As I strolled through the city, the rhythmic sound of hooves on cobblestones accompanied my thoughts. The air was filled with the lively chatter of ponies going about their daily activities, and the lingering scent of rain added a refreshing touch to the atmosphere.
I settled on a bench, savoring the simplicity of the moment. The colorful passersby and bustling market stalls created a vibrant scene, and I let my mind wander through the streets of Equestria, brimming with unexpected challenges for me.
Suddenly, a catchy jazz melody caught my attention. Following the sound, I discovered a small stage where a group of ponies was enthusiastically playing jazz. The syncopated rhythms and creative improvisations echoed in the air, capturing the vibrant energy of the city.
Intrigued, I stood up from the bench and approached the impromptu stage. The musicians, smiling and passionate, seemed to lose themselves in their own musical world. I closed my eyes, doing my best to appreciate the music, letting it penetrate me.
I had never been a jazz enthusiast, but these ponies were talented, evident even to a novice like me. I felt a hoof on my shoulder, causing me to instantly reopen my eyes. It was Dr. Crystal. "Music has an amazing power, doesn't it? It can transport us to unknown worlds and connect us in mysterious ways."
I nodded, still captivated by the musical performance. "It's incredible. I never thought I'd find something like this here."
Dr. Crystal turned his gaze toward the musicians, his expression filled with appreciation. "Equestria is full of surprises. You can discover so much by taking the time to look around."
I let a slight smile appear. "Like the gems I brought you."
Dr. Crystal had an amused smile. "Yes, I have some news about them, but it can wait." I nodded slightly, continuing to enjoy the music.
After the performance, the group greeted the audience, and Dr. Crystal and I applauded enthusiastically. Dr. Crystal nodded. "That's what makes life exciting. There's always something new to discover, whether it's in music, gems, or even the relationships we build."
As we left the lively stage, I felt grateful for this serendipitous encounter, but I snapped back to reality, turning to Dr. Crystal. "Sorry to be insistent, but I'd like to resume my adventures quickly, hoping to think about something other than Onyx."
"You can't stay still, Thunder," he said with a strange look.
"It's not about staying still; it's about adventures waiting," I looked at the sky. "There are still too many places I haven't visited, too many things I haven't done."
"I understand, but don't be so impatient. The stones you brought me are strange; they seem to be animated by a simple glow of magic." He seemed to ponder his next words before continuing. "Nothing exceptional, just enough to make them shine and add a slight sparkle of magic."
I noted that in my mind. "As I mentioned, I'd be happy to gift you some for your expertise... but if you could help me find a buyer."
He smiled. "Of course, I could buy some from you..." he scrutinized my face. "But something is bothering you, isn't it?"
I nodded slightly, aware that Dr. Crystal had detected my concerns. "It's just that..." I tried to smile, "I struggle to understand what people expect from me," another half-truth.
Dr. Crystal narrowed his eyes, looking me up and down. "Yes, there's that," he resumed a friendly expression. "Sorry, I shouldn't pry into your personal affairs, but yes, let's go to my place to discuss business."
I nodded, wondering if he had the equivalent of a psychology degree before following him.
We exchanged small talk on the way to his place. Once again greeted by the various geodes and gems displayed while my host prepared tea, I smiled. Ponies really loved tea, and it was undoubtedly a mark of hospitality to prepare it for guests.
With the cups ready, Dr. Crystal showed a different demeanor. Though still polite and friendly, he seemed to take business quite seriously, and I had a slight feeling that I might be getting a bit of a raw deal on the prices he was proposing, considering I was leaving him three for free: one for his collection, one for the university, and the last for the Canterlot Natural History Museum.
Once the gems were in his possession and the transaction was completed, we resumed a normal conversation until a question caught me off guard.
"By the way, Thunder, you're an adventurer, I gathered, but someday, you'll probably have to settle down." He had a sly smile. "Or better yet, settle down with someone."
His remark echoed in my head, awakening thoughts I preferred to keep buried. The need to wander, to discover new horizons, was deeply ingrained in me. However, the notion of "someone" added a dimension that often appeared in my dreams—the feeling of loneliness and more recently, Onyx's presence...
I took a sip of tea to buy some time before responding, but my thoughts were already swirling. "I guess I hadn't really thought about it. Adventure has always been my most faithful companion, but..." I paused, searching for the right words. "But maybe having someone by my side could be a different kind of adventure."
Dr. Crystal nodded, as if he had anticipated my response. "There are aspects of life that can only be fully explored with someone else's company. The adventure together can be just as exciting, if not more so, than solitary discoveries."
I was surprised to find that his words resonated with me. Images of shared adventures with someone special formed in my mind, underlines too familiar for my liking. However, a part of me still resisted the idea of anchoring myself, of forming a permanent bond—I had learned to control myself, but I remained a predator.
"Maybe one day," I replied evasively, smiling to conceal the lingering indecision within me. "For now, the unknown still calls to me."
Dr. Crystal smiled understandingly, steering the conversation towards lighter topics.
As I was leaving, my eyes caught something lying on a table—an expired ticket for the theater play I had gone to see. I wondered if the doctor know Onyx's.
I spent the rest of the day wandering around, discovering a bar in an alley named "The Last Round." I smiled slightly at such a name in a world seemingly less inclined towards combat, immediately pushing the door open.
The door creaked open, revealing a dark and smoky interior. Dim light from a few hanging lamps created dancing shadows along the walls adorned with dark wood. The air was filled with the intoxicating blend of various drinks and the smoke, presumably from tobacco.
The interior was plunged into semi-darkness. The only sources of light came from the lamps hanging from the ceiling, casting a subdued glow. Dark tables were scattered throughout the space, each illuminated by a half-burned candle. The walls, along with what seemed to be windows, were covered in worn-out wooden boards, bearing the scars of time and countless nights.
Ponies, griffons, and others were present, either alone or in small groups, seated around tables. Some were playing cards or dice, while others threw darts at old wooden targets. The general murmur was punctuated by the clinking of glasses against the counter and muffled laughter.
Moving in the near darkness, my eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light as I sat at the counter on an old wooden stool, facing a Pegasus whose wings resembled those of a bat, looking at me with a mischievous smile, revealing two sharp teeth. "Guard chase you in here, cutie?"
I let out a small laugh. "Not yet." My smile widened slightly. "I'll have a glass of your strongest."
She blinked several times, probably slightly surprised, before resuming a mischievous smile. "Sure thing." She quickly turned around, pulling out various bottles I didn't recognize, while a customer next to me exhaled smoke.
I turned to the person, a griffon with perfectly groomed fur, holding a cigar in his right paw. "If I were you, I wouldn't drink that, kid." He chuckled slightly, taking a sip of his slightly bluish drink.
"And a special Irish Trash for the big boy." I turned around, the strong smell of the drink hitting me slightly. "But if that's too strong for you, I could probably find you a dress and a stallion for the grand gala."
I looked her in the eyes as I heard some laughs from customers, taking the glass in my wings and downing it in one go without breaking eye contact, seeing her face turn to astonishment as I struggled to keep an impassive face while feeling the warm liquid go down slowly.
I placed the empty glass in front of her. "Thunder, the adventurer. I'm not just any snob in this town." The griffon beside me chuckled at my audacity. "Another one."
The Pegasus, a bit bewildered, hurried to prepare another glass that I already felt was stronger. The griffon beside me continued, between laughs, "Looks like the great adventurer has some backbone. Maybe you won't be so easy to bring down." I wondered where to find a cigar; I used to be a smoker in my old life, but it became too expensive over time.
I smiled, enjoying the dark and lively atmosphere of the bar. The customers, with varied expressions, all seemed to have something to hide or forget. A mix of whispered conversations, resounding laughter, and the muted music from the corner of the room created a dissonant yet strangely captivating symphony.
It seemed that even in this world, people kept a shadowy part, which didn't surprise me too much.
My thoughts were interrupted when a new glass was placed in front of me, her smile taking on a challenging glint. "So, great adventurer, ready to face the next one?"
"Why not," I replied, raising the glass in approval. I drank slowly, savoring the potent blend that warmed my throat. The robust flavor was almost a challenge in itself, but I didn't flinch. The curious looks of the other customers seemed to follow each of my movements.
The griffon burst into laughter. "Well played, adventurer. Looks like you're not here to play tourist."
"Not really, I just happened to pass by and was drawn in by the sign, but I didn't expect to find a place like this in the capital," I replied, placing the empty glass, already feeling the alcohol take effect. "But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good drink and interesting company."
The hours passed in the unique atmosphere of "The Last Round." Conversations faded, giving way to music and sporadic laughter. Griff Striker, after some lively exchanges, introduced himself as the equivalent of a mercenary turned alcohol merchant with more stories than he could tell.
The waitress finally introduced herself; this was the first time I heard about bat ponies. Her name was Shadow Wing, a former profiteer, and I wasn't sure if she implied a smuggler or a pirate.
Late in the evening, as I was preparing to leave, Griff Striker put a paw on my shoulder. "If you're looking for action, Thunder, come back one of these nights. We might need someone of your caliber."
I left the bar, trying to stand as straight as possible, leaving behind the darkness and mystery of "The Last Round," visibly intoxicated and looking for the whereabouts of my hotel.
Entrant inebriated, I gave a friendly nod to the unicorn at the reception, who stepped away as I passed to bring me a bucket before helping me reach my room.
I collapsed onto my bed, waiting for her to leave before reverting to my changeling form. "I'm going to regret this tomorrow..." I closed my eyes.