//------------------------------// // The stray magician // Story: Do as you like // by PonkaPlatinum //------------------------------// You’re just a regular guy like everyone else. One of the main differences between you and them is how you’d just like to live a simple life, and no you’re not a serial killer obsessed with hands. Sadly, life won’t have it for you. That is, until you wake up in a forest one day in a land of magical pastel intelligent animals a couple weeks ago. Now you’d think that living in a foreign world would make things complicated, but surprisingly it’s a lot more peaceful here than you’d first thought. Sure, there’s still the process of getting used to living here, but it was pretty much like Earth. Yes, life here is nice for you, despite the fact that you attained powers on par with Eldritch abominations. You could manipulate reality for some reason when you’d gotten here but for you living simple was your cake and your newfound powers were just the icing on top. Even as a God you’d like to live simple. Looking back now things went by pretty quickly when you’d arrived. You woke up in a forest and made your way out until you got attacked by a wooden wolf. It didn’t make sense to you at first but it was clearly hostile. It got the jump on you but as you raised your hand it burst into pieces. After a while of trying to understand what just happened, you discovered that you had powers, the power to manipulate reality. Scan an area, obtain knowledge you didn’t know before instantly, create things from the palm of your hand, you name it and it’s possible for you. It didn’t excite you to find that out, but you did like the idea. Soon after finding that out you’d decided to depart from the forest and find civilization. As the trees started to diminish more and more, you’d found yourself by the outskirts of the forest running into a few strange creatures here and there. The first sign of civilization was a small village that you started to approach briskly. Once you got there everybody started flailing around and running away from you when one of them saw you and screamed in fear before you could even make first contact. They appeared to be sapient pastel-colored horses of a kind, nothing too far from what you’d just discovered but still baffling nonetheless. Soon an armored group of them surrounded you and 6 regular ones with them saying something about coming with them to the princess. The pink one was vibrating in excitement, as in really really vibrating like she was glitching out. Seeing that they were sweating with worried faces on them, you still figured that they didn’t take you as hostile and were just being cautious since they haven’t attacked you yet. With no other plan in mind you complied and were taken into a silver chariot while the 6 were in another as some Pegasi flew you up. Everything you were seeing kept putting new amazements in your mind especially the sights during the trip, though you always keep a poker face and only break from it in emotional events such as parties, fights, and the like. You arrived in a really large castle though it wasn’t exactly awe inspiring. You have to admit though, the interior was pretty well designed. The classical protocol happened right after. You got held waiting by two large doors, then they took you in minutes later only to find those six horses along with two bigger ones. One was a shade of midnight blue, you got a “down to earth” feeling from her which made you feel at ease. The other was a white one much bigger than the blue one. She had some rainbow flowing hair and gave off a very motherly vibe and aura from her smile alone. You could tell a meeting was about to start, so you enter the room and got near them and things were about to go down. Quite some time had passed. Their fear subsided when they discovered you were sapient and pacifistic, apparently they felt the need to be cautious since you hadn’t said a word since arriving in the supposed throne room to which you realized you should’ve spoken up and asked questions, though you didn’t mind taking your time anyway. Mostly, they just wanted to discuss about you, you know, the usual. Your origins, your identity, the works. You told them all you knew at the time, that your name was Anonymous and they could call you Anon for short and that you came from a different place. You also decided to tell them of your divine powers considering probably no one could stop you. Their fear once more grew when you made a spectacle of the capacity of your power. They explained to you though of a fellow named “Discord” and how you reminded them of him, they must’ve feared you’d turn out like him. You once more felt the need to explain to them how you wouldn’t go on a rampage and ravage their world, thankfully, their sweat and fear in their eyes simmered down even if just a bit. The rest of the time was just them explaining to you about their world and history, it was pretty interesting and insightful though. By the end was just a deeper form of introductions where you got to personally know each one. To your surprise, they were actually ponies and not horses, you couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered when they’d corrected you, but you payed it no mind. The largest one was an Alicorn named Celestia, the co-ruler of their land, Equestria. The second largest one coated in midnight blue was Luna, the protector of the subconscious realm of dreams. She was also an Alicorn and the other co-ruler of Equestria. There was only one other Alicorn in the room but she was just around the size of a regular pony, her name was Twilight Sparkle and you’d find out that all Alicorns are princesses here. A Bourgeois-like one with a white coat and a rather pleasant accent was named Rarity, a unicorn and a seamstress. You never really liked the stereotypical Bourgeois, but you’ll give this one a chance. The hyperactive pink one was named Pinkie Pie, might’ve guessed that. She’s a baker. You always loved baking, it always put you at ease so you got a good feeling from her. The Southern orange one with blonde hair and a cowboy hat was named Applejack, she’s a farmer. The chill blue one with rainbow hair was, as you’d know it, Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in all of Equestria. And lastly, a yellow pony with pink hair that’s a real tug on the heartstrings, Fluttershy. She takes care of animals, she’s quite the shy one considering she won’t look you straight in the eye, as if you are some god that should not be looked upon directly, and only between her strands of flowing hair instead. A few weeks had already gone by and the whole time you were learning more about them to fit in. Now you know about just as much as they do about their race. Lately, when Rarity found out about how you wanted to just live a simple life, she’d bought you an area in her town, Ponyville, and had a diner built there. She said she’d already had it in mind way back when but couldn’t find the right pony to man it, and considering you were new and you mentioned how you wanted a simple life, she offered it to you as a welcoming gift. You loved working a diner, the idea was pretty fun and simple for you and it might help ponies to warm up to you. Your presence was still a surprise to most creatures in this world but most folks in Ponyville already know of you, they just haven’t broke out of their shell and try to befriend you on a personal level. Usually, it’s just a wave and a hoot and a holler of courtesy, but they’re still about as shy as Fluttershy. You don’t mind though, you decided to just give it some time. Rarity also said that she made the diner near her boutique as a business thing where she can get customers from the diner, but for more refined taste, she opens the place as a bar after 7 PM. She wanted to make it a bar only but decided to mix it up when you suggested to make it a diner at day so everyone can come in. She gladly agreed that the suggestion was ingenious and implemented it. Now you’re just happy to work as a diner manager and a bartender. Entering the diner/bar, a closed small bar is to your right and a counter next to it all the way to the wall is for the diner. Everything behind that is just the kitchen and to the front of you is the usual seats for the people to dine in. At night, everything closes and the bar lights up. That’s mostly what you wait for everyday. The day job is nice and you love it, but things get more interesting at night. You mostly love the work of a bartender for many reasons, one of which was being able to console people who come by that are problematic, and even more so now that you can manipulate reality. Most people still don’t know about that except for the princesses and the other 5 ponies. Speaking of consoling customers, a rather depressed blue pony is walking in the bar right now. She wears a wizard hat and cape and has an aesthetic white mane. You break off your reminiscent haze as she opens the door which rings the bell. You look at the time, it’s 8:53 PM and your only customer is the one that’s about to enter. You start wiping the counter as she takes her seat. “What’ll you have, miss?” “O-oh, I’m sorry, i-it’s... I’ll just have some water.” she says in a really somber tone. You can feel as if she wants to say something, to vent and let out a bit of steam. She also froze up a bit seeing you for the first time, but she simmered down a bit after. You supposed that she’s seen many other creatures besides ponies and probably word of who you are already spread through Ponyville, and maybe even Equestria. You let out some water and a glass and pour her one, “Rough day?” you ask worriedly. “You mean everyday?” She chuckles to her zinger a bit as she smiles briefly only to return to her former expression, you still chuckled yourself to her quip though. “Ah, yes. The agonies of living. So what made your day so rough, miss...?” “Trixie. Trixie Lulamoon.” “THE Trixie Lulamoon.” you asked baffled. You never really knew a lot of people, everyday was just job in, job out, rest, then repeat. Either way, you always found a certain charm about meeting considerably famous figures even when you don’t have any kind of affinity with them or what they do. “The great and powerful.” She quips and smiles once more but only for a short while as she looks down at her glass. “Work, I suppose?” “Yup.” She admits with a heavy sigh as her eyes start to glisten. “It’s just that-“ her explanation was cut off by her rumbly tummy. The water works are on now. She’s whimpering in shame while still trying to wipe her tears away. “I-I-I’ve b-been working on m-m-magic for so long but less and l-less ponies each day come to see my shows.” Trixie gulps hard as her tears keep a stagnant flow. “N-Now I don’t have enough bits to even get a meal and my wagon is full so I don’t have a place to stay.” She bawls our even louder after that last statement. Luckily, it’s just the two of you in the diner right now and there’s no one close enough outside to hear her. You barely know her but you can’t help but feel really bad just seeing her in that sorry state. Thankfully, Rarity told you before you opened the diner that every restocking of supplies, there’s always a little extra in the food portion so that when the homeless or needy are nearby we can cook some up for them, else you can have them for mealtimes during your break. Without a second thought, you freeze time in all of Equestria and Trixie except for the diner. It’s not that you couldn’t stand how loud she was, it’s just that you didn’t want to keep her waiting for the meal you’re about to make her. Behind the counter to your right is a grill, most of the ingredients and other kitchen apparatus are in the back. In a jiffy you get some enoki mushrooms, two eggs, a couple leeks, a few dashes of salt, and flour. It’s a simple meal, but it tastes pretty good and it doesn’t have any meat in it. (Authors note: this is a real meal you can make. It’s really simple to make. Just mix it all and cook it in a pan so try it if you’d like.). You place them all into smaller pieces on the grill and in a few minutes it’s cooked to perfection. You place them all in a plate and get some cider for Trixie. Hastily, you placed her meal in front of her as you wipe a bit of sweat off your face using your sleeve. All is ready now, so you unfreeze time. The shift from utter silence to loud wailing instantly pierced my ears and deafened me for quite a bit. I cover my ears for a bit until Trixie simmered down when she’d realized that something just appeared in front of her. She’s a little calm now, but still sniffling. Taking notice of you cupping my ears, she apologizes, “S-Sorry... u-um, what’s going on?”. Oh boy, here you go again. Whether you want to keep your powers a secret from her or not isn’t a problem. You don’t really care much for what people know about you but you have to tell her regardless considering she’s already a tad confused. Minutes have passed as you’ve told Trixie of your origins in Equestria and your divine powers. Trixie seemed to take it normally and she wasn’t in shock and awe, she said that she already knew someone like you and that his name was Discord. Sounds like an interesting fellow, you think that you’d like to meet him someday somehow. You’re lost in thought about Discord so Trixie speaks up to break your haze while she takes in another spoon of your warm meal with her magic, “So like, how great and powerful are you?” “Well...” you say with a little smirk on your face while you snap your fingers. Just like that, you and Trixie are in Canterlot inside the castle. It would all be normal if it wasn’t broken down. Trixie is confused as to what’s happening. She has a bad feeling about what’s happened judging simply by how the castle is. She looks out the balcony and her fear tremendously increases. Everywhere she looks everything is destroyed. Not a single soul to be seen or heard and all of Equestria is gone in the snap of a finger. Seeing the true fear in her eyes, you snap your fingers again and you’re back in the diner. She’s hyperventilating. You pour her another glass of water but she instead runs for the door to look outside. All is well in Ponyville. She goes back to her seat and drinks her glass just before asking, “What in the Tartarus was that?!” “Whoa, relax. That was just a vision of what I could do, it never really happened.” “I-I see.” “Look, I’m not a bad guy. I’d just like to live a simple life. I’d never destroy Equestria.” Trixie feels herself calm down at that and huff a big breath she’d been holding in almost as if a heavy weight had just been taken away from her shoulders. A silence build between us and you step in to break it. “So... how’s my cooking?” Trixie feels herself blush lightly at that statement. She’d already forgotten the ordeal that you helped her out of and is now flustered at the thought of not showing her gratitude the moment you’d helped her. “Th-They’re really good.” You never really liked answers like that. Always so generic. Nevertheless you respect them as a basic act of courtesy so you give a basic nod, “aye, that’s good to hear.” “How’d you make them?” Trixie inquires with a puzzled look on her face. “Well, after I stopped time I just got some leeks, enoki mushrooms, salt, flour, and two eggs and then grilled them right after mixing them.” “Wait, why did you stop time?” You like the thought that she’s already gotten used to your divine powers so you crack a smile and say, “Well I wouldn’t want to keep a hungry mare waiting.” She blushes at that real hard as she looks away. You couldn’t help but return the favor and blush yourself without changing expression. “Thank you, uhhh...” “Anonymous, you can call me Anon for short.” “Right, sorry. I probably should’ve asked earlier.” Trixie shyly mutters as she scratches the back of her head with a hoof. “Anyhoo, I’m really grateful Anon, truly. The truth is, I went here because it was cold outside, I wasn’t even sure if you’d let me stay. Now I’m just grateful. I’ve got a warm meal, and I’m not freezing. That’s more than enough for me, so thank you Anon. She leans in and gives you a warm embrace from across the counter. You return it and after a few awkward seconds she lets go with her cheeks as red as tomatoes. “I-It’s been quite the night but I’ve gotta go. I hope we see each other again. Good night Anon.” “Good night, Trixie.” you warmly say despite your schemes that are about to unfold. It’s cold out and she doesn’t have a place to sleep so you can’t just let her leave. There’s no two ways about it, you have to make her stay. As she’s heading for the door, she suddenly shifts a few meters back. Thinking that it’s just her mind playing tricks on her, she moves once more like nothing happened. It happened again, but she catches on quick as she gives you a pouty glare. “Anooon.” “Yes?” “I have to go.” “Go where? Home?” Trixie recoils at your question. She has a home, her wagon, it’s just full and she can’t sleep there. She can’t answer your question because she knows she’ll have to sleep outside, she just said she’d leave and she’d just work her way from there. She’d very much like to stay with you, but she doesn’t want to trouble you. “You know you can stay here even if it’s just for the night, right?” “No no, I wouldn’t want to bother you.” “Me? Bothered?” you deadpanned at her. As much as you wanted a simple life, you didn’t really mind any other icing on your cake as long as you weren’t heavily affected. When Rarity was having the diner constructed, you were living with Pinkie Pie because she was extremely hospitable and you loved baking. You had a blast there and felt really bad when you had to leave though because your stay was only temporary, though you still go to Sugarcube Corner every now and then to hang out with Pinkie. Rarity just built a diner for you and was beaming with joy when she got to show it to you. You asked if you could live there and she was perplexed as to why. She told you how it might be uncomfortable for you to sleep in a diner and referred to it as “simply horrid”. In a snap of a finger a second floor is made on the diner. Rarity seemed pretty peeved at you at the time when she realized that you could’ve made the diner yourself instead of her having to go through the trouble of paperwork and bits, but at the end of the day it was goodwill so she didn’t mind and you both had a laugh about it, but those occasional glares that she gives you behind your back don’t seem to agree. “Well I actually live here and I’m sure Rarity won’t mind me having someone over.” Trixie seems to have no problem with that as her look changes from dismissive to neutral, and then flustered. “Me sleeping in the same roof with someone else?” You didn’t really think things through when you asked her to stay the night. You’d only realized just then that she probably hasn’t slept in the same place with someone for ages since she sleeps alone in her wagon. “I-I mean, it’s better here than on the streets.” you hastily uttered defensively. “I suppose so.” Trixie whispers in agreement. “But it’s still pretty early, what should we do?” “Well, how about we brush up your act?” you gleefully suggest with a smile on your face as you summon a pack of cards shuffling between your hands. “Sounds like a plan.” It’s been about an hour two and it’s nearly 11 PM now. You’ve been teaching Trixie some neat magic tricks since then and sometimes even went as far as going to a simulation dimension just to practice some grander ones like the ones that involve cannons. A smaller half of the time you tried to teach her how to cook seeing as that she was interested in it. Alas, to no avail. She was determined at first but she kept getting distracted and bored along the way. She said that she would instead just Master her craft first instead of learning new ones. Before learning, she told me that crowds were hard to please in Equestria considering that magic was just an everyday thing already. You on the other hand weren’t well versed in magic, but you are quite the creative one. A couple card and stage tricks here and there and she was already amazed at what you’d shown her, that was a good sign that people will enjoy the magic she’ll soon perform especially considering that she learned pretty quickly. The most promising thing she learned from you though was her stage act. It wasn’t just about amazing her audience, it was also about keeping them entertained and connecting with them. She had mixed feelings when she realized that. Happy that she’s learned it and sad that she hadn’t realized it as much before. Minutes later, you were teaching her a new trick where she’d be shot out of a cannon and slam straight into a wall only to vanish out of nowhere right as she’s about to hit the wall. While you’re loading her up in the cannon and telling her the ins and outs, a bell can be heard from the portal. Almost instantly you snap your fingers once more and you and Trixie are back at the diner. With your eyes closed you inform, “Good evening. Welcome to the bar, what would you like?” A regal voice can be heard, “Darling, you really should give this place a name. You can’t just call it ‘the diner’ and ‘the bar’.” Yes, the establishment was technically yours but also Rarity’s at the same time yet she still gave you the honors of naming it. Whether it’s due to simplicity or laziness, you just called it ‘the diner’ at day and ‘the bar’ at night when it opens. “I can and will, Rarity.” you humor with a smug look on your face. Rarity just glares at you and ends with a sigh, “To each their own I suppose, but you ‘will’ change that name someday. I’m sure.” “Well, someday is not today.” you quip back as you pour her some well-brewed tea, it’s quite a delicious homemade recipe you know of. “Oh Anon, you’re such a gentleman. Thank you dearly. That’s just what I need right now.” Rarity praises as she uses her magic to take a sip and melts her stress away with its flavor. “Speaking of need, what brings you here so late at night?” Abruptly finishing her sip, Rarity quickly remembers, “ah yes. I’d just finished my workload for the night and I wanted to check up on how you were doing. I know how slow nights can get.” Rarity catches a glimpse of Trixie and the magic trick stuff you two used on a nearby table, there’s quite a lot of them on it. “Though it looks like you already have company. Good evening, Trixie.” “Hey. Sorry if I’m intruding on anything here, Rarity.” “Oh, worry not darling. That’s up to Anon and I’m certain that he’s alright with it.” “Indeed I do.” you follow up. “Anyhoo, I don’t suppose things have gotten too boring here now, have they?” “Well, the night was slow and the only one who’s been here since the bar opened was Trixie. Though we’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve been teaching her new tricks for her next performance.” “Why that’s great news darling! It’s good to know you’re doing well with other ponies. I hope that stage performance will be simply divine now.” Rarity glees in excitement. “Why wouldn’t it be? I, after all, am the ‘great’ and ‘powerful’ Trixie.” Trixie pridefully announces with a smug look on her face as Rarity just rolls her eyes at what she just said. “Oh, I hope you don’t mind Rarity, but I made some food for Trixie. She was pretty hungry.” you shyly mention. “Oh pish posh, think nothing of it darling. I already told you we save some extra stock for a reason,” Rarity then looks back again at the magic trick equipment. “Though it looks like it’s still a long night for both of you. Until when might you be here, Trixie?” “Actually, I’m staying the night. Thankfully, Anon doesn’t mind.” “I’m honored, actually.” you playfully joke around winning you a blush from Rarity and Trixie.” “My word, Anon. I had no idea you’d gotten so... chummy with ponies this quick.” Rarity clamors in astonishment. “Haha, it’s nothing like that.” you reassure with your facial expression turning from casual to stern. A few awkward moments of silence later, Rarity speaks up after finishing her cup of tea awkwardly, “Well then darling, I wouldn’t want to keep you two from your business now.” You glare at Rarity only to get a wink from her back. “Thanks again dearie, keep up the good work and good luck. Good night to you and Trixie as well.” “Yeah, sweet dreams too Rarity.” you say with an exhausted tone. It’s half past 11 PM now as you look at the wall clock and you let out a heavy sigh just as Rarity left. Trixie is yawning now. “It’s getting pretty late huh? I’m fairly sure I’ve taught you enough for your next show so why don’t you go to bed?” “Sounds like a plan.” Trixie tiredly mutters while rubbing her eyes with a hoof. The two of you walk upstairs to the second floor and into your house. Upon entering, you turn on the lights, “Welcome to my domain.” It’s not the coziest of places, but it’s your home. There’s barely any aesthetic design to the place and it’s pretty plain. Beige wallpaper, necessary furniture, and the occasional anime posters here and there, some of which are Hatsune Miku. It’s not much, but it’s just the way you like it. “What are these posters on the wall? I’ve never seen anything like them.” “That’s a tale for another time. C’mon, let’s get you to your room. I’ve still got to finish my shift.” “You’re not gonna go to bed with me?”. Upon realizing her ‘mistake’ she corrects it. “I-I-I-I mean at the same time... yup... that’s what I meant.” “Well, a job’s a job.” You just realized that you don’t have a guest room in your house. The occasion in your thought where that would happen was extremely rare and was thus unnecessary, so you’d never thought about making one. Not a problem though, with a snap of a finger the place is made. You enter the just made room with Trixie and she’s baffled speechless. The room is much grander than anything else in the house and probably even in most parts of Equestria. It’s got a big bed with those curtains on it, a grand balcony, fuzzy floor mats, the works. Most of what was shocking was that the room was colored in Trixie’s color palette and the design was hers as well. Her shock turns into yet another blush as she asks, “Was this room always here?” “Nope, just made it.” Trixie lets out a little sigh and a snicker as she climbs the bed. “Alright. It’s been quite the night, Anon, but Trixie needs her beauty sleep. And thanks... for everything.” “Think nothing of it.” you whisper as you teleport to her and tuck her in. Trixie smiles at that gesture, “Goodnight, Anon.” “Sleep well, Trixie.” You leave her room and off the lights as you are now descending downstairs. You’re back at the bar now and waiting for your shift to end as you just think about the night that just came to be. You are also excited for the days that will be.