how he said it. Why did he say it in such a tone? Or any tone for that matter. There was no real problem here it was only an unexpected type of response TC wasn't used to. ThunderCracker considered that he was focused or something and, left it as that. At least Quip broke the ice by letting the guy sit down too. Wait where did that chair come from? No, no TC wasn’t going to break his concentration again, for the fifth or sixth time. So he dropped it then and now.

He listened out for the first question and, by its context ThunderCracker couldn’t given too much elaboration towards this. However he did try.

“To be honest I did even know about a new arriving store until my marefriend told me and, asked me to come here with her. So I suppose half of that is up to her opinion. As for my thoughts on the shop itself I’d say it looks good and, has a nice relaxing feel to it, sorta as if you stepped into a spa.

However maybe progress would flourish faster with more employees. Owning a shop myself I know it can get very hectic with only two ponies there even if they are highly coordinated together.” ThunderCracker knew what he was talking about too. Yet he wasn’t going to add more to the subject unless he needed to or, felt like he should.

[Dark Star]

"Me and Hummingbird here found out about the place from a flier we found some time ago. We thought'd be a nice change o' pace from the rut we were in or something. Being here for real though, it's actually really nice. Got that spa feeling to it, and it makes all the tension from the week just fade away" Slipstream answered honestly, not really knowing any other way to handle it.

"I don't really suffer from any kind of anxiety, but a relaxing cup of tea and some incense always soothes the soul" Hummingbird added soon after.

Thinking about it further, there wasn't actually any particular reason why they chose a brand-new tea shop just to relax; they could've done it anywhere. Maybe they just wanted to help out of the kindness of their hearts, or they simply thought they could make a new friend. Either way, it was something they felt was necessary.

---

Meanwhile, in the backroom, Jazz was helping to steady Sun's mind and steel his willpower, focusing only on being there for the customers. A few deep breaths later, and he was all set.

"Thanks, I really needed that" Sun smiled at the sage, whom of which just smiled back.

"I can tell. Fear is nothing but an emotion, Sun, you don't have anything to fear, especially since you're in safe hooves here" Jazz told him gently, nuzzling his neck affectionately soon after. "All you really need to worry about is being there for them, much like how I'm here for you right now" he added soon after.

Sun appreciated the gesture, though he couldn't help but secretly feel awkward about it. "Um...So yeah, I'm gonna just...go out and check on the customers..." Sun slinked away slowly, not making direct eye contact as he stepped out. 

Once he was out of earshot, Jazz took the time to do an uncharacteristic chuckle. "Works every time" he mused as he got back to brewing. 

---

Sun went out and immediately found the darker pony chatting up his friends. At the very least, this meant that he was nothing to be scared about anyway. He stepped right up, plastered a charming smile onto his features, and then asked "Have you decided on anything?"

[CableZ]

Dread Lock just raised an eyebrow at TC.

"I wasn't aware if asked if you owned your own store, did I?" It sounded like a jerky way to say something but he was legitimately asking, not that you could really tell that.

Regardless he wrote a few things down, how they found it, what they like about it etcetera. He didn't know if he would have room for this place in the book, let alone their quotes but he felt it was worth gathering all the information.

"And uh, why did you come here today?" Dread asked quip for a moment.

"Isn't it obvious? If I'd gone anywhere else I wouldn't have been in the story!" Quip chuckled. "What I mean is, I saw the place, I went to see what it was like." Quip shrugged.

Dread nodded and wrote that down. He the put pad down for a moment, remembering something.

"Apologies if I've intruded, you're the only ponies in the store, I won't keep you for long. Could I just get your names, so I can quote you in the book?" Dread actually smiled, it was cute in a way, it seemed so innocent in his own manner.

Quip didn't really know what to make of all of this, this new pony was strange yet normal. He was some kind oh hybrid mutant pony! That was the only explanation! Maybe not, but he was interesting to say the least. Despite his profession and very demeanour, Quip did not feel the need to try and make every single pony laugh. He enjoyed doing it, and he'd cheer a pony up if he saw they were down, but he appreciated not everyone is in on your joke, nor should they be. If somepony didn't want to be part of the joke, that's fine by Quip.

[GEffect]

In his own right ThunderCracker was thrown off by the determinant that was Dreadlock's response. He could never expect anything like it to happen out of no where so soon. In all due respect he is mostly unsure as to what he was expecting for this experience to be like. Yet now TC wasn't going to exect it any longer. This is no where near the real personality of TC. Drama or no drama he needed to just relax.

So as wrenching and, jerkish Dread's comment was ThunderCracker let the feeling drift away. He shrugged and, merely let Slipstream and Hummingbird take point. The good thing was he felt like he could think clearly. Its about time. While the rest of the group was occupied ThunderCracker took the time to look around from his seat. His mind was at ease as thoughts poured in easily.

The shop had very smooth textures and styles. The ceiling was painted green, a sort of grim green bean like color. Now the edges that connect the ceiling with the top of the walls was rimmed by a red wine colored wood frame all around. Of course the frame only covers the room where the all the tables, chairs and bean bags would be. Now the middle section of the wall itself were glistened wood. Very eye catching and overall a nice touch.

These wooden walls had shelves holding none lit scented candles, framed pictures, etc. Ironically this place could easily be used as a house with a little remodeling. Now the floor was standard crystal clean white tiles. They evened everything else out as it was, not to forget the cliche counter that most shops seem to use. Everything else added its own spin to things on their own.

It took a while before ThunderCracker paided attention to the conversation again. He barely caught what Dreadlock said when somepony else barged in right after Morning Sun came by. This somepony was only a stranger to some of the other ponies there. She had the same orange pelt color as TC. Her eyes were similar as well, and odd enough she had the same black spike birthmarks that TC had.

The embarrasing black five pointed star birthmark printed on her right hindcheek where as TC's was on the left. Now even though ThunderCracker is a unicorn this mare was a pegasi. Her shiny white mane was long and, in a rocker type style with one strand streaked in plain pink. TC and this mare had the same tail style though. Long and spiked with pink tips.

Now with all of these similarities there were a few differences. Even though both of their bodies are toned from military conditioning. The mare's body was certainly a lot more aerodynamic. Clear feminine build with curves and stuff. Tallish slender legs and a beautifully soft face. So cute.

Well as she came in this mare was looked to be in a frantic mood. Typical of her. She spotted ThunderCracker first out of all ponies and, cantered right over with a serious look not even noticing the others around yet. Her hoofsteps were hard and furious and, the fact that TC and this mare were twins became clearer as she got close staring down her brother.

"Why don't you ever warn me before you leave without making breakfast?!" she sternly said completely ignoring everypony but, TC. The poor stallion just stared back at his sister for a moment before saying anything.

"What?", he began trying to figure out why she is so unreasonably mad. "Stratosphere what are you going on about? I left a like three notes."

Stratosphere paused, as she tried to think. Then it all hit her as her stomach grumbled running on empty. Cue the humiliation. "Oh; I must have missed those. Hehe, sorry...I'm still kinda hungry." she sheeplishly tried to correct her wrong doing as she became more shy about the situation. TC shoke his head not even wanting to waste time thinking of an excuse for Stratosphere this time. Not the best first impressions to all the others that don't know her already right now

[Dark Star]

"Well, I'm Slipstream. Get it memorized though, cause I'm gonna be famous one day" Slipstream introduced proudly, bumping a hoof off her chest happily.

"I'm Hummingbird Heartbeat. I've actually been famous once before, just in case you didn't know. I just moved to Ponyville to get away from it all, you know, quit while I was ahead" Hummingbird introduced herself sweetly, lying just a little bit to try and get her-

"I thought you were kicked out of the business when you went cra-" Slipstream tried to say before Hummingbird forced a delicate, white hoof into Slipstream's mouth. Hummingbird just giggled and fluttered her eyelids cutely, trying to keep the subject from going south. Sun merely chuckled and watched a rather annoyed-looking Stratosphere strut right in and yell at Thunder Cracker. He didn't say anything about it, much less did he really do anything about it. All he really did was just back away slowly, then snort a bit when it came to a close.

Meanwhile, in the back room, Jazz had overheard the commotion and stepped out, carrying a small basket of sweet rolls in his mouth. The sage set the basket on top of the counter, then set a small sign that read "freshly baked - 3 bits each" right next to it, making certain to fan it just enough to entice his customers. "Can't always handle things the sage way" he whispered to nobody in particular as he went back into the other room.

"So, Stratosphere, haven't seen ya since the whole medical scare; how have things been?" Slipstream asked to break the sudden tension. After having pried Hummingbird's hoof away from her mouth, she was feeling quite chatty. Stratosphere showing up about then only really added more to do.

[CableZ]

Quip was swiftly becoming bored. It spoke nothing about the ponies he was with, it was simply that Quip had a short attention span. Even the arrival of somepony new wasn't really enough to liven things up, this all felt too...sitcom. Quip had a way of thinking, he did not like getting into sitcom scenario's. Quip's life was a serial, a series of adventures they show before the main event, pirates, ancient ruins, tombs, all inexplicably explored and conquered without much regard for reality. There was little time for character in a serial, they only lasted a few minutes before a movie. This was positively sitcom, some generic store, group of varied individuals, siblings!

No no, this was all wrong, sitcom alarm sounding! He needed to get out now before they faded to another location they decided to do something now. Oh the cheaply made humanity, he could see it now! He was going be part of a compilation episode where they don't show anything new! Quip's panicked expressions were hidden behind his metal mask, thankful too because he looked terrified. Shaking it off, Quip began concocting various possible ways he could leave. The first idea that sprang to mind was UFO escape, so he'd be thinking for a little while.

Dread Lock meanwhile was noting a few things down, he had no clue how much of this information would be useful so he was just noting it down. Unaware he was jotting down personal details among other things, he was oblivious to the fact they were sort of just talking between each other.

"So..uh...guys, have you ever seen one of my shows?" Quip asked, his hesitation present in his voice. "I'm feeling a little...under famous here." Quip laughed.

[GEffect]

If there is to be one thing known about the setting of the groupwide conversation. It would be that it's topics change in quick sessions. It started off at an acceptionly mellow level. Now it can be quite easy to get lost after a few seconds of doing something else. Out of anything else to make this shop thrive, a band of ponies all having somekind of reputation topped the cake so far.

ThunderCracker didn't expect for him to like being here. He predicted it to be out of his elements for say. To note most of the time when he feels that way it is normally a true wildcard as to if it turns out to be differently. However lets ignore that thought as it really doesn't apply to much yet. Now we the Northstar Twins are together. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing, other than double the cuteness.

Stratosphere was settled in all comfy like with her brother trying to estimate how bad she made herself look. She had enough time for it. Other than that, she also felt as if there was something going on before this circumstance here...Nah who cares? Therefore she turned around looking all surprised when she heard at certain cyan pegasus' voice breaking her thoughts as easy as glass. What is this hottie doing here? she began thinking until she noticed a certain pop pegasus as well. Oh look Hummingbird is here too. Wait a second...

Boom! life check! Finally Stratus began realizing that there were actually other ponies around. Celestia have mercy on her confused soul. "Oh my, I didn't even see you two sitting there. I apologize." How did Stratosphere even manage to goof like this? I don't even know I'm only the narrator here.

"Anyway so far its been very gradual for everything. Lots has happened but, nothing to major," Before continuing she would lower her voice to a whispered tone. "Although there is one thing however I'll talk to you about it at a better time." She left it at that because she didn't want to cause a disturbance right now. Maybe at a better time.

Luckily Quip had brought something else up though. Stratosphere was as confusdd about his appearance exactly as ThunderCracker was. She was wanting to question about the mask but, it wasn't feeling like a good thing to randomly throw out there. Besides his own question must've been about something the group was talking about before she came in.

TC jumped right in on this when itw as brought up. Having a lot more life in his words than before, like its supposed to be. "I can't be certain. I remember my dad talking me to some show in Canterlot when I was a colt. It would be so cool if you were there though. No doubt." he was smiling about the idea now. He could remember a few bits of it. The performances were amazing that he remembers. It was only the performers themselves that was fuzzy. He consentrated hard trying to get it. The figures where coming together but, it was still hard to guess.

His mind broke from the image as Stratosphere nudged him. He shook his head trying tas everything drained away. He turned to look at his sister leading to a severe begging stare. It was difficult to shake. Her eyes were so big and, shiny. Her lips curled and, puckered in sych a fashion you had no other way around it. Stratosphere leaned in closer to make sure her look was at full effect. She learns how to schmooze her brother from watching Slipstream do it.

Eventually TC figured out the cause by smelling those rolls. He smirked as this happened. "Brother...could you please get me a~", "No." Denied! Short and simple answer. TC was merely toying with her though but, Stratosphere was shocked and, looked like she was about to cry. All these emotions were because, she was starving. The desprate pegasus turned to Slipstream immeadiatly and, did the same thing holding on to her shoulders for support.

"Slipstream sweetie; please convince ThunderCracker to get me a roll. I neeeeed it." she whined. TC didn't do anything for a few seconds until he eventually chuckled and, stood up. "You're so dramatic Stratosphere" he commented as he made his way to the counter to buy a roll or two. Maybe the whole basket even.

He used a variation of the teleportation spell to transport his bag of bits. He caught the bag and, placed down exactly twenty-one bits. One roll for each pony he felt might want one so: Slipstream, Hummingbird, Morning Sun, Quip T. Crack, Dreadlock, Stratosphere, and, himself included. Thinking about it he placed down nine more bits for three more rolls just in case. Leaving the money he took the rolls and, placed them on the table handing four to Stratosphere whom was more than happy to start eating.

[Dark Star]

At the question of whether or not anyone had actually seen Quip's shows, Slipstream almost immediately made a shrugging gesture with her shoulders.

"Sorry, guy, I never saw any kind of circus or other show you may have been a part of. I was kinda...repressed, I guess ya could say" she admitted, scratching the back of her head awkwardly as she subtly knocked a hoof of hers onto one of Hummingbird's. She gave a little whine from the suddenness, but then understood the gesture soon after.

"I-I'm sorry, Quip, but I was busy with other things at the time and didn't have any time to see any shows going on" the pop pegasus stated, no-doubt further ruining the strange pony's mood.

Now, the interesting alternative to this started moments after that had been properly dealt with. The stomach of a certain pegasus in the room started to growl rather loudly, something Hummingbird almost mistook for some kind of escaped bear. Of course, that same pegasus then tried showing her teacher just how well she had been watching her schmooze by performing it on her own brother, which was then quickly denied.

After that failed, Stratosphere turned her attention to Slipstream, whining in a way that while she thought it cute, others-namely Sun-found it incredibly annoying. Slipstream just chuckled and looked her friend in the eye.

"Baby-doll, if I was the one who taught ya how ta do that, don'cha think I'd be able ta resist it?" she asked as she stroked the other pegasus' cheek with a free hoof. She smiled down at her protege, internally commending her for thinking she could actually make a difference against her, while simultaneously holding her in contempt for the same reason.

Either way, it didn't stop TC from bringing out a decent number of bits for rolls, which Stratosphere happily enjoyed taking part in by immediately stuffing her face with some rolls. If she was happy, then the others supposed they were happy. Sun certainly was, since he counted that as part of his tip.

[CableZ]

Nope, still in a sitcom. Quip was ready to great escape his way out of this place. He already had the tunnel dug, the little wooden thing to pull himself along on, even the catchy theme song where you could whistle it. However he just KNEW that as he was about to get on the bus, he'd say thank you to the germane and then it'd be back to the...tea...shop. Okay somewhat off topic but darn that's a good movie, he'd need to rent it on his way home. Home, he probably should have told Mad Cap where he was going, he gave it another thirty seconds before she tracked him down.

He was thirty seconds off, because at that moment the little bell above the door rang out. Through the door walked...a sight. A mare wearing a skin tight outfit full of colour. A blue and yellow harlequin full of life and love just with a look. Around her neck was a frizzy white neck piece that hearkened back to ancient clown costumes, the same kind of frizzy fabric was wrapped around just above her hooves. Her outfit went over her main, spreading off into two points that formed the top of her harlequin look. Her face might have been painted with white make up and her eyes may have had a style eye-liner pattern on her, it was impossibly to deny that this pony almost hurt to look at due to her radiance. Sure she was odd but she could ranked in the top 10 most beautiful mares that most any stallion had seen.

She looked around for a moment before letting out a big smile when looked over toward the table, skipping over in an adorable way. She headed over in a bubbly way, giving Quip a quick hug, barely even noticing the others at the table.

"Quip, I told you before to tell me if going out!" She said with a giggle.

"Oh come on Mad Cap, you could have just read the rest of the thread." Quip sighed.

"Well yeah, but then were would the possibility be for catching me up?" She asked.

"That's a good point, well made. Guys this is my assistant Mad Cap." Quip said with a smile.

"Hey cuties." She gave a little wave. "Maybe this'll get a reaction eh?" She whispered to no one in particular.

[GEffect]

In the beginning Stratosphere was about ready to dramatically breakdown from her hunger. Especially since Slipstream was no help to the cause either. She knows that she can’t exactly persuade the cyan pegasus but, still. Help a mare out at least! At least the cheek stroking was a little comforting. That and, her brother was going to buy her a snack after all. Thank Celestia. Well in the end Stratosphere was happy again with her four rolls all to herself.


ThunderCracker found this a little funny. Stratosphere has only acted like that since she was young. It was a small little thought though. He wasn’t going to worry about it at all. So in that case he sat down with a roll floating in mid air thanks to his magic. If anypony else wanted one they could get it themselves. Now it was very quiet all of a sudden. Like boring quiet and, TC didn’t like it. He was going to try to break the silence himself but, somepony else did that job for him.


It was yet another mare possibly making the group even in the gender ratio. This pony was wearing a harlequin suit that was just cool and unique in TC’s eyes but, Stratosphere was way too wrapped in just how it looked on the mare. ThunderCracker waved a hoof in front of her face and, there was no response whatsoever from his sister as she had a weird smile on her muzzle. He rolled his eyes and, snorted before shoving her a little to wake her up.

“Look you got a pass during that time when I caught you and Slipstream don’t even think about it again perv.” He stated half jokingly.

“Oh come on TC. You get to look at mares so why I can’t have an imagination?” she tried to protest.

TC shook his head. “First of all I’m taken now remember. Second of all you can imagine things but, I don’t really like what pops in there when you see another mare." *sigh* "You’re about as pathetic as Arion is sometimes.”

Now that last comment stung a little. Stratosphere pouted about it now. Its not here fault she likes mares is it? Sometimes she wonders why TC does that. Being compared to Arion is the worse feeling to her and, ThunderCracker knows it. Yet she still fixed her attitude as the new pony skipped over to Quip and, hugged him. Her identity was revealed rather quick as those two sparked a conversation between each other. She nearly missed the part about a thread. Like a needle? Oh whatever it doesn't matter anymore now that ThunderCracker ruined Stratosphere’s fun. All she did was look at her...sorta.


You know what? Screw what TC says Stratosphere wanted to socialize. “Hey there Mad Cap. My name is Stratosphere. I’d also like the say that the outfit your wearing looks really good on you.” she complimented followed her signature cutie smile.

ThunderCracker on the other hoof softly face palmed himself. His sister is such a wreck. Oh well. TC had played it off my getting involved with his bread roll and, pretending to not even care. He completely forgot about Slipstream at this point. Maybe he should pay attention to her a little more today. He does still kind of owe her for screwing up that day. Fine then might as well get into the conversation.

“Um; hey there I guess. To be honest I feel like I have seen you two somewhere before now. In a show at least. It is all starting to become clearer the more I think about it. Well if it means anything I hope to see you two perform at some point. In the meantime feel welcome to this little group. I bought some bread snacks so feel free to take one. I on the other hand need fresh air. Don't blow up the shop while I'm gone you two.” He remarked to Slipstream and Stratosphere in particular.

And with that TC stood up and, stretched out before walking out the door with a jingle. He took a deep breath then He let it out once he felt all nice and, loose. "I hate sitting down for too long." he said to himself only.

[Dark Star]

Satisfied silence to some was awkward silence for everyone else as things quickly devolved into a slump. Luckily for everyone though, a new sight to behold just rushed in through the door, and what a sight to behold it was.

A fancily-dressed Harlequin mare came in and instantly took Slipstream's breath away. The very radiance in her body left Slipstream just sitting there, staring at her as she walked-almost in slow-motion-towards the group. Every inch that she stepped closer brought the beating of Slipstream's heart faster. There wasn't much to see from the outfit covering most of her body, but that in itself gave Slipstream such a lust that her wings slowly stood up behind her back as drool dripped down from the roof of her mouth.

The same, however, couldn't have been said about Hummingbird. When the pop pegasus laid eyes on her, all she could feel was her own insecurities staring back at her. Whether it was the simply way that her toned body came up, or her proudly worn jester cap swaying about like she was queen of the world, but something about this new pony made Hummingbird upset.

The Harlequin came up to their table and right away introduced herself. This was Mad Cap, Quip's assistant as it were. Hummingbird bit back the desire to tell her off and feigned a charmed smile. "Hummingbird Heartbeat," she gestured to herself with a hoof and a fake giggle, "pleasure to meet you Miss Cap" she continued as Slipstream just continued to stare.

Meanwhile, back in the other room, Sun was putting the bits he had just earned in the tip jar, then faced his boss with a sly grin. "You planted those there so you could make a quick profit?" he asked, the sage simply nodding.

"I do understand the needs of integrity far outweigh the needs for money, but unfortunately, integrity alone doesn't get the bills payed. When you live in this business long enough, that's something you'll understand" Jazz stated with a firm smile. Sun just smiled and shook his head sarcastically.

"Some ponies..." he muttered to himself as he stepped back out. 

[CableZ]

Mad Cap gave a big grin before ducking under the table and disappearing for a moment, she reappeared a second later behind Slipstream. Nudging between the couple, Mad Cap wrapped her arms around the shoulders of Slipstream. Looking at Slipstream for a moment, she smiled and brought her into a big squeezing hug. The tactile and fairly sturdy fabric of Mad Cap's costume slipped slightly against Slipstreams fur.

"I like you, you make silly faces!" She smiled. "Oooh, pastries, I'll see you guys in a bit, I'm gonna order like..EVERYTHING ON THE MENU!" Mad Cap shouted excitedly.

Giving both ponies a kiss on the cheek, Mad Cap disappeared once again as she cartwheeled away. She came to a halt at the counter, sat atop a bar stood with a new found cowboy hat atop her hand. She banged the counter a few times, the brim of her hat covering her eyes. The twang of a guitar that you often heard in cheesy westerns rang out as a dull dry wind outside made them feel as though they were in the desert.

"Barkeep, your finest pastry, and don't skimp on the...uh...huh, I guess I dunno what you'd skimp on." Mad Cap said curiously.

"She certainly has energy about her.." Dread Lock commented as he look over at the counter.

"You don't know the half of it, she could spin the world if it needed spinning." Quip laughed as he finished the last of his iced tea. "Tell me Mr...name I do not know. How'd you get so tall." Quip turned to Dread Lock and rose his hoof for emphasis.

Dread Lock stared at the masked pony for a moment before shrugging. "Bone growth I suppose." The dark pony answered very literally, Quip took it as a joke and began laughing.

[GEffect]

Fresh crispy Ponyville air. It feels good to breathe it all in. ThunderCracker was getting too used to the mixed mash of scents inside that shop. It is sort of weird how foreign the outside world can be when you sit cooped up in a building for so long. TC felt like he was a young colt again wanting to explore the terrain on his own time. The world seemed so big back then. He missed that feeling. Then again he didn’t have as much freedom either with his parents being so protective and all; so it was hit and miss. Still...he could sort of remember...


Meanwhile Stratosphere herself was still wrapped up in the current events going on in the shop. So many new ponies she got to see and meet in one day. It made her kind of glad she came here in the first place. Even if she had barged in causing a scene before now. She still had a long way to go before getting used to being around new ponies though. She is getting used to it at least however. On the bright side this Mad Cap figure was just as entertaining as Quip is. No wonder they are partners. It was no surprise that she could pull off neat tricks as well. Somehow teleporting directly behind Slipstream without magic, only to leave to buy everything on the menu as she exclaimed earlier. It made Stratosphere laugh as a whole.


“You know; you two are really cool. I’m glad I got to meet you both."she complimented and asked.


Sadly these great thoughts had to come to an end. She couldn’t keep herself from comparing the connection between Mad Cap and Quip to her and TC. And because of that she realized that he had went outside just now and, the empty space he left behind was making her feel sad. That was only because she also remembered the important sub-details that would happen within a few weeks. And if anyone else needs to know about them other than her it was Slipstream. Stratosphere had that lost look in her eyes too. It hurts to think of it but, she will be fine. Hopefully Slipstream will take it the same way.


Stratosphere thought about how she would even care this out. It seemed so hard but, it wasn’t. Once her thoughts were clear she would scoot over to where Slipstream was and, whisper in her ear. “Hey um...I have some news that is both good and bad and, it is kind of important that you hear it before it is too late. It is about my brother.” Stratosphere wasn’t sure if right now was the necessarily the best time nor place to do this but, she wanted to get if off her shoulders.


While that was happening ThunderCracker had just started getting out of his trip down memory lane. Normally when he thinks about it he feels down afterwards. But it was a vice versa effect this time. He felt super happy now all of a sudden. Looking back at how far he has gotten made him feel accomplished. While all that is great, something else caught his eye. On the pole over there was a flier. So by all means TC decided to go check it out; and what he saw brightened up his mind a whole lot more. TC immediately took the flier, nearly ripping it in the process and, rushed back to the shop. He was so excited he forgot the door was pull not push and, he ran face first into the door and, onto his back. TC was out cold with the flier still in his mouth. Stratosphere immediately stood up and, galloped outside only to see what had happened. She face hoofed herself extra hard this time. Jasmine should be lucky that the door didn’t break. Then Stratosphere saw the flier and, took it out of TC’s mouth and, looked it over.


“Ooooh so this is what he was so happy about.” she stated out loud.


Stratosphere then turned to the others showing them the flier too. “Quip you said you would like for us to probably see you perform right? Well why not try it here at the Ponyville Talent Show? It might be fun.” For ThunderCracker’s sake she was hoping he would agree. You don’t always get these kinds of opportunities.

[Dark Star]

The first thing Jazz heard as he was coming back to the counter was a loud banging. Looking over, he found a very unusual jester wearing a stetson over her face, giving him the stink-eye as she demanded the sweetest thing he had.

'Lovely, there really is another one' Jazz smiled openly and complied, bringing up a slice of strawberry shortcake he had been saving for emergency situations as well as some peach tea to go along with it. He set them down and then nodded happily as he went back over towards the other side of it, wondering how much his shop would be worth if it were in Ponyville any longer.

Meanwhile, back at the table, Slipstream was feeling really awkward about things, and it wasn't until Stratosphere started whispering to her that she got out of it. She had been mentioning something about her brother, which made her really want to listen in, but of course something just had to interrupt them. The sound of glass hitting numbskull sounded throughout the entire shop as a good couple of ponies winced at it.

"I'm not sure who to worry about right now; Mad Cap looks like she might get herself into some trouble, but Thunder Cracker might've really hurt himself" Hummingbird worried to herself. Looking around, she found that Slipstream and Stratosphere were already at the front of the shop, group-face-hoofing at how TC got into that situation.

"Well, at least it was only his muzzle that hit it and not his horn, right?" Slipstream's attempts at breaking the tension at work. Jazz kept his smile and then shook his head subtly.

"What has that maniac done this time?" Sun headed out from the back and started towards the entrance, just as the girls were pulling TC back in. Now, knowing Thunder Cracker, you'd probably expect him to have his priorities straight and find a way to explain his nonsense. Not this time. Instead, he chose to bring up a flier for a talent show going on later.

"Yeah, I still love him, even after this" Slipstream deadpanned with a little grin.

[CableZ]

Quip snatched the flier for the talent show and read over it quickly, his face buried in the paper. He seemed to read it over a few times before sitting back in his seat as he put it down on the table with a shrug.

"I dunno, I did stuff like that when I was a kid but it feels kind of...I dunno, unfair? Not to toot my own horn but shouldn't I leave stuff like that to the amateurs?" Quip said with a yawn, trying not to sound arrogant. He tapped his chin for a moment before thinking of a fairly valid question in his mind, then again in Quip's mind a valid question was 'if the moon was made of cheese, what kind of cheese would it be, would you know it was cheese, maybe it tastes like rock?'. "Why do you ask, I mean I put free shows on nearly everyday." Quip smiled happily.

"I shall have to visit one at some point." Dread commented.

At this point Mad Cap returned to the table with her newly acquired little plate of short cake, she had a very happy smile on her face as she set it down along with her tea. Slipping up onto a seat, she looked around the table as she nibbled on the cake. Looking down, she noticed the flier and went wide eyed for a moment, mumbling something indecipherable with her mouth full. Quickly swallowing her bear sized bite, she pointed at the flier.

"Oh no, Quip I forget to mention. We got a letter, they want you to be the judge of a talent show!" Mad Cap said, kind of worried that she hadn't mentioned it sooner.

"A talent show?! what a coincidence there's one in town, we were just talking about it!" Quip exclaimed. Mad Cap shot him a deadpan look then they both laughed in unison."Guess I'm going after all." Quip shrugged, with a smirk as he looked at the group.