//------------------------------// // Of strings and technology // Story: Do as you like // by PonkaPlatinum //------------------------------// It’s just about that time, closing time. For the diner, that is. You gotta change attire now to look like a professional barista as the hands on the clock are about to hit 7 PM. As usual, there are no ponies left in the establishment at this time as you snap your fingers and change your clothing. You look in a mirror you’d just summoned to make sure you look professional. You look like a stud, not to mention the classy uniform you have that compliments your green skin well. As good as you look, your night didn’t fare so well. It’s been a few hours since you’ve flipped the sign from “diner” to “bar” and as per usual, no one has entered. Though with recent events, you figure they’ll arrive at the late hours of the day where the weirdos show up. You always did like weird people. You were bored though. It’s already 10 PM and you’re just reading some Fimfiction fanfics from a different universe. You gotta say though, some of the stories people come up with are pretty darned good. Like the ones with you in them. Though your focus is shifted at the door as you hear the sound of the bell that sounds when someone comes in. You were about to give your usual employee greeting until you realize that it’s just Trixie, though a smile does form on your face. “Good evening, Trixie.” you welcome the mare with the close of your eyes and a nod from your head. Without another second passing, Trixie bolts in the room and jumps across the counter landing both of you on the floor as she hugs you. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” Trixie gratefully repeated as she was nuzzling your neck. “Whoa now, what’s the occasion?” you inquire while bringing the both of you back standing steady as you pat your clothes off any dirt and dust it caught. “The audience absolutely loved the performance of the great and powerful Trrrrixie. They want me to do more shows all around Equestria now. Can you believe it?” Trixie gushes in joy skipping around you. “With my help, you better believe it.” you hubristically boast. Trixie smiles at that. “Well, I can’t say that’s not true.” “I take it you come here for a victory drink then?” “Oh, actually I don’t drink.” Trixie shyly admits. Surprising to say the least for a pony of her age, but not quite baffling enough to make you jump in your seat. “Well then, I’ll open up some cider and we can have a toast.” you offer with a pack of cider in your hands. “I have to go now, actually. With the last show, I finally used up enough equipment to have more space in my wagon. I gotta make some plans and setup my gear to perform in a filly’s birthday party tomorrow and I just stopped by to say thanks.” You stare at her for a bit then accept after processing what she’d just said. “Fair enough. At least have this bottle to go then.” you offer after taking out a bottle from the pack of cider. She takes the bottle with her magic and heads for the door. “Thanks again, Anon.” Trixie says as she turns back. “Don’t thank me yet, our friendship’s just started.” Trixie chuckles at that. “Well I’m sure it’ll be a good one. Goodnight, Anon.” “Goodnight, Trixie.” With the sound of a bell again, Trixie is out of the diner Another good hour has passed and you’ve rechecked and refixed the establishment for the seventh time already. Still no customers. If you weren’t working, you were planning about your days in Equestria, or just the occasional “workplace slacking activities” in a bar such as experimenting on the drinks. You’d regret drinking the monstrosity of a drink you’d just made if you weren’t immune to practically everything. It was a mix of Bourbon, Whiskey, Vodka, the works. Though you do know that that recipe is bound to come in handy someday. While trying out an actually safe experiment that other people can drink without suffering, out of the corner of your eye, two ponies are heading towards the diner door from the outside. One of them appears to have a white coat with an electric blue mane of different shades and some headphones by her neck. The most noticeable feature about her is her goggles that completely cover her eyes. The other one is a more refined looking pony. Her collar and bowtie compliments well with the aura that she expels. Her black flowing hair and gray coat truly does charm you. Not to mention her eyes which would be entrancing if they weren’t glaring at the pony she’s with. Looks like they’re arguing. Though it’s more of a one-sided argument as the gray pony just keeps nagging while the white one is just frowning. She’s taking her words like a champ despite the evident fury on her face. The sound of the bell signifies to you that they’ve already entered the bar and it also seems they’ve stopped arguing, though the same can’t be said about their demeanor. The gray one seems hesitant to follow the mare with her into the bar, but she follows anyway. It’s considerably late already for someone to just enter the bar but you suppose that’s why the bar is still open for hours. “Good evening, ladies. A table for two I suppose?” The gray one glares at her friend for a bit then just lets out a heavy sigh. “No… not quite. I’ll just...” she stares to nowhere in particular for a bit looking lost in thought. “Actually, I think I’ll just stay here for a bit.” Rather than take a seat at the tables, they just sit by the counters near you though they’re far apart from each other. You can already sense the friction from them and you can tell that they’d like to let out some steam. Unlike most ponies, they weren’t intrigued or even phased by your being. They probably overlooked it in their silent fit of rage. “So what’ll you have?” you ask the both of them as you leer in a bit with your forearm on the counter. The gray mare speaks up first, “J-Just some water, please.” You then turn to the white pony as she tiredly says, “A scotch for me.” Concurrently as she said that, the refined vibe the other pony gives off breaks as she couldn’t contain her rage any longer than she already has. “We can’t even afford to pay the rent anymore, Vinyl! How could you possibly think about buying something as expensive as Scotch?!” she shouts infuriated with her hooves smashed on the counter. She doesn’t seem to care much about how anybody sees her at this point, her eyes clearly show a burning, undying rage within them. Well then, that was a quick shift of emotions. You don’t say anything against her as you just let her vent out her steam. You suppose that’s what bars are made for in the first place, and that’s what you wanna hear, problems. Looking back now, you remember that you always wanted people to come to the bar and complain so you can help them. That’s not really happened as of late, but the time has come and you’re just waiting for one of them to cross the line. The white pony just says nothing as she waits for her drink unphased by the words of her supposed friend, hopefully not former friend. The gray mare waits for a response and inevitably doesn’t get one. She’s fuming now. “Fine, do as you like. I knew I should’ve went straight home than try to talk some sense into you. I’m going back to our flat, and don’t expect a warm welcome when you’re back.” she shouts as she starts storming off to the exit. No no no, that’s not happening today, the line has just been crossed. The bar is a place of melancholy where the despaired gather to be restored. You come depressed and leave refreshed, melancholy doesn’t leave the place. So you pull out all the stops and use the card you didn’t want to have to use unless needed… well… not really, you’ve always wanted to use this move for the silliest reasons. This is one of them. “GATE OF BEWWY WUBS!” you shriek loudly enough to get everyone’s attention and make their fur stand on end. Multiple yellow ripples appear within the atmosphere behind you and an onslaught of hands make their way to the gray mare. They’re all grabbing her now and pulling her towards you while she’s in shock still trying to understand what’s going on. Once she’s on the counter, her shock and stress turns into relief as she melts away into pleasure. She lightly moans in pleasure and ecstasy with every rub. On the chin, the cheek, the head, behind the ears, and most especially the belly. It looks like she’s already forgotten all her problems and just let them drift away as she’s already snoring on the counter. You temporarily summon a comfy bed for her to sleep in. You lay her down as she adorably snores and occasionally flinches a bit. That light blush of hers is a real tug on your heartstrings though, one so downright heart shaking that you had to stop time and take a picture so her friend won’t think you’re weird, or worse. Clearly though, you’ll tuck that picture somewhere no one will find and hopefully you won’t forget to do that. With her comfortable now, you turn to the white pony who is not only baffled but is moreover fearful as she keeps her distance from you. She’s didn’t mind that you were a one of a kind species but she’s only found out now that you’re no regular guy. She manages to stutter a bit, “Wh-What are you?” You quickly teleport behind her with your mouth near her ear, “Nothing personnel, kid… but it looks like you two need some help.” Her vigorous shaking slowly falters as her expression turns into confusion. “First, introductions.” It’s been a few minutes now and I’ve been informed of necessary context to understand their situation. So apparently the white mare’s name is Vinyl Scratch and her still comfortably slumbering friend is Octavia Melody. Some pretty peculiar names since they align with their shtick. More importantly, you could already tell but they can’t pay they’re rent anymore, what you didn’t know was that they couldn’t pay their rent because they don’t have a stable job. Though that’s a topic to be discussed in a few minutes, first you have to answer Vinyl’s questions before her head bursts from all the confusion. “Who are you again?” “As I said, I’m Anonymous. You can call me Anon. I’m like an almighty being.” “So you’re pretty much like Celestia then?” she asks tilting her head. “Well, more like Discord from what I hear, but much more powerful.” As per the usual response from everyone after hearing that starting to be wary around you. Noticing her change in demeanor, you hastily speak up, “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna try anything against Equestria.” “Well then why are you here?” she asks a tad relieved. You decide to have a little fun to ease both your tensions, “I opened up this bar so when ponies come passing by late at night I can kidnap them to put them in my dungeon and no one would know.” You’re having a good laugh now as Vinyl is trembling in fear. She knows that if it were true, there’s nothing she can do about it now, and your howling only makes the vibe eerier. “Hahaha, no Vinyl. I’m yanking your chain. I just woke up here one day and now, I’d just like to live a simple life.” you quickly correct yourself as to calm Vinyl down. She lets out a breath of relief after hearing that. “So is this what you’ll be doing for… ever? Are you immortal?” “Maybe and yes, and I’m sure you have a lot of questions but there’s more important things we should talk about for now.” you respond while looking at her friend Octavia. She pouts a bit with a reluctant look but catches herself when she recalls their grave problem with a still to be found solution. “So you don’t have a stable job? Tell me about that.” you continue as you take a seat next to her. “Well, me and Tavi just do gigs every now and then but less and less people have been calling us up. Now, people prefer other genres of music and so we don’t even have enough bits to pay our rent. We had a performance for an event earlier for a party Pinkie had and we had an argument which pretty much ruined the party and so we were asked to leave.” she’s tearing up a bit now. “We shouldn’t have quarreled. We were just tensed a bit and because of that fight… we’re probably not gonna perform for anyone again. S-So I heard there was a new bar here and I wanted to have a one last drink before we live in the streets. I know it’s a stupid move but alcohol always did a good number to calm me down.” That was quite the tale she’d just told you. She’s silently crying to herself now as you try to console her before thinking up a solution. “Well then it’s a good thing you came to this bar.” “Well… what are you gonna do?” she whimpers between sniffles. She’s got you there. You haven’t really thought about how to help them yet and she’s already put you in the spotlight to answer her question. Well you can’t help them by summoning bits, you’ve sworn that despite your infinite powers, there are some things you’ll never do. Two of them being summoning bits and swearing. Swearing for obvious reasons, seeing as even the simplest words such as “peeved” is already offensive, you have to be wary around your words. Summoning bits for the reason that you don’t wanna create a fluctuation in their economy by making money that’s not accounted for in their system, though you’ll summon gems every now and then when needed. Though bits are relatively equal to gems, gems are a different case so it’s fine. An idea comes to mind after a bit of thought. “Vinyl?” “Yeah?” “How would you like to work here?” You do get lonely here every now and then and with the high amount of customers, your pay is way too high. With the two of them working here, their music will most probably get even more customers to come in. That won’t really do a big number on your paycheck and even if it did, you don’t really mind. Overall, getting more people to work with you isn’t really such a bad idea now that you think about it, and the two of them seem to fit the bill pretty well. I’m sure Rarity won’t mind if I hire even just a couple of people to help around. “Thanks but I don’t know much about working in the service industry.” she says “You don’t have to work the service. You and Octavia can play music for the customers. Whether they like it or not doesn’t matter, you’ll get payed anyway. Moreover, you can brush up your craft when there’s no customers around.” Vinyl’s eyes go wide after realizing the benefits of the steal offer you’re giving her, “Sounds like a bargain. How’s the pay?” “A couple hundred bits a day as profit. With zero expenses aside from restocking, my paycheck is too high for my own good. We somehow get a lot of money despite the lack of customers by the night but I’m sure you two can bring them in which means more bits for us.” Vinyl looks deep in thought as she contemplates her circumstances with a hoof to her chin. This is just what they need, a fairly high paying stable job that involves their craft. With no other options left where she and Octavia can live normally, her mind is set to a decision. Though one question still lingers within her mind about you. “I have a question.” “Go fire.” “Why are you helping us? I get why you pulled Tavi back here with your ‘Gate of Bewwy wubs’ was it, but why do you wanna help strangers out? You could’ve turned a blind eye, it doesn’t concern you after all.” she asks truly concerned. She probably thinks you have an ulterior motive but you gotta play the “Wise God” card here for now. “Why anything? There’s a lot of questions and some will always be left unanswered. Was it fate that you came here today? Was it just a coincidence that I popped up in Equestria one day? We’ll never know. Though what I do know is that you’re being given a rare chance to get useful help be my and the real question is, are you gonna take it?” Her mind’s already set with a firm answer, “I’ll… I’ll take it, if not for me then for my Tavi. Though I’m sure she’d take the job too, I still have to ask her.” Vinyl says as she looks over to her friend slumbering away in bed. She must’ve been really tired. “Talk to her about it tomorrow when you’re both well rested. It’s a Friday night so you should go rest and think about it for the weekend. If she’s in for the job then both of you can come by Monday morning whenever. Though I’d prefer you come before 6 AM. If she’s not for some reason then come on your own.” “Well it’s a good thing I didn’t buy that scotch just yet then. We’re a bit late on paying rent too and we might get evicted if we don’t pay this weekend but we’ll find a way I suppose.” Vinyl says with a worried look on her face. You can’t really let them stay here since they have their own place, and getting evicted is pretty bad for them since it’ll be hard finding a new apartment. Your only form of help is giving them a bag of bits to temporarily pay their rent. You’re loaded after all and it’s barely a scratch on your savings, more importantly it’s not summoned bits so it’s fine. “Here, take this,” you offer her a bag of bits you’d just summoned from your money stash. “It should be enough to pay your rent for the weekend.” A regular person would just loan them the money, but you’re a good person and money isn’t exactly high on your list of important things. What you care about is helping people. That gesture though is already bringing Vinyl to tears. She was grateful for the job offer, but she’s even more touched now by your generosity, a virtue which you take in a high regard because of Rarity. “Thank you Anon… so much. We’ll… we’ll pay you back someday somehow.” she cries with tears of joy as she gives you a hug. You just pat her on the head to comfort her as you respond, “Vinyl, you’d already be paying me back just by working here. It’s fine. I’m sure it’s been a tiring night for both of you so why don’t you go home?” “Sure, it’s about time we head home.” she sniffles. You both look at the still sleeping Octavia. Vinyl has a look of worry in her face as she’s deep in thought. She’s probably wondering how she’s gonna take her home. She can use her magic but she’s too burnt out for that at the moment. “Mind if I carry her?” you offer as you walk up next to her bed. Vinyl thinks for a bit then comes to an answer after deciding that you’re not hostile… despite your quip earlier, “Sure. I don’t see why not.” “Great, lead the way.” you say as you scoop up Octavia and make the bed disappear. She’s a heavy one, but that slight breathing of hers that you feel by your chest really motivates you. She gives a nod as she exits the bar to the outside. With a quick snap of your fingers, there’s another sign that says “BE RIGHT BACK” next to the “OPEN” sign. You’re already out and making your way to their apartment with Vinyl and Octavia. It’s been a few minutes of walking and it’s pretty silent and awkward, so you decide to step aside business and get to know them in a more casual aspect. “So how are you two related? With Octavia, I mean.” “Well, I love her and she loves me.” she explains with a little smile on her muzzle. That’s considerably surprising but nothing too new to you. You figure that the concept of love will most probably be just the same with any other species as it is with humans. “That’s nice. It’s a bit rude but, how’s society treating you with that?” you ask letting your curiosity take the better of you. “What do you mean? Relationships with mates or stallions are pretty normal here. You’d rarely find someone against it. Heck, some ponies even have inter-species relationships.” she explains confusedly. Ah, right. That’s one of the things you like about this place. The people aren’t as criticizing as they are on Earth. It really helps with your capability to live a simple life. Of course, criticism is a large factor in many important things such as change, though sometimes defending opinions isn’t the right thing to do and this is one of those times. “Right, I forgot this place was more… better with feelings.” you incorrectly say as a single positive word will never be enough to describe how much better this place is than Earth. “It’s… a human thing.” you explain trying to shift the subject. “Human. Is that what you are?” “Yup. On a higher note, what’s Octavia like? She’s been asleep this whole time and I’d like to know a bit about her in case she decides to work with me.” you query curiously. “She’s a sweet one I’ll tell you that. I know she said she wasn’t gonna give me a warm welcome when I come back but I knew she was gonna wait for me until I came back. No matter how hammered I’d be when I get back, she’s gonna tuck me into bed and sleep beside me rather than give me a harsh scolding.” she glees brightly as she nuzzles Octavia by her nose. “That’s real sweet. I don’t remember the last time I’d loved someone like that.” you lie. You remember the last time someone loved you like that… which was never. You’d always lived alone. You don’t really mind since it makes things less complicated but it was a thought that lingers within your mind every now and then. Though seeing as you’re the only human here and you’re immortal, that thought is at the far back end of your head. You’d still get pretty intimate and touchy-feely with everyone every now and then though. Hugs and such are always a great pluck on the heartstrings after all. “Haha, well I’m sure you’ll find someone eventually.” “Right, thanks Vinyl.” you smile patting her head. You suppose she is right. Forever is a long time after all and you can’t control the feeling of the heart. Those thoughts die down as you notice Vinyl come to a stop by a pretty mediocre house. This must be the place. “After you.” you gesture. “My my, what a gentleman you are, Anon.” she quips as she unlocks the door. “That’s me.” you return similarly as you both enter the house. It’s pretty rundown. Frail wallpaper, brittle wooden floorboards, the works. “Nice place.” you joke sarcastically as you keep taking a look around. “Tone down on the sarcasm now. It’s the last thing we need.” “Next to sickness. You should get a better place soon.” “No… a roof over our heads is better than nothing. More importantly, as ruined as this place is… it’s home. It’ll take some time but we’ll get this place shaped up in no time with our new jobs.” she explains looking around as if reliving memories. Sentiment, a value you hold dear to your heart. You respect that and it only makes you want to get to know them more, though that’s a tale for another time. It’s already getting pretty late. “Hehe, well you better work hard then. So where’s the bed? My shoulders are gonna fall off if I have to carry her any longer.” you jest. “Well she’s a plump one after all. Here, just put her down by the couch.” she chuckles while clopping towards you. Setting Octavia down, Vinyl says, “It’s been quite the night, Anon. Thanks, I think we’ll live better from now on.” she gratefully thanks with a hug. “Things are already better Vinyl.” you tell her as you snap your fingers. Just like that, their living conditions are notched up a couple fold. The place is refurnished, the wallpapers are good as new, the floor is waxed, and it looks a whole lot brighter overall. It’s a bit much but it’s a good way to help them. You can only think of what Octavia’s reaction will be with everything when she wakes up. The mere thought of it puts a smile on your face. Vinyl just looks at you happily in awe and before she can say anything you quickly say, “Good night, Vinyl.” as you teleport outside of the house. You could already tell she was gonna give you a flurry of gratefulness so you had to book it. You never really liked it when people say “thank you” too much even if you’ve really done a lot for them. Walking back to the bar, your thoughts are filled by the possible changes you’ll have in your job now that Vinyl and Octavia will probably work there next Monday. The possible new memories you’d make with them now encompass your thoughts. What kind of things will you do together with them? How deep will your friendship be with them? Will you be friends with them until they… never mind. Those thoughts start to simmer down as your bar is within eye distance, mostly because you see a yellow pony with a pink mane by the entrance peering in and looking around worriedly. Is that Fluttershy? Why’s she here? To get a drink perhaps? You’re not sure but you’ll have to find out right now because she’s definitely looking for you. In a swift motion you bolt towards her at the speed of light and grab her into a tight hug by her barrel. “Ahhhhh!!!” Fluttershy screams in fear of what might considerably have just assaulted her. It’s not the nicest hoot and a holler, but it’s not the rudest either. So in your sequence of laughing, you immediately set her down to face as you kneel down on one foot with your eyes closed. “My apologies Fluttershy, I’m bored.” She seems to understand you’re unreasonable reason but she’s still trembling as she hyperventilates in her place. Despite how simple your little jump on her was, you give her understanding even if she’s a tad hysterical about it. She really is shy and easily scared so instead of getting upset at her, you just try to console her. In a second, you pull her into a warm embrace by the front and wholeheartedly say, “I’m sorry.” She slowly stops shaking at that kind gesture of yours. You pull her away as you give her a wide, bright smile to which she weakly returns as she hides behind her hair. “So what brings you here my dear Fluttershy?” you break the silence in the hopes of shifting topics. You don’t suppose she’s here for a drink but anything’s always possible. She speaks up finally breaking away from her frightened trance, “A-Actually, there’s an emergency a-and I need your help.” You’re not exactly close with Fluttershy, but you do know her and she knows you though you’d like to get to know her more soon. On a higher note, her asking for your help specifically must mean that it’s pretty urgent. “What’s the matter?” You ask worriedly. “I was at my cottage taking care of the animals when Angel asked me for a salad as a late night snack but I ran out of ingredients to make a salad, so he threw a bit of a fit and ran towards the Everfree Forest. Oh I hope he’s okay.” she explains as she shakes in place a bit. You can tell that not only Fluttershy but practically everyone is afraid of the Everfree, though having witnessed it’s dangers firsthand does make it more sensible. “Th-then I remembered that you came from the Everfree Forest unharmed and with your powers I… I figured you could help. I-If that’s not too much trouble for you of course.” she whispers hopingly as she awaits your response. This is most definitely an urgent matter so you hastily answer, “No worries Fluttershy. He’s a white rabbit right? I’ll find him. You just stay at your cottage and rest for the night, it’s already pretty late. He’ll be back in no time.” Before any more words are exchanged, you pat Fluttershy lightly on the head just before teleporting near the end of the Everfree Forest. You made sure to leave another you by the bar’s counter just before doing so. Treading forward now, you enter the grim Everfree Forest.