//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: they said there be a rainbow after the storm 
// Story: Crossroads 
// by Jasmine Tea 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 3
Ponyville:
Darkness, nothing but the inky blackness of the abyss. Only the echoes of conversation cut through the abyss.
“I’m quite surprised love. Your settling down in one place now,” a masculine voice called out, a hint of a European accent in his voice. “I thought I was going insane when I heard that.” He said almost mockingly to himself.
A strange flame like orb floated in the dark along with another one, a frosty mist. “How is project green power doing?” asked a frosty turquoise mist. Her tone was dry and cold, unwilling to explain herself. “I would like to have the business done first.”
“Fine, the Gaia Corporation is done with testing and is proceeding with the plans in Europe, along with the other projects that you invested in. Camilla is making sure of that.” the orange orb recited mechanically.
“And the sky boards? Their popularity hasn’t reached Equestria yet.”
“Camilla is covering that too. So, Equestria, that’s where you been hiding eh,” he cheekily replied. “That’s a pretty isolated country you’re in. I heard the Princess of the moon came back- Oh! Will we be seeing her in the dream link~!”
“I’m not in the mood to deal with your personality, Nightshade.”
“Least I have one,” he muttered under his breath. “ Tea you can’t avoid the subject now, now can you?” The two-color ball stood silent. “I know it’s been a while since we last talked but," he sighed. "Look don’t make me think hard for the words here.”
“I was getting tired of traveling. Is there something wrong with that?” She questioned the orange fireball.
“How about the fact that you’ve still not given me a straight answer?” his light flickered angrily. “Chai you don’t do things without reason.”
Chai reluctantly spoke in a soft voice, “I ran into someone. We talked for a bit about things, then I realized something.”
“Oh? So, you’re finally going to admit that you're a workaholic.”
“Please take this seriously Shade, unlike you I have to be more considerate in my actions. I must think of the world’s benefits first before my own. No matter what my feelings are,” Chai dryly replied.
“I see you’re still as emotionally detached from ponykind as ever, my sister. I still don’t understand why you left us? It wasn’t hurting the world and you were so happy,” he pleaded.
“Nightshade, you know why,” she said in a tone unrecognizable to him. The blue/ brown ball mist became colder. “I need some time alone to control myself after that last mission we had together.”
“Have you forgotten that I too was part of that mission years ago and you can control yourself... This is about what Stryker said to you isn’t it?”
“If I explain why I’m staying will you drop the subject?” The orange globe stood silent. “Well, you're right in some parts, but that isn’t the problem.”
“Then what is it?”
“Shade, I want a normal life.”
“Chai? You do realize that we can’t be normal to begin with, right? We, are, not, normal! Why in the world would you want that?”
“Just listen to me, when I met her I nearly killed her.”
“You-”
“Yes, she was only just trying to help me but I hurt her. Shade, I tried killing her, an innocent bystander!” She cried out. The cold exterior of her orb became cracked. The two colored ball flamed out from the mist. It violently distorted the space around it.
The orange orb name nightshade tried grabbing her, trying to calm her down. His soul burned at the effort and at the energy she was creating. Now he was truly worried for his companion.
“Shhhhh, it’s okay Chai just, tell me anything,” he soothed, Aroosh, it’s been years since she’s been like this. You better fucking intervene in her life you worthless angel.
“Shade, where do I belong?!” Suddenly cracks began to appear in the void. The two orbs separated from one another; Chai couldn't hear what was said to her, instead she felt herself coming back into something solid, along with a sensation on her neck...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“What in the sam hill is that!?” exclaimed an orange mare wearing a stetson. Her companion squinted his emerald eyes. The two pairs of apple farmers looked up at the newly made tea shop to see a peculiar site. There on the rooftop apparently sat a snow pony.
“Looks like a snow pony, Sis,” the large red stallion offered. He chewed a bit on his straw trying to figure out why it was there.
"Well ah sure as hey doubt Ms. Tea'll be appreciatin' that on her house." With that declaration the mare known as Applejack smile proudly pulling out her lasso out from the cart that her brother was hauling and began to spin it. “Ha, this is going to be easier than taking eggs from a rooster!” she boasted to herself.
The red stallion, known around town as Big MacIntosh, rolled his eyes. To him it was nothing to make a fuss over. His policy was to just let the owner know. Of course that didn’t apply to his sister.
As she threw her lasso at the snow pony Big Mac squinted his eyes and noticed what looked like a patch of red fur.
“AJ, I think that’s no snow pony,” Big Mac said as the lasso landed on the figure’s shoulder blades; where the neck would be.
A red hoof popped out and grabbed the rope. “What in-” escaped Applejack’s lips before she was pulled upward. “Whoa Nelly!”
A red mare popped out from the snow, her hair capturing the morning sun. She spun the rope around a surprised Applejack in mid flight and tightened it when she landed on the roof. All the while her eyes were still closed. Then she dug in the snow to look for something. Glasses appeared in her hoof and were placed over her eyes and she looked at her assailant.
“Miss Applejack?” Chai said dumbfounded, eyes widening in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“Uhh, can ya put me down their first, partner?” she asked, shock apparent in her voice.
“Of course, Ms. Applejack,” she said giving a polite smile, slowly lowering the mare. Applejack was so grateful to be on the ground that she didn’t realize she was still tied up. Chai shimmied down using the rain gutter.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing here so early in the morning?” Chai said mustering the most polite tone possible.
Big Mac knocked on the cart he was towing. “Ya ordered some dry apples, Ms. Tea,” he said, eyeing her tensely. “What were ya doin’ up on the roof?”
“Meditating, I must’ve forgotten today was delivery day. May I ask if you could put it in the front for me please?” she asked in a straightforward manner. Oh, that reminds me, I have to go to the market today. He nodded stiffly and started unloading the barrel.
“Odd place to medicate,” AJ mused out loud, “ah figure ya would be doing that indoors.” Her head tilted in thought.
“Meditate,” Chai answered, “and I have a clear view of the stars their. It’s... a good place to think about things.” Not to mention a clearer link.
“And when did ya’ll learn those fancy rope moves. Ah’ve been ta the rodeo couple times and never seen tricks like that before. Ah must say, I’m mighty impressed.” the cow pony said in admiration.
“Oh, it’s nothing special, I just picked it up in my travels. Can’t be too careful when you’re on the road,” the red mare said cooly. In truth Chai was kicking herself for revealing it.
“Ah well ah see then, but can ya humor me for one more question?” Applejack asked humbly. Chai hesitated, this farm filly was too nosy for her taste.
“I guess,”  she said forcing smile on her face.
“How did ya manage to get Fluttershy to open up to ya?” she asked, her brother joining with them.
“Well it’s nothing really interesting or anything like that,” she quietly murmured. Rather glad for the change in subject.
“Well shoot, we have time ta listen. Isn’t that right Big Mac?” He nodded, still wary of her.
Chai looked at the both of them. “Sure, perhaps over some tea.” There’s no harm to this, she thought.
“We would be delighted to Miss Tea,” Applejack beamed.
_________________________________________________________________________
When Chai first met the shy Pegasus she was a bit put off by her. She was constantly quivering around her. The poor thing just couldn’t even speak at her. It was probably pure luck that she made it over here without fainting on site. But she was a customer and it simply wouldn’t do if she was whimpering out her orders. She had enough of that sort of treatment in the military already. It was no wonder that she got an idea. So pulling out a pencil and a sheet of paper Chai began to write.


Hello my name is Chai Tea, but you can call me Chai.


After she was done, she passed the note over to the butter yellow mare while giving her most comforting smile. Fluttershy looked at it for a moment.
“Um, I’m Fluttershy,” she whispered.
Okay, now we’re getting somewhere.
“Flutter Shy, that’s a pretty name. So Ms. Shy what would you like to order?” Chai spoke softly to the mare.
“Oh, almond tea please, if you don’t mind?” the butter yellow mare asked a bit braver but went back hiding behind her waterfall like hair. 					Her name really does suit her well, Chai thought smiling at the action. It was starting to grow on her.
She nodded and went to the back. A moment later she returned with a hot cup of tea and a nut.
“Here you are Ms. Shy. I hope you enjoy it. Oh, and one more thing,” Chai held up the hazelnut next to her mane. The shy mare looked puzzled at the pleasant tea maker.
Suddenly a white rat popped out from her hair. “Here you go little guy, a nice yummy nut for you,” she cooed, letting her affection show.  The rat took the offering and happily munched away. The pegasus looked at Chai with wide eyes.
“H-how did you know he was there?”
“I have a sense for these things. Is he your pet?”
“Oh, no he’s a gift for a sick colt. I was heading off to the hospital to deliver him.” Chai shuddered at the thought. “The poor deary has a weak heart.” The mare went silent for a moment. “I’m sorry, I’m depressing you. I should probably go now. How much for the tea?”
“It’s on the house. Just come back and visit sometime. I… would like to hear more, if you don’t mind.” Fluttershy looked a bit confused at the reply.
“Oh, well okay but why do you want to know? If you don’t mind me asking.” Chai bit her lip and let out a deep sigh.
“Well, you see… I, well ~sigh~. Sorry I’m not used to asking about this. I usually help from afar, but lately I’ve been trying new things in my life. So I wouldn’t mind listening to your problems. And –” she said rather awkwardly, shuffling her hooves together. She didn’t exactly look at the mare eye to eye but Fluttershy understood where she was coming from.
She must be shy just like me. The pink maned pegasus thought. “Umm, would you like to come with me? If you want to that is,” she asked, giving a look reminiscent of a puppy.
It was official now, she liked this mare. She wasn’t the bravest of ponies but she had a kind heart. “Sure, thank you... Would you mind if I brought along a book with us?” Chai asked humbly, Fluttershy smile while nodding.
“Of course.”
_________________________________________________________________________
“Golly, it was that simple for ya.” Applejack was just finishing her drink when the story was finished.
“Well yes, it’s obvious that Miss Shy can’t stand talking to new ponies. It’s probably due to being verbally abused when she was young. So, she took to preferring the company of  animals instead of her fellow ponies since they don’t judge.
Knowing this, I simply got rid of the verbal part of communication and replaced it with written language,” Chai said her face neutral. The Apple siblings stared at her incredulously. Chai continued sipping her tea before a voice broke the atmosphere.
“Wowee that sounds super smart, but kind of mean too,” a mysterious voice said from the ceiling.
“What in tarnation!” exclaimed Applejack. While the two siblings were stunned Chai  remained calm. With a small smile she addressed the ceiling.
“Ah, Ms. Pinkie Pie it’s nice to see you. I hope my ceiling isn’t too dirty,” she said calmly, her face now having a genuine smile. Applejack cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Nope! I’m squeaky clean, see,” the voice from the ceiling responded. Then the pink mare spun around on her back leg.
“Good to know, I take it that you have an invitation for us.”
“Yup! A friend of a friend is finally moving into Ponyville! Isn't it super do fantastic!” Pinkie cheered while confetti came flying out from her hair. Without realizing it Chai began to chuckle.
“You’re just like my little sister,” she burst out, the second she said it she regretted it.
“Ya have a sister?” AJ asked. “Ah thought that ya was an orphan. Why didn't ya tell us?” Her green eyes narrowing. Chai took a sip again.  
“Ms. Apple, if you’re referring that were blood related, then no. I have no siblings or kin that I know of,” Chai stated sharply. “It’s quite a sensitive topic for me, and I rather not have ponies asking about it.” Her eyes narrowed, like they were ready to attack.
*crack*
AJ was taken back by the harsh tone. But before she can rebuke, Chai continued. “Don’t get me wrong Ms. Apple, I love her dearly like any older sibling should; however, I was in a very dangerous occupation that I couldn't allow my sister to be near,” At this Chai’s jaw clenched and a red puddle formed on the table.  
AJ looked nervously at the red mare while Pinkie’s mane noticeably deflated.
“Ah understand,” McIntosh spoke up suddenly his eyes wide. “We shouldn't’ve pried into yer personal life like that and we ain’t gonna 	push the matter on ya.” He stood up. “It was nice speaking to ya Ms. Tea. Ah’m mighty sorry if we offending ya. We’ll take our leave.”
Going to his sister, Big Mac grabbed her and proceeded to dragged her out. “Mr. McIntosh,” Chai called out, Big Mac paused. “Thank you,” she said simply. He nodded and went off along with his sister.
“I did it again.” Chai said looking down at her broken cup, her hoof bleeding. “And now your friend is scared of me.” Her face soured.
“Yeah you did,” Pinkie said softly, before breaking out into a smile. “But I think you just… surprised them.” She said trying to cheer up Chai. She snorted quietly.
“Just like my little sister, always the optimistic one,” she said wistfully. Getting up Chai began to clean up the table, ignoring her bad hoof. 	“I hope my brother is being a good example to her. Creator knows what I would do to him if he gets himself into jail again.” Her teeth ground 	at last sentence.
The thought of family stirred the mare’s memories. Memories of a black Arabian horse and his sister, Aroosh, I’m doing my best here.
“She sounds fun. I hope I can meet her someday,” Pinkie said perking up from the compliment.
“Me too Miss Pinkie, me too,” She said smiling a bit, before she stashed it away. “Pinkie, I hope I’m not offending you but, I don’t think I’ll come to the party tonight”.
______________________________________________________________
*Wshooo*
“Next stop Ponyville,” a conductor called out to the nearly empty train car. There were only three occupants; all of them sitting in the same booth. The two mares chatted with each other while the other looked nervously out of the window with his headphones on.
Neon’s music was blasted on high, drowning out the sounds of the train. Feeling a tap on his shoulder his whole body tensed as he whipped his head to see his two best friends look at him worriedly.
“Hey buddy you hanging in there?” Vinyl asked.
“Yeah, just fine. Nothing like a drink that can help me,” he replied, subconsciously loosening his scarf and adjusting his sunglasses. 	Octavia frowned at that along with Vinyl. Both mares came next to the jittery stallion and wrapped their forelegs around him.
“Neon we’re here for you, remember,” Octavius sued. She turned to Vinyl for more encouragement. She nodded and continued.
“Yeah, remember what that quack said, you need to chill out or else I will make you laugh,” Vinyl said wickedly, her bottom jaw stuck out showing her teeth in a goofy fashion.
“Vinyl, stop it,” Neon said trying to be serious. But she continued on with her eyes crossing each other. Dammit Vinyl, it’s bad enough that you're trying to cheer me up but you’re going to make me wet myself!
“Vinyl? Who is this Vinyl? I am Lord Snobby Kit; master of all uptight snobbery. I like eating smelly cheese and having a stick up my plot,” she said in the worst Trottingham voice. At this point Neon was laughing on the train floor.
“HA HA HA HA! Dammit Vinyl, you know that one always gets me, now I’m going to piss myself here ha ha ha.”
“Ponyville station!” the conductor called out again. Vinyl smirked at the window seeing the approaching platform.
“Heh, it looks like you don’t have t, you lightweight, we're already at the station,” she said cheekily.
The car door was barely open before a light blue blur came rushing out looking for the nearest restroom.
“Quick, somepony tell me where the bathroom is!” Neon shouted out.
Pinkie Pie suddenly showed up out of nowhere and pointed a building behind her. “It’s right there silly!”
“Thanks Pinks, I owe you one,” he said rushing to the outhouse.
“No problamento!” she called out, her muffled voice barely reaching his ears. Oh sweet release, he thought in his bliss like state.
Two minutes later Neon came out feeling better than ever. He turned to his friends, seeing that they unloaded all his belongings. “Heh, sorry for dumping all this work on you guys.” He said sheepishly.
“It’s not a problem Neon, Vinyl and I don’t mind doing the work.” Octavia said cheerfully. Vinyl was about to make a retort but Octavia elbow her ribs.
“Yeah, what she says.”
“Awwww, thanks you guys, life wouldn’t be the same without my two best friends and my favorite party pony,” he said, wiping away a coming tear.
“Don’t thank us just yet. We gotta move all your crap into the apartment,” Vinyl wheezed out, trying to levitate all his luggage.
“Don’t worry, I got this!” Exclaimed Pinkie Pie, she took a lung full of air and shouted, “Applejack, Big Mac, can you help me pleaseeeee!”
“Heavens-to-Betsy, Pinkie! Was that necessary, we been here the whole time,” Applejack scowled. “And besides didn't y’all ask us to help ya?” But Pinkie didn't acknowledge her friends gripe.
“Applejack! You’re here already, great. Oh you even brought Big Mac here too, double yay!”
“Mac my main stud, what’s up?” Neon said, extending his front leg for the universal hoof bump.
“Hmmmm, the sky,” Mac retorted with a smile, returning his hoof bump.
“Ha, that’s what I like about you Mac. Always the straight forward stallion,” he lowered his hoof and turned to Applejack when something strange caught his eye. “Yo Jack, why do you have rope burns? I didn't think you’re into that kind of stuff,” Neon saids, wiggling his eyebrows.
“I ain’t, y’all can thank the new residents in town. Shame, she’s a nice gal too but reeeaaaalllll businesslike that one is,” Applejack said dejectedly.
“Aww, Applejack it’s okay, she’ll open up eventually. You just have to be patient.” Pinkie sued. Neon blinked at the weird scene that he just saw.
“Ummm, okay that was weird. Vinyl, do I need to quit the booze?” Neon asked his unicorn friend.
“Nope, but then again, I could be hallucinating the same thing too,” she said then pause. “Wait, are you guys talking about the freaky tall mare that moved in town a couple weeks ago?”
“Yupper-rooney, she’s super nice to me and Flutter," Pinky answered, "she even reads stories to the foals at the hospital.”
“Oh, you mean Ms. Tea, that lovely mare. I never expected that from her. How exactly did you get yourself tied up by her, Applejack?” inquired Octavia.  
“Ah spooked her while she was sleeping on the roof. She says something about meditating or something,” she grumbled.
“Well, as interesting as this mare sounds, we should be moving all my stuff into the apartment,” Neon interrupted with annoyance at the group. They all looked at each other and nodded at the same time.
“Right then, but me and Mac here have to go through to the market first. Y’all don’t mind a detour?” the orange farm filly offered, her hoof adjusting her stetson.
“Not at all, so let’s-a go,” Neon chirped happily starting to head off to the market while the remaining quintet of ponies stood back.
“So ya’ll think he’s going to end up like the rest of them,” asked AJ.
“Yup, he has no chance against her,” Mac added.
“Don’t count my boy out just yet. He may not look it; but underneath that playcolt persona is a sweet colt,” Vinyl said proudly. “You just need to dig for it.”
“I can’t believe you three, are you really betting on Neon’s chances with Ms. Chai tea!” Octavia said angrily.
“You just never know Tavi, you never know,” Pinkie Pie finished.