Fighting Freedom

"I see you have returned, again without pants." Morkar turned to face me.

"For some reason I got the feeling you wanted me here."

"What purpose would I have with a pitiful magician?"

I shrugged, "To offer some of your wisdom?"

"You want my wisdom? Don't play with the moon. I sense faint traces of its energy on you."

"The moon?"

"Yes the moon. The energy of the moon is an element. Often referred to as… never mind. Basically, do you want to release a nightmare on the world? No? Then don't play with moon magic!"

I raised a finger to ask what he meant, but he waved me off. He turned around and picked up a random book. Stars swirled around the cover in an ominous way.

"Don't you have a core to be finding or something?"

"Actually I was going to leave soon. I was just playing with water."

Morkar scratched his beard while reading. Without looking at me he said,

"Many make the mistake of assuming elemental magic is weak. While it is true that even a brute can master a few techniques, the ease of learning should not be taken as a weakness. In the hands of a clever mage, elemental magic can be very powerful. Remember that, it might help."

"Uh… right. Anyways just curious, is there anything I should be looking out for? Like I don't know, ancient demons protecting the core?"

Morkar shook his head, "Demons? Not that I'm aware of. Besides unless the core is very directly threatened, I doubt it will attempt to kill anything. It will try to distract you, and make you forget about it."

"Anything in particular?"

"Correct, it will try anything. And I do mean anything. Don't be surprised if gravity flips or something."

I was hoping that was a joke. Flipping gravity didn't sound like fun. Morkar threw something at me, and I caught it in my hand. It was a small diamond.

"Oh and take this. Just in case there really is ancient demons."

"Uh… what is it?"

"Magic in adrenaline form. One time use though, so choose wisely."

I pocketed the gem and tucked it away safely.

"Thanks I guess. I'll assume it'll come in handy."

Morkar lifted a finger and said, "One more thing. There is another magic around you, yet I cannot identify it. What is around your neck, and what did you do with that bracelet?"

I fingered the wooden necklace and said,

"The necklace is the bracelet, duh. And it's the thing that allowed me to cut through the universe."

Morkar bent down to look at it. Apparently wizards don't do personal space. His head bent down right next to mine.

"Most interesting. I would like to get a closer look at it if you don't mind. Take it into my study for further research."

"Actually, I would rather keep it right now. Seeing as I could die at any moment, and this is the only proven method of travel. Besides, it was a gift."

Morkar leaned back and said,

"Maybe when you return with the core then. You can stay safe in my tower and allow me to study this. I'm sure I can find something to give you in return."

"You'll teach me some things?"

"No."

"Magic artifact that will allow me to control gravity?"

"We shall see. Now leave me to my work."

I just gave him a wave and headed towards the stairs. Magicians, ponies, and the entire existence. I was probably biting off a bit more than I could chew. Maybe take some time off to learn some things. Before I could leave, Morkar said one more thing to me.

"Remember, power corrupts even the best of men if used unwisely. One wrong move, and you will be consumed."

It might have been more ominous if Morkar hadn't said it in such an offhand tone. I waved off his warning, I was a man of reasonable peace. I had no desire to rule over something. Do you know how much work it is to be in power? Those guys look old for a reason.

I walked back through the tunnel and towards the waterfall. The mage robes and book were still where I had left them. I kept thinking that they were going to vanish. Some pony would find them and take them or something.

Deciding that it was time, I donned the robes. and put the book in the folds. I took a deep breath and put my hands together. I threw my hands forward and up. The waterfall stopped and I grinned just a little bit.

There was something I had always wanted to do after watching TV as a kid. I took the opportunity then to do so.

"Frost fist!"

I clenched my hands and threw them in front of me, and towards the pool. The waterfall turned to ice, leaving a small gap for me to walk through. A thick ice bridge formed across the pool in the middle. My grin stretched into a full blown smile at my success. I always knew that shouting a move name made it more bad ass.

Cautiously, I walked across the ice bridge. I managed to not slip and fall thankfully. When I reached the other end, my smile faded. Freezing the water had been easy, but melting it would be something else. That would qualify more as fire magic, something I was wanting to stay away from. I decided to just let the bridge lie as is, and picked up the rest of my clothes.

At the moment, I really didn't know what to do. The sun was still high in the sky, and I had nothing else to do. Relaxation was the last thing on my mind, and I didn't want to go back to town. When I could come up with nothing else to do, I read through my book a bit more. Water had been fun, but I was ready for another element. Learning another one would be even easier now that I had one down.

Earth would be a fun element to control, but I wasn't great at being unbendable. Fire seemed a bit dangerous to be practicing in a forest, and I didn't really have the discipline to control it. Air seemed like a good start, and it wasn't deadly. Before starting, I munched on some of the grass stuff to calm my stomach.

After what seemed like hours of trying to do anything with the air, I had yet to even rustle up a small breeze. The book said air magic was all about being free. Not being held down at all. Believe me I tried a lot of things, even jumping around.

Eventually I just gave up on it, and walked back to town. I walked through the archway and stopped. I wasn't really sure what to do at the moment. After a bit of wandering I found myself walking into what seemed to be a pub. The sign hung from a rusted pole, marking the place as 'The Grey Mare".

I opened the door and took a look around. The counter in front of me had no chairs, and ponies stood around it. Actually there were no chairs in the entire place. All the tables were positioned so that the ponies could stand over them. Even the booths were like this.

When I walked in, a lot of ponies turned to stare at me, but conversations didn't cease. I spotted Caramel at the bar and walked over to him.

"Hey magic man."

"Magic man? I can't do magic."

I eyed him suspiciously when I finished speaking.

"I was talking about the robes."

Caramel turned away from me, and focused on his glass. From what I could see, the liquid was green and frothy. I pointed at it and said,

"What is that?"

Before Caramel could answer me, a voice behind the bar did.

"Sap Slop. Only 2 bits a pint, or you could order our cider specialty to wash away your troubles."

I looked up at the mare behind the pub. She was a musky yellow color with a grey mane. She didn't look too old, but she was definitely on the older side.

"Eeh not right now thanks. I was just dropping in for a second."

She huffed at me and walked away. She was probably muttering something about cheapskates, but I couldn't really bring myself to care.

"Don't mind Bale, she's just a grumpy mare all the time."

Caramel was chuckling just a little bit as he drank the rest of his liquid. He coughed a little bit when he put the glass down, but he was in no danger.

"So what have you been up to Caramel?"

"I could ask you the same thing. You haven't show up to work on the farm recently. You know that work is only seasonal. You're supposed to save for the winter."

"I think I'll manage."

He had a point though, winter is very cold. Would be a good idea to invest in learning some fire magic. Even novice fire mages know how to control their internal temperature. Experienced users could lower their temperature enough to make 'cold flames'. No idea what that really meant, but it sounded cool.

"If you say so. Anyways I've just been working on the farm and hanging with the guys."

"You spend an awful lot of time at the farm. You funding a secret mob organization or something?"

Caramel blushed a little when I mentioned the time he spent at the farm. I could probably logically deduce something from that, but I was too lazy.

"I just don't mind doing the work. I've got a nice boss."

A voice spoke from behind us saying, "I'm sure yer boss is real nice when the sun goes down too."

Caramel jumped in surprise, and I turned around to see Peg trotting up behind us. He joined us at the bar and flagged down the bar mare. He ordered three drinks and threw the bits on the table. I didn't even see where he pulled them from. The mare used magic to deliver 3 mugs of that green stuff to us.

"This round is on me boys."

The burly blue pony picked up the mug and began draining it of its contents. He drank the entire thing in one go and slammed the mug down on the table. I eyed mine warily, suspicious of the froth. Caramel grabbed his mug, but didn't take a drink. He was starting at the floor avoiding eye contact with anyone.

"Go on and drink up. Ya can trust me on this."

I steeled my gut and rose the mug to my lips. I took a swig of the liquid and let it linger in my mouth. After a few seconds I swallowed and said,

"Citrusy, not bad."

"So what brings ye to the pub Silver?"

I shrugged and said, "Nothing really. I just saw it and thought I would check it out."

"Ya should make a habit of it. Bale is the best bar mare in all of Equestria."

The mare in question just lightly slapped Peg's front hoof.

"I guess I'll have to see that for myself."

"Now what ya mean by that?"

"I'll be going on a trip soon enough I think. Can't just stay in this one town."

Peg nodded and said, "Adventurous youth. I'm fine staying here forever. I'll give ya some advice though, avoid Canterlot. That place gives me the creeps. All that magic flying around. Did I tell ya that my tea kettle spoke to me?"

"You may have mentioned that."

I answered him only half paying attention. His point about Canterlot gave me an idea. Both princesses who were both very magical lived there. Apparently there was so much magic there that inanimate objects began to speak. Or enough to mess with ponies heads.

"And I think I will check out Canterlot."

Peg huffed and said, "Suit yerself. How do ya plan on getting there?"

"Walking?"

"That's a two day trip, and that's just to the mountain. Climbing up to the city is not fun I'll tell you that right now."
Sounded like fun to me. Then again I'm the hiking kind of guy.

"Don't see a problem with that. It'll be good to get out in nature."

I drowned the rest of my drink, it almost tasted like sprite, but thicker, if that makes sense. Caramel slowly drank his, but wasn't really talking.

"Well if ye decide to go up there, would you mind doing me a favor? There's a lass who runs a tea shop in the big city. I want you to give her this."

Peg hoofed over an envelope that he seemingly pulled from nowhere. The name on it read Jasmine. Besides the name it was a regular vanilla envelope.

"No problem, consider it done."

I put the envelope into the folds of my robes. Even my other set of clothes were in the folds. Nothing had fallen out yet, and I was starting to think nothing ever would. I said goodbye to the two and left the pub. If I was taking a trip, I wanted to pack a few things. Like food that actually tasted good.

I stopped by the bank and picked up a bag of bits. I debated on searching for some sort of credit or something, but I was too lazy. I went to the market district to shop for some food. There was no central food store, just a bunch of stalls. Seeing as all they had was bread and various fruits and vegetables, I was having trouble, there wasn't even any eggs. I was starting to miss protein in meat form.

After I had shopped for food, I stopped inside the library. Twilight and Martin were both on the couch reading.

"Wow you two really know how to party."

They both looked up at me, huffed, and looked back down at their books. I put the food in the corner and said,

"This here is my stuff. Don't touch."

Twilight didn't look up from her book and said,

"This is my house you know."

"Technically this is the library which you live above. Does anyone actually come here to get books?"

"That's not the point. What do you have all that food for anyway?"

"Oh just taking a trip to Canterlot, nothing important."

A door from the side busted open and a voice sung out,

"Canterlot?!"

Rarity burst into the main room, sparkles flying from her mane and tail. She gave me a pair of puppy eyes and said,

"You would allow me to accompany you on this trip right dear?"

I shrugged and said, "If you want to go then fine. I'll be walking there though, and I'm not going to be staying in hotels."

Rarity huffed and said, "I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself. Besides if you let me go, I'll bring the tent."

"Alright I'm leaving tomorrow morning then."

Twilight put her book down and said, "This is very sudden"

I put my hands up and said, "What can I say, adventure calls."

She looked at Martin, and they both shrugged. I looked outside and saw the sun was making its descent. I waved goodbye to the group and left the library. Once I was outside, I headed towards the fountain. I sat on the edge and dipped my hands in the water. Only one place left to go, and I wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not. However, I had promised, and I do try to keep my word. All though, a better way to keep your word golden, is to never hand it out. Can't break a promise that was never made.

"Fancy seeing you around here."

I knew the voice, and I didn't have to turn around to know it was Roseluck. Seemed like the universe wanted us to meet up.

"Hey Rose."

She trotted up next to me, and her reflection stood next to mine.

"You don't seem too excited to see me."

I shrugged and said,

"And you aren't tackling me on sight."

Rose laughed and then said,

"I thought you might not appreciate getting soaked."

"Oh, that makes sense. I suppose I might have been just a little bit irritated."

Rose raised an eyebrow at me and said, "Maybe I'll have to test this theory."

I shrugged and Rose walked away from me. I stared at the water, almost mesmerized by it. I could've sworn my reflection winked at me. That's when I realized what she had said. I was just in time to turn around and say,

"No wai…"

Rose hug tackled me into the water. Water splashed above me and thoroughly soaked me. Rose picked herself up from me, and shook herself. Her mane stuck to her body and she giggled at me. I stood up, my robes a wet mess, and glared at her.

"I am now just a bit irritated at you."

She giggled even more and got out of the fountain. Luckily no one else was around to see that. I got out after her and felt though the folds. Everything inside was perfectly dry, that was incredibly handy.

"You asked for it."

"Indirectly I suppose, but now I need to dry these off."

Rose wiggled her eyebrows and said, "You could stop by my place. Plenty of room to dry things there."

I sighed, I should've seen that coming. I nodded and followed her to her house. She led me inside, and to a room I hadn't been in before. She pointed at a wire hanging across the room and said,

"Just hang your clothes there."

She left me alone thankfully and said,

"I'm going to dry off as well."

I heard her walk away, and up some stairs. I took off the robes, and threw on the monk clothes. I walked back into the main room and sat down on Rose's couch. I waited for some time, but she still didn't come down. Eventually I grew tired of waiting, and started looking around the house.

I walked into a bathroom, and nearly just walked right back out. Something caught my eye though. A small brown book was on the sink counter. I picked it up and opened to the first page. There was no title on the cover, but there was something on the inside. Drawings of flowers were all over the first page and Rose's name was beautifully written in the center. Before I could be tempted to find out more, I closed the book and set it back down.

I may have learned helpful things by reading it, but that would've been spoilers. Besides, it's very rude to look at people's secrets. I left and walked up the stairs. There was only one room on the top floor, and it looked to be decently sized. The entire place wasn't that big, but it was comfortable enough for one person.

I opened the door to a surprising sight. It was obviously the bedroom, marked by the large bed against the wall. A carpet with a sun insignia in the middle was spread out on the floor. There was a window facing out, but the curtains were closed shut. There were flowers everywhere too. The room smelled strongly, and I nearly had a sneezing fit. After taking all this in I focused on the bed.

"Hello Silver. Since you're going on a trip, I thought I would get you a send away present."

Rose's voice was a purr, and she gave me a very saucy look. She was laying down on her side on the bed. Her neck was upright and her head was turned around to look at me. Her tail was spread out on the bed as was her mane. The most surprising thing was that she was wearing socks. More like stockings really. They covered all of her legs, and were completely black. I wasn't about to point out that it didn't really fit her that well though. I then figured out why she was wearing them. Every time I looked at her, my eyes automatically followed the socks up. I was continuously focused on a certain body part.

Rose smiled at me and got off the bed. I was motionless as she trotted up to me. She seemed unconcerned that I had seemingly pulled another set of clothes out of nowhere. She didn't say anything, but instead grabbed the front of my shirt with her mouth. Part of me wanted to complain about the slobber on my shirt, but another part of me told that part it was stupid. Several things were going through my head at the moment.

First off was the very real situation that was happening at the moment. I was pretty sure I knew where this would lead if I didn't run interference. Then I was debating if I was okay with this or not. Then there were the several ways I could defuse the situation. Oddly the thought that was taking priority was thinking of what wouldn't melt or catch fire in contact with lava.

Rose pulled me onto the bed without much resistance. She laid on her side and just stared at me. I nervously smiled, not sure of what to do. When I made no motions, Rose rolled over me. I looked up at her still with a nervous smile. I looked around the room trying to calm my mind. I wasn't really looking for a way out, I was trying to decide if I wanted one. I was running out of time though.

She started kissing my neck and she worked her hooves underneath my shirt. Strangely, my mind wasn't being clouded by lust like people say happens. I just decided that they used that as an excuse. While I was stuck arguing with my mind, Rose had managed to open the shirt. I mentally cursed for not wearing a normal shirt. I finally moved to stop her wandering hooves and brought them back up. I just held her there while she gazed into my eyes.

I couldn't decide on what to do. All I knew was that I was being unfair to Rose. I was sending her all the right signals, while not knowing what I wanted. I was leading her on, and it might just end horribly. She yanked her hooves from my grasp and bent her head towards mine. I was getting mixed signals from my body again, which wasn't really helping my mind. When her back hooves started trying to move around as well, I decided that it was enough.

I stopped her head and sat up. Rose looked at me curiously, and I sighed. I put my shirt back on and stood up. I looked away from her and said,

"I'm sorry Rose, but I can't do this."

She sighed and said, "It's too weird for you isn't it? You must think I'm disgusting, being able to do this so easily."

I turned and looked at her,

"I don't think your disgusting."

Before I could keep talking she said,

"You have to understand though. I grew up in a place where relationships like this weren't uncommon. Ponies would often get with a different species, they didn't care. Here in Ponyville you don't see it, but it isn't looked down upon. With so many different intelligent species it was bound to happen."

I held up a hand and said, "Look Rose, I'm not disgusted by you. I'm just not sure if I can do this. I don't know if it's what I want."

She got off the bed and said, "I can slow down then. No more physical stuff."

I shook my head and said, "That's not the point Rose. I need to find out if I really want this, all of it. I'm really sorry about leading you on, but I need some time away."

Rose looked down at the ground and said, "So when you come back will you…"

"I don't know Rose. I need to think hard about this. I need to go…"

I left Rose alone in her room, and I closed the door behind me. I heard sobs from behind the door, but I couldn't cry myself. It still seemed kind of surreal to me. I grabbed the robes that were hung to dry and left the house. I got outside, and leaned against the house.

Most likely that wasn't the best way to handle things. I wasn't even sure if I had wanted to do that. A small part of me was laughing at the irony of it all. Back on Earth I was so sure of myself. I had everything under control, and even if I didn't, I didn't care. Life could throw anything it wanted at me, and I would just laugh in its face. I had so much to lose, but I didn't put value in what could be lost.

Now on a whole different planet where I have nothing to lose, I'm terrified that I will lose it. Each new decision brings a headache. I was starting to miss not caring about things. This was exactly why I avoided romance, it caused so much trouble.

I pushed myself off the building and walked away. I wasn't really going in any direction, and I wasn't paying attention. I was too wrapped up in my thoughts. My feet eventually carried me to Rarity's place. I knocked on the door, and Rarity opened the door.

"Oh hi Silver. I was just packing all my things for tomorrow."

I had forgotten to do that, looks like I would have to do it in the morning.

"I just finished talking to Rose."

Rarity gave me a look, and then motioned for me to come inside.

"How did that go?"

"Probably really badly. I may have just screwed that up royally."

"How do you feel?"

"I don't know. I should probably feel devastated or really bad, because that would be normal. Or if this was Earth I wouldn't even give it a second thought. I have no idea how I should feel. It's like I don't even know who I am anymore. If past me could see me now, he would laugh at me. I can't even decide if I like some stupid girl. It's like I'm a kid or something, this shouldn't be this hard."

"Love is confusing dear."

I just glared at Rarity when she said that. She continued,

"I still think some time away from it all will make answers appear. Now come, it's getting late. You can sleep on the couch."

She led me to a comfy looking couch, and I laid down on it. She left me alone and the lights went out. Darkness shrouded me, and I sighed. My thoughts continues to swirl in a maelstrom. Maybe I was just thinking about it too much. Maybe I had it all wrong. If I was anything like water, I would just go with the flow. Sleep was hard to come by, but eventually I drifted off.