Fighting Freedom

The sun rose as I woke up. Its rays seemed to flash in my eyes. I tried to pick myself up, but there was a weight on by chest. I laid back down waiting to wake up fully. That was when I realized that the weight on my chest was generating heat, and breathing. I looked down to something incredibly cute, and confusing.

Rose's head was poking through the rather large neck hole of my shirt, and she was sleeping lightly. My shirt covered half of her, but her legs were sticking out from the bottom. There wasn't anything sensual about her. She was just cuddling up close to me. It was cute, but I was rather uncomfortable. I took off my shirt and moved her to the ground, She kicked out, and I d'awwed.

Kinda confused on how she found me though. Not like this hill was very conspicuous or anything. I just shrugged the thought off. I don't understand how she could stand the scent of the shirt though. It wasn't exactly the freshest thing I had. It was in my best interest to go see if Rarity had finished my clothes. Either that or wash these ones. Hopefully both if I was lucky.

I slung the shirt over my shoulder and began walking back to town. It was still pretty early though, so no one was outside. I was worried that Rarity wouldn't be up early as well. I stepped in front of her shop, and sighed when I saw the closed sign. The lights in the place were off as well. I looked over to the tree next to her house, and a great idea hit me.

I clambered up the tree, or at least I tried to. The nearest branch was too high for even me. It was at times like these where I wished I was a ninja. Running up trees was not my specialty. That was always a dream of mine, to train in the ways of kung fu. Of course I knew that such training was physical and mentally extreme. Totally worth it after though. Never got the chance obviously.

I looked around for something to support me. The closest thing was Rarity's trash can. Reluctantly I flipped it upside down and placed it next to the tree. Using it I was able to grab the first branch. After a lot of effort I pulled myself up. I guess running doesn't build arm muscle that well, who would've guessed?

I climbed around the tree, proving the usefulness of hands again. I reached a branch that was at the height of Rarity's bedroom window. I looked through to see Rarity still in bed. What was a little surprise wake up between friends? I broke a twig off the tree and threw it at the window.

The first didn't really wake her up, but one of the next five did. I think I might have accidentally cracked her window with the last one. If I did she didn't notice though. She got out of the bed and rubbed at her eyes. Still groggy, she looked at me through the window.

She was wearing that frilly bathrobe, and one of those eye coverings. If she was trying to get beauty sleep, she failed miserably. Her mane was going out in every way, and her tail wasn't much better. Her eyes were drooping and her coat was stuck up. She trotted up to the window and opened it. Sticking her head out she said,

"Why Silver dear, I almost mistook you for a monkey."

Sitting on the branch I said,

"Wouldn't be the first time."

She smiled, and then looked at herself.

"Oh but look at me, I'm hideous. I shall meet you downstairs when I am beautiful again."

I shrugged, and leapt down from the tree. I opened the front door which had been left unlocked, and entered the store. The place was a mess. Pony mannequins and fabrics were strewn on the ground. I probably waited for almost an hour on Rarity. At some point I did hear water running, but it was still some time after until Rarity came down.

She came down the stairs nearly leaping. Light shone down the stairs as she did so. Her horn was glowing softly as she reached the bottom of the stairs. She struck a pose and flicked her mane and tail. Sparkles flew from her and she flashed me a smile.

"Tada!"

I clapped slowly and said, "Bravo. An hour of preparation and you look the same as you do every day."

She fake flinched from me and said, "Why you hurt my feelings."

"I'm just saying. Don't you ever want to do something different? Maybe some dreadlocks, or one really long ponytail. Heh, ponytail."

She stomped her hoof and said, "I'll have you know that it takes quite the effort to be this beautiful."

"What's the point? Not like you're going to meet anyone or anything."

"Even if others don't appreciate my beauty, I do."

Damage control, "Well if it makes you feel better, I think you look great. Nice flare with the sparkles."

She gave me a smile before looking around her boutique.

"Why this place is a mess. Would you mind helping me clean up a bit?"

"Can't you like use magic to clean everything?"

She gave me a sad look and said, "But you're so strong, and I'm tired."

I shook my head, "Not gonna work on me. I had a hard enough time doing a pull up in the tree. I know my own strength."

Rarity then said, "Well then I've almost finished your clothes. If you set up my shop, I'll get to finishing them. I'll also wash those clothes for you when I finish."

I shrugged and then nodded. Rarity walked off singing to herself. I began picking up the mannequins and setting them upright. Once they had all been up righted, I began picking up all the fabric on the floor. I folded the pieces of cloth and stacked them neatly against the wall. When I was just finishing Rarity walked back into the room.

"I'm finished!"

She sung her words out loud. Her voice had a nice ring to it, pleasant to the ears. It seemed like a lot of ponies could do that. Something to look into later. She led me into the next room over, and I saw my new clothes.

"Change and throw me your old clothes."

"Don't worry about it. I can do my own laundry."

Rarity just walked out of the room leaving me alone. I slipped off the modern Earth clothes, and put on something more my style. Well actually I've never worn something like these, but they look cool.

I heard the front door open and Rarity say, "I'm sorry, but I'm not quite ready yet. Maybe come back in an hour?"

I didn't hear what else was said, but I assumed she had it taken care of the problem. Well that is until I heard Rarity say,

"Silver? Why yes he's here, but how…"

Then the conversation cut off. I guess I'm just a popular guy around here. I finished dressing and looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing solid black pants that were very slack. They were made out of a very soft fabric. They did leave a bit of room so they wouldn't get caught beneath my feet. The shirt was made of the same soft fabric and was a deep green with a white lining. It folded over itself and was tied around the waste with a white belt. Put simply? I was wearing kung fu robes. I felt pretty awesome, not gonna lie. Now all I needed was some shoes.

The bracelet, which was hidden under the long sleeves of the robes, began to glow. I couldn't see what it was doing, but it was moving. The light moved from my arm to around my neck. The glow stopped, and I reached for my neck. There was a circular pendent hanging there. The necklace itself was made of wood as well. Didn't feel very rough though.

I folded my arms together and bowed to myself in the mirror. With my arms folded together I walked back into the main room. I was surprised to see Rose talking to Rarity. Some R&R action anyone? I'd feel better if I could remember what that means.

They both turned to me and I bowed to them. Rose gave me about 3 seconds before tackling me to the ground.

"Watch the robes girl!"

She wasn't watching the robes though. She hugged me tightly as I fell down. I know monks are supposed to have perfect balance, but that was like 50 pounds tackling me. I'm not very good with judging weight, but I was sure she wasn't too heavy. I could lift her at least. She smiled down at me, but I only returned it with a grimace. Talk about clingy.

She got off of me and smiled sheepishly. She didn't move farther away though. I raised an eyebrow at her and said,

"Um… hi?"

I stood up, and dusted off my robes.

Rose just continued to look up at me smiling. It was kind of creepy in a way, but incredibly cute in another.

"Don't you have flowers to sell?"

Rose nuzzled her head against me and said, "I just wanted to say good morning."

"Well good morning."

I patted her head. I was trying to understand things from her point of view. She thought I was infatuated with her just as much as she was with me. That's what I get for making her feel better. It wasn't that I didn't like her. She was just acting really strange at the moment.

While I was distracted she pulled me down and kissed me. It only lasted for a short second thankfully. She let go of me and walked away. She swayed as she walked and said,

"I'll see you tonight then."

She closed the door behind her and winked at me as she walked out. I just watched her walk away as my mind caught up with me. Rarity looked at me and said,

"Well isn't this just juicy?"

I waggled a finger at her, "Don't think you're getting any. I'm still confused as to what's going on."

"What do you mean?"

I threw my hands in the air and said, "She's crazy! I woke up this morning and she was sleeping on me. I had gone to sleep on a hill outside of town! Then she just comes into this shop looking for me? I think I just got glomped too. How does she know where I am?"

Rarity blushed just a little and said, "I don't think I should be the one to explain this to you…"

I raised an eyebrow, "I don't need the birds and the bees, just why she's gone crazy."

"Well… She's ah… how to say… marked you."

"That better not mean what I think it does."

"I really don't think it is appropriate for us to be having this discussion."

"We're both adults. Well at least age wise. Just tell me, I don't know how ponies work."

Rarity sighed and said, "At some point during your contact with her… she left her scent on you. It tells other mares to back off, and lets her find you when you are nearby. If you don't mind me asking, when did you get close enough for this to happen?"

I looked at her and said, "This means you get to be my friend that is a girl that hears all my relationship problem."

Rarity laughed just a little bit and said, "As long as it works the other way too I'm fine with this."

I shook my head, "I doubt I'll be much help with stallion problems, but I'll try."

"Who said anything about stallions?"

My mouth dropped open as I contemplated that statement.

She waved a hoof and said, "I'm just kidding darling… or am I?"

I shook my head again.

"Whatever. Anyways I'm not really sure when she started really liking me, but…"

I told Rarity everything that had happened between me and Rose. Even the throwing up part, although I did leave out the blood. She listened attentively as I told her everything. She didn't even interrupt once. Talk about a good listener. When I finished she pursed her lips in thought.

She said to me, "Well the most important question I have for you is, do you like her back? From what you've told me it sounds like you're just being nice."

If things were going to be solved, I needed to be as honest as I could be.

"I really have no idea. Part of me does, and I enjoy the close comfort when she's around. However, the other part of me wants to just run away. Back on Earth I avoided physical relationships at all costs. They only brought pain and confusion.

Rarity nodded and said, "Well, have you considered a non-physical relationship?"

I shrugged, "I don't think she has. I really like it when she just cuddles, but she always wants more."

Rarity said, "Well I advise you find out which part of you feels stronger. First you need to work out if you like her for who she is. Then you can worry about physical things. However, have you ever thought that physical relations might be better if they are with somepony you love?"

I laughed when she mentioned love. I almost slapped her back in appreciation of a good joke.

"Sorry, but you just mentioned the wrong thing. I don't believe in all that love crap. Sex is sex, no matter who it's with. The only way it gets better is if the other person is more experienced. I can appreciate people liking each other. I can understand how people can connect to each other. I can see how personalities match, and how they make people match. I can't see there being some invisible feeling that brings people together."

Rarity seemed rather taken aback by my little tirade. While she formulated a response, I calmed myself.

"You really don't believe in love?"

"No. Am I a horrible person for that?"

Rarity shook her head, and her voice had lost all of its push.

"No, it's just really sad."

I shrugged, "I haven't needed it before, don't need it now."

"What about family love? What about your parents?"

"That's just responsibility. No one wants to say it, but the only reason they care for family, is because they feel responsible in some way."

Rarity kept on shaking her head at me, "I won't argue with you, but you're wrong. I hope one day you realize that. I stick by what I said though. Get away from Rose for a bit and figure out what you really want."

I stood up and bowed to Rarity.

"I really appreciate this Rarity. Even more so that you don't try to convince me that love is real. You have no idea how many people will get on you for that. I'll take what you said into consideration."

I started to walk out, but Rarity stopped me and magicked some boxes into my hands.

"The rest of your order. You really like the color green don't you?"

"I really do. No idea why though."

There was another set of the robes I was wearing now, and there was also a suit. The suit was obviously a deep green. I walked out of the boutique, when I realized I didn't really have a place to keep this stuff. I headed towards the library to see if I could keep it there for now. I opened the front door, and saw Twilight sitting on the couch.

"Where's Martin?"

"He does have a job, unlike some people. Applejack told me you haven't really been working."

I waved her off and said, "Don't worry, I'm working on the whole living space thing. I was just wondering if I could keep this stuff here for right now."

Twilight shrugged and said, "I don't see why not."
She levitated the stuff into a corner for me. I watched her horn glow when I got a great idea. When I used magic it was the same as she did, just not with a horn.

"Twilight, have you ever dabbled in elemental magic?"

She raised an eyebrow at me, "Why?"

"Just wondering."

"Well only a little. Its considered weak magic around here, since it's so easy to use. I moved on to spells very quickly for my age though. Usually a unicorn foal will spend a month on each element before moving on. I only spent a week on all of them together."

"So if you wanted to freeze water, how would you do that."

Twilight shrugged, "Elemental magic is a lot different from spells. It does take more concentration to perform them. Normally I would imagine something very cold and freeze whatever needs freezing."

I nodded and bowed to her in thanks. I was taking the whole appearance very seriously. I was in character if you would.

"Why is this important?"

"It's not. Just doing some research."

"But you haven't borrowed any books!"

"It's more of a field position."

I left the library and headed towards my nature outpost. My mind was racing extremely fast. I wasn't even paying attention to where I was going. Rose waved at me, but I didn't even notice. When I failed to wave back she ran up to me. She pushed her head into my hand, but I still didn't notice.

When she spoke it brought me back to the world, "Something heavy on your mind?"

I looked down at her and into her eyes. I had no desire to lie to her, but I didn't know what was a lie and what was the truth. I just nodded my head at her. She stepped in front of me, and the dragged me back to her flower cart. I sat down on the fountain ledge where I had first met her. Those memories weren't really helping at all. She laid down half on the fountain, and half on me. She tried to kiss me, but I held back.

"Rose, I need to be honest."

She said, "You can tell me anything."

I wasn't so sure about that. She was running a hoof over my leg, and was oblivious to me.

"I might be taking a trip soon."

For two very different reasons. I hadn't forgotten what Morkar had told me.

"Well I could always go with you. Where are you going?"

"No, I need to do this alone. And I can't say, because I don't know."

Rose looked down and she said,

"Well I can't say I'm surprised."

That shocked me. I thought she was going to fight this tooth and nail… or hoof I guess.

"What?"

"You're a traveler Silver. Anyone who knows you can see that. I can't hold you back from what you enjoy. Promise me a few things though."

That, was probably the most selfless thing I had seen someone ever do. Well in a romance situation anyway.

"Hmm?"

"First of all, I want you to promise you'll come back."

"No problem. I'll always come back."

"Second, one day, I want you to take me with you."

"I can't promise, but if the chance ever arises, I will."

"Third, don't leave without saying goodbye."

"I can promise that though. You'll always know when I'm going to leave."

She smiled at me and tried to kiss me again. I complied this time. She had really shown a side I hadn't expected to see. It wasn't that clingy mare that had tackled me in Rarity's shop. This was Roseluck right here. The kiss was about as bad as it had been last time. Part of me felt that it was worth it though.

I left her at her cart, a lot happier than I had been. However, my mind was even more confused than it had been. I traveled to my nature outpost, and sat down in front of the pool. I didn't get my stuff yet, and I wasn't sure if I was going to need it today.

I sat down and thought over what was troubling my mind. People often times get the wrong idea about meditation. They think it's clearing your mind of everything. Personally I blame Harry Potter for that. In my opinion there are various forms of meditating. As long as it relaxes your mind, I would count it in. Some like o concentrate on a single thing, such as their breath. This makes one forget everything else temporarily while they focus.

Some clear their mind of all troubling thoughts. Not everything though. They just focus on what is troubling them, and then let it go. Which basically means not letting it bother them anymore. My preferred method is to consider the problems I have at the moment, and then try and figure out how to solve them. To consider every approach and angle of the issue, not just my own point of view.

I won't lie, meditation is boring as it sounds. It can't be explained very well either. I usually resort to it only when I have something big on my mind. I never studied how to properly do it, but I think everyone has their own special way.

When I finished, I stared at the pool of water in front of me. At first I practiced moving water around. I was met with instant success and soon I had a circle of water spinning around me. Seeing that there was little I couldn't do with controlling, I moved on to attempting to freeze the water. I tried imagine several cold things, but nothing worked. Physical motions just moved the water, and imagining the water freezing did nothing. I was going to have to look for something in the book.

I stripped and swam across the water. I reached the tunnel and got in. The wizard robes Morkar had given me were still there. I used them as a towel again and picked up my book. According to the book, magic that was affected by temperature could often times be affected by breath. Fire magic was the best example of it. Since building heat was integral to the magic.

It took me longer to get it to work, but eventually I managed to freeze a puddle of water. I had to calm my body, and then blow the coldest air I could. I would need to get a better control of my body's own temperature. While I felt the cold air, I clenched my fists, concentrating on the idea of ice.

The water froze on the ground, and I got so excited that the ice turned back into water. I wasn't worried though, I had gotten it once. Next I tried freezing water while controlling it. This wasn't very hard to accomplish once I had the knack of freezing things. Controlling the frozen water was a bit more awkward though. It just took a whole different mindset than liquid water. I had to push it more forcefully, instead of just letting it flow with me. It made sense really. The harder form took more force to move. The book had said that water took aspects from both earth and air.

I played around with the water for awhile, freezing it into different shapes. I wasn't too sure on how outside temperature would affect the ice I made. While I was playing, I noticed that a faint glow was going through the tunnel. Deciding that more magic would have to wait, I headed towards the stone staircase.

When I reached the top of them, I opened the door casually. I stepped into the tower, but Morkar was waiting for me at the bottom floor. He held up a hand, and I waited for him to finish what he was doing.

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AN: I'm stopping this here. I keep doing half chapters because I simply don't have time to write it all in one sitting, and I'm sure you all want another piece ASAP. Besides this way you don't get huge chapters. The bigger they are, the more potential errors to be found. Anyways, cheers!