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

[GEffect]

Is the world spinning? Everything is all, loopy and unnatural. It doesn't matter how you describe it ThunderCracker was out of it. Stratosphere herself was moving past it since know she has more blackmail that she can use.

"I can't dissagree with you there. Who knows how serious it would be if he did."

Stratosphere mentions this because, what Slipstream said is absolutely correct too. In all honesty ThunderCracer himself should be happy that he didn't break anything period! That clumbsy stallion. Well he is Slipstream's clumbsy stallion now. Putting that aside, what is most important is that in the long run he will be fine and, will barely even be fazed by what happened. As of right now he was gradually waking up. It was a slow process but, he would get there eventually.

Now...Stratosphere on the other was having a hard time from not laughing at this a little. As twisted as it may sound TC kind of looks adorable the way he is sleeping to her. But, there were other things she had her focus set to like that Talent Show. It sounds like fun even if the twins have been in almost every Talent Show in their years of schooling. It is certainly something to do at least and, according to Mad Cap they were expected to go anyway. Cool beans.

"Great, I vote that we check the place out. You know; see what its supposed to look like before hoof." Stratosphere proposed in a clear voice.

"Mmmphg...Wh..wh-what?...why are we going to the Power Pony Expo?" TC began as he started getting out of his temporary sleep mode.

Stratosphere shook her head along with a soft smile. "What are we going to do with you ThunderCracker." TC wolbbily stood up on all fours as everything started returning to him. He gently put a hoof where his horn should be and, feeling that it was cleared out his worries. It would suck if turned out different. With everything in check TC had some minor catching up to do. "So what did I mi-" Right as that question was about to be finished an unexpected opening of the door cut TC off.

Exactly then Stratosphere glanced over and, the two figures she saw walk in were definetly not pleasing for her to see. Two ponies: one with a snobbish type of vibe, while the other was of the hardcore rocker type. Both pegasi mares and,to put it simply they both looked as unfriendly as they acted in their own way. Stratosphere was getting tense around these two. They each entered at a different time and, had no recognition of one another but, the problem is they both knew who Stratosphere was.

The mare was having a hard time deciding who she didn't want to see more. The hardcore pegasi with little respect for much of anything, formly know as Jinx: Leader of the Cloud Crew. A misfit group Stratosphere used to be apart of. Or; the high attitude, little miss fancy-butt Whiplash the over competitive douche from the tournament. Oh this was just terrible all around. Stratosphere wanted to just poof away right now but, she isn't a Unicorn.

Thanks a lot parents and, your stuupid chromosomes. she thought to herself. Hopefully nothing will escalate from this. As of now those two were standing in line at the counter with Whiplash up front.

[Dark Star]

While everyone else seemed excited about the talent show, Slipstream was worrying just how many ponies had seen him run square into the door. If Thunder Cracker didn't know how to make her happy, she'd feel so embarrassed about all this by now.

"Well, it's not the most embarrassing thing he's ever done" the cyan pegasus muttered to herself as she watched her boytoy get back on his hooves. Just as he was about to really get up, a couple of pegasus mares strutted right in as though they owned the place. Slipstream just glanced at them for a moment, feeling as though she at least knew one of them. No memory came to mind immediately, but she still felt as though they were from something important.

Back at the table though, Hummingbird was feeling a little awkward about being left with new ponies to talk to. It wasn't as though she had never been around newcomers before, it was more along the lines of her having a certain comfort zone that she typically liked to stay in. Still, all things considered, she may as well be nice.

"So, Quip, how did you and Mad Cap meet exactly?" she asked. It may have been a bit more than cliche, but it seemed like the proper protocol at least.

Meanwhile, back up at the counter, Jazz headed straight over to the newcomers with a content smile. "Hello, and welcome, my dears. Tell me, how may I help you?" he calmly greeted.

[CableZ]

Quip was unsure what was going on, it seemed like a lot of fuss was being made and he hadn't been following why. More specifically it was difficult to keep up wa a little difficult, so many ponies doing so many things. They seemed like a nice group though, if not a little all over the place, though who was he to judge? His ears twitched as he heard his name mentioned, turning to face Hummingbird.

"Oh, that's a fun story. We met in my home town of Manehatten, she was a doctor...or a trainee? I forget what the term is." Quip admitted.

"I was an intern, I was just completing my first year." Mad Cap chimed in with a warm smile.

"Right! Anyway I was performing a little show, I wasn't famous back then so I was just busking on the street. Mad Cap was walking by while I was balancing on a twelve foot unicycle with my nose." Quip tapped his mask with a chuckle.

"I stopped to look at the act and was amazed. I used to do some gymnastics in school so I figured I'd do a little cartwheel for Quip, he was surprised to see me do so and lost his balance and fell from the unicycle." Mad Cap grinned sheepishly.

"I woke up in the hospital and she was my doctor, I guess it went from there."

"Two months later I quit my job and put on some spandex, best career move I've ever made." Mad Cap laughed gently, which Quip joined in on.

Quip then looked over to TC as he got up from the floor, seeing that he'd taken a fairly bad hit when he'd run into the door. Quip had figured it had been a prat fall, noticing it was a bit more than that he figured he'd go and help. Trotting over in what was the least energetic act they had seen Quip preform all day, he came to a halt in front of the stallion who was pretty out of it.

"Can I get a look?" Quip asked as he leaned in and looked at TC's head, sure enough a small lump was forming on it. "Ooooh yeah, been there. Head gear my friend." Quip smirked as he tapped the metal on his face. "I've been knocked out so many times that I forget what year it is, I have a old remedy for possible concussions." Quip said in a rather non giddy manner.

Rubbing his hooves together quickly, Quip placed them on TC's temples somewhat ominously. He moved the stallion's head around a little, as if he were trying to get a sense of something within Thundercracker's mind. It was if he were trying to crack a safe, or determine what was in a wrapped gift. Then with a few precise yet surprisingly gentle movements, Quip positioned TC's head. TC would hear a loud pop and if Quip had done it properly, the dizzyness and tired feeling would clear up in mere seconds. Taking a step back, Quip nodded with a smile.

"Thought so, inner ear problem. You should be okay in a few minutes, don't make any sudden movements though." Quip chuckled.

Dread Lock meanwhile was feeling somewhat peckish once again so he decided to go and get himself another pastry, heck he might even try some more tea. He was walking to the counter and looking for his bit bag that was in his satchel, not looking where he was going he accidentally bumped into the two ponies who had just arrived. Taking a few steps back, he looked down at the two mares with his cold gaze.

"Oh, uh, my...excuse me." He stammered for the right word.

[GEffect]

Ok situation check. So far things were really confusing. So ThunderCracker injured himself...again, two ponies Stratosphere rather not be here have arrived, and now Quip is telling a backstory. First on the agenda: what is Stratosphere suppose to even do?

She had tons of things bombshelling her mind right now. It felt so hectic to even know she is even here. Alas, she had closed her eyes to block out her thoughts before trying to get wrapped up in the backstory. Yeah that should work out just fine.

Meanwhile the aftershock from the collision finally settled in on ThunderCracker. The unicorn could barely hear a thing now. He was still a little out there actually. TC was seeing like; three Quip Cracks all together at that moment. His whole body felt so...malfuctional and dizzy. He kept tilting and swaying uncontrolably as he attempted to regain his normal posture by force. *POP!*

Okay now that felt much better. In fact everything was clearing up. Isn't that neat. ThunderCracker could stand normally again and his vision was re-focusing on its own. TC managed to get those important few bits out of Quip's sentence. It sounded was hazy at first but, that wasn't even a problem. "Sure thing Quip thanks," he managed to say still. The sad part is it doesn't end here.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Everything was going sort of well. Then again Whiplash is here after all. She was looking around the place trying to absorb in the all around vibe of the place. Her interest raised when Jasmine asked what she wanted. In all sense it always felt good to Whiplash to tell somepony else to do something she desires. She is just annoying like that.

Well for starts it is a tea shop right? So the things to order should be fair enough, yet a mare like Whiplash can't settle on just tea. Setting hoof in here was bad enough with its unexpected lingering aroma. It was hard to tell if it was simply something strong scented, or if a pony had pasted a really fruity fart. Something odd. 

"Yeah uh...I suppose you could help by giving me the finest tea and, food choice you think you have. I want to see if I can actually; regularly enjoy spending my time here," she told Jasmine directly. During which; Whiplash had a very neutral look on her face. She didn't know what to think of this place yet. But her attention would be turned around soon enough...

Now the mare waiting in line behind Whiplash...she can be very; blunt in most cases. Just listening to Whiplash talk made Jinx want to wack her already. That stuck up voice tone is insufferable every way. So getting bumped by Dreadlock wasn't even a little deal. Yet she lost her balance for a second and bumped into Whiplash. This is were things get edgy.

Whiplash being the troublesome witch she is got a major attitude right away. She snarled a bit before looking back at Jinx who looked at her in return. Jinx raised an eyebrow wondering why this loser was looking at her so crossly. Then came the fierce fireworks lit by Whiplash as always.

"Hey watch it idiot. You will get your turn when I'm done ordering," she snapped.

"I suggest you watch it girly. We can go about this nicely or, we can escalate to when I put you in the hospital. It wasn't my fault anyway. The dude behind me had bumped into me first" Jinx responded with a glare.

Whiplash scoffed at the threat sadly. Which means this will only get worse. "Oh is that so? I guess I thought you were a stallion too by mistake. You know the whole punk rock thing is sooo out nowadays." she remarked back with a smug look.

However she crossed way too many lines now. Anypony in that shop would be able to see and hear what was happening. Two stone cold mares getting in each other's faces faster that most sibling do. Stratosphere couldn't stand it. Her the two ponies she does not desire to meet at anytime and, they can't even be around each other!! It was maddening! Those two were bickering left and right and Jinx was ready to break lose at any moment.

[Dark Star]

Slipstream instantly recognized one of them as Whiplash, the foul-player from the tourney that practically hospitalized poor Stratosphere. Oh, how she had a bone to pick with her. She scowled and then got herself up, but was immediately stopped by a scowling Sun.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm not letting you make a mess of the store just because of a bit of a rivalry between you and someone else" Sun answered.

"You saw what she did to Stratosphere, you know she's got it coming" Slipstream argued.

"And she'll get what's coming to her in due time. For now though, you just have to wait and let the chips fall where they may" Sun argued back.

"Please, I'm so confused, what's going on here?" Hummingbird asked with a distraught expression. Slipstream just sighed, then went into a practically warp-speed explanation about everything, saying how Whiplash and her entire team went up against Slipstream and Stratosphere in a race and nearly hospitalized her. "Oh..." was all the pop pegasus had to say once that was finished. She didn't say or even think much of it afterwards.

"And besides, just look at Jazz' eyes" Sun explained with a subtle point. Slipstream looked over and saw something she never expected to see in such a calm hippie; she could see malicious intent in those green portals of his, dreams of chronic sustain and cruelty burning away as he left counter.

When he next arrived with filled tea cups and a sweet roll, he set them down before the pair of mares before clapping his hooves together hard, almost enough to see a rippling shockwave in the air about it.

"Please, ladies, enjoy yourselves" he told them with a very malevolent smile.

[CableZ]

"Seems we've gone from sitcom to dramatic fake reality show Mad Cap." Quip commented as he watched various scenes unfold.

"I dunno about any of that Quip, but that mare is being a meanie! Someone should talk to her, though I think that pony behind her is going to." The harelquin replied.

Dread Lock meanwhile felt somewhat responsible for this little spat, was it a spat? Not important. Though he somehow felt that anything he said may fall on deaf ears, seems that these were the sort that looked for fights. He wanted to say something, really he did. Too bad that he was so busily thinking on what he should say that he wasn't really paying attention.

Outside of the store something was approaching, something big. Something that had become a semi regular sight in the town, one that got everyone's attention one hundred percent of the time. Talked about in awe similar to one of Quip's shows, or after some large scale threat was thwarted by the resident elements of harmony in the town. This walking jaw dropper approached the store, unbeknownst to the patrons within. The door was opened with a dull magical glow around the handle and the creature entered, ducking it's head below the door frame as it's horn's scraped on the top. As it's hoof stepped down on the wooden floor, a large clomp resonated out. Simply put, it was a giant goat. It's shaggy fur looked thick and warm, it's stoic yet wise gaze washed over the store before a small smile crept onto it's face.

This creature was as tall as Celestia herself, taller still if you counted the horns that nearly touched the ceiling. As he stepped forward, you felt his cloven hooves vibrate the room with his weight. He approached the line at the counter, standing behind Dread Lock whom he was a little surprised to see wasn't as tall as some of the other ponies in the town. A'bek waited patiently for his turn to order, always having loved tea. Though he noticed some kind of spat at the front of the queue, how terribly irksome.

"WOAH, now THAT is a goat." Mad Cap grinned, amazed at the sight.

"No kidding.." Quip said, somewhat stunned himself. "I think I've seen him once or twice actually, he didn't look so big from afar." He chuckled.

"Oooh Quip we gotta introduce ourselves when he's got his tea!" Mad Cap almost squeed. "You guys should too, not everyday you meet a gigantanormous goat!" She grinned at the group, trying to cheer them up a little with a subject change from whatever had them looking so glum.

[GEffect]

Stratosphere had been watching the terror unfold from her seat within the group. From her point of view it looks like everyone was distracted by the two bickering mares. Quip was the first to point something out about it, followed by a comment from Mad Cap. Stratosphere was going to say something but, her brother ThunderCrascker jumped in first.

"These two are equally terrible in their own way Mad Cap. I have seen enough from them both to know. Doesn't surprise me that they couldn't be within five feet of each other." ThunderCracker comment shortly. 

As bad as it looks the situation was rather tame. Although it is not like anyone could intentionally ignore the growing dispute, they could do something to stop it. Sadly Stratosphere feels as if somehow this was ment to happen. That is not a very clear theory but, Stratosphere has some kind of logic behind it.

Yet now was not the time for being a theoretical daydreamer. Now was the time for action. Stratosphere was trying to think of a solution but, leave it to Slipstream to jump the gun first. As much as she would like to let Slipstream take care of the trash, she was glad Morning Sun stopped her beforehand. Stratosphere was at least glad someone tried. Hummingbird was the last to be filled in on the problem. Stratosphere was sure it was a lot to take in. So the she decided to put a friendly hoof on her shoulder, followed by a warm smile.

"Its okay, not everypony gets along with everypony else. As much as I don't like them both, there is no reason for me to care anymore." Stratosphere assured her.

But all this is mute. Nothing but acknowledgement. The real things that changed the tidess were two events in particular. The first: that goat. He came in and, his pure presence was amazeing. Mad Cap was the first to comment and, she basically got the jist of what everyone was probably thinking. Mad Cap had proposed that they get to meet him. Now while Stratosphere might have second thoughts, her brother sure didn't.

"Mad Cap you are really that excited about this? Cause if you are then me and you have the samer idea." ThunderCracker chuckled as he spoke. 

"You guys; look while I can kind of see were the thrill can come into play in this. I do not suggest we should go and bug him. It doesn't feel right to me." Stratosphere added on shortly after TC spoke.  

In the long run things were suddenly calmer which brings us to the second thing: Jasmine's eyes. Those thing should be redeemed lethal weapons. Seriously. After he clapped his hooves together you better believe those fighting mares stopped dead in their track. The snobbish one was scared beyond comprehension to the point were she was hesitating to get her order. Stratosphere had on a great smile at the sight of it. Nothing like seeing your worse enemy being put in their place.    

[Dark Star]

Whether it's watching a pair of former enemies nearly faint from terror or a newcomer arriving, Hummingbird was really enjoying herself. She had always dreamed of a life where things would excite her at every turn, and so far, living in Ponyville has done just that. She watched the large goat enter the building, as well as saw Jazz' smile go from something you never want to see in your life to something you'd always enjoy looking at.

"Good afternoon, my large friend. Tell me, what may I do for you today?" Jazz greeted, making sure his tone carried a gentle feel to it. He made direct eye contact, kept his breathing steady, and his mind open and clear. As were the ways he picked up on during his years.

Meanwhile, back at the table, Slipstream couldn't help but cross her fore-legs across her chest with a wide smirk. "Managed ta put 'em in their place without even batting an eyelash. I like your style, tea sage" the cyan pegasus mused.

"Yeah, that's just the kind of pony he is. He sees a problem, then finds the best solution he can come up with in the time given. Honestly, I think he's just a genius in disguise or something" Sun added with a nod before turning his attention towards the goat that entered. "That guy sure did make an appearance though, I can't imagine what he'd be doing in town" he added.

"I'm sure whatever his reason is, it's good enough to put into action" Hummingbird stated as she took another sip. "He does seem like someone we should know though, what do you guys think?" she asked, needing a second opinion before trying to do anything she'd likely regret.

[CableZ]

A'bek had been ignoring the scene in front of him, perhaps it was being above it all, or perhaps it was literally being too above it to hear. Regardless he didn't really notice anything until he heard someone talking to him, looking down he spotted the fellow behind the counter. Now A'bek usually had a warm smile for all he met, but he stared at this pony with a blank expression. A'bek then lowered his head, bringing him down to more on level with this pony, staring at him through narrowed eyes. A tense silence washed over the room for a moment as it felt like time stand still. A'bek just looked at this pony intently, his dark green eyes piercing the soul of Jazz. Then, just as soon as things had become awkward, A'bek stood back up and smiled warmly.

"Hello my little pony friend!" He smiled. "I'd like some Chai Green tea please, if its no bother." The large goat chuckled.

Dread Lock meanwhile was busily jotting notes down, waiting to also be served. Too busy and too polite to notice that someone was being served before him when he was in front of the goat in the queue. Not that he really minded however, he was happy to let someone go in front of him. Well..not happy, but you know.

~~

After he'd talked with Jazz and gotten his tea, A'bek's horn's began to glow softly. Unlike a unicorn's horn that was enveloped with magic, A'bek's horns seemed to work a little differently. It was as if the horns were glowing from the inside, a faint light peaking through from the cracks and crevices of the horns. The tea gently floated from the counter, and with a happy and gracious nod, A'bek turned with his tea in tow. However when he turned, he saw that two rather strange looking clown ponies were stood in front of him.

"Oh my gosh you can do magic as well, I didn't even know goats could DO magic!" Mad Cap was practically about to explode.

"Huh, and you don't even need to use any tricks, that's amazing!" Quip too was shocked.

Mad Cap turned back to her new friends and waved them over, half whispering and half shouting. "He can do magiiiic." She was giddy.

"Oh my...hello there." A'bek smiled. "I must say, you have colourful outfits." He commented.

"Yeah yeah, I don't think they're quite as striking as you. Name's Quip Crack, this is Mad Cap." Quip grinned, holding his hoof out for a hoof shake.

A'bek shrugged as raised his hoof, shaking it with Quip's. The shaggy, cloven hoof was so large compared to Quip that even Quip was silent. When A'bek let go, Quip's hoof stayed hovering for a moment.

"A'bek." The goat greeted.

"Woah.." He chuckled.

"Oh, oh. Mr A'bek goat sir. These are our friends. Thunder Cracker, Slipstream, Hummingbird annnd...oh, I'm really sorry I don't think we were introduced." Mad Cap said as she came to the last one.

"Read the character log." Quip whispered to her.

"Oh right yeah, annnnd...Morning Sun!" Mad Cap beamed happily while A'bek waved to the group of ponies with a warm smile.

[GEffect]

Despite Stratosphere's views on the matter, everypony else decided introducing themselves is all worth the effort. Sucks for her but, a tall goat that shakes the room everytime he takes a step beats an ironically quiet rocker mare who is jealous over her hyperactive twin brother. Its a lonely world.

Anyway Stratosphere herself took note about that sage guy behind the counter. Who knew such a chill guy had such an; ability to quiet arguing ponies. It is kind of scary though. Thinking about in it sends chills down her spine. Yet she had to admit what Jasmine did helped...alot. That thought alone put her at ease again.

But enough of her. Lets go back to ThunderCracker who has been a 3rd wheel up until now. Unlike his sister Stratosphere he was actually paying attentiion to the conversation about meeting the goat. He simply nodded "yes" in reply when Hummingbird asked for an opinion. By that time the goat and, Jasmine were already involved in a conversation of their own. This was when things got interesting.

In less than a few minutes the same goat everyone has been wondering about, began to use his own magic to lift a cup filled with his desired tea. TC was confused rather than amazed. That unfortunately didn't protect his ears from Mad Caps sudden outburst. Heck he didn't even notice she and Quip had moved.

Just looking at Mad Cap get all excited about simple levitation actually pinched a nerve a little. His face got stern for a moment as he just...stared. "Yeah sure a goat with magic that is sooo cool. What is next a flying racoon beats a pegasi in a track meet?" he grumbled to himself. TC sighed and looked over to the others. "Come on we might as well go over there too." he said with no enthusiasm.

It only took a few steps for him to get there, with his sister following close behind. By that time this A'bek guy was being introduced to everyone else by Quip's generosity. Well everyone but, Stratosphere who was kind of sad when her name wasn't mentioned. The invisibility never rests does it. "Yeah, um...I am here to Quip." Stratosphere stated shortly after. And penies wonder why doesn't go outside that much anymore...