Fighting Freedom

The weight of Rose on top of me once again made sleep rather uncomfortable, but at least this morning I didn't throw her off the bed. It was almost depressing when I woke up, and still felt dead tired. I managed to struggle out of bed without waking Rose up, and I fell on the floor. I picked myself up groggily and walked out the bedroom door.

I was starting to feel like sleeping on a bed was actually what was uncomfortable. Somehow my entire back was sore, and I swear it wasn't from last night. Maybe I was supposed to sleep on nice pile of treasure or something.

After a quick shower to make myself bearable, I walked upstairs again. Rose was still in bed, but she was awake now. She was half covered by a blanket, and her head was under a pillow. She lifted her head to look at me and said,

"Aww, you already showered?"

I shook my head at her, and took the pillow from her head.

"You need to get your mind out of the gutter. Don’t you want to do anything else?"

She rolled onto her back to look up at me and said,

"I can think of a lot of things."

"That don't involve me."

She put a hoof to her chin and thought for a second. After this second she said,

"Nope."

I put a hand on my face and sighed.

"Alright, well I think later today I might have to go out, but I could be wrong."

Rose just giggled at me and flipped around again.

"Well that's specific."

I shrugged at her and said,

"That's all I know."

I stopped moving for a second and added as an afterthought,

"I think that's how most of my life goes."

Rose giggled at me again, and managed to roll out of bed.

"I'm going to shower, wait for me would you?"

She walked out the room and I shouted after her,

"Hurry up then, I hate waiting."

I walked out the room and went down to the main floor. There I paced in front of the couch impatiently, just absorbed inside my own mind. I didn't have to wait long, as there was a knock at the door. I shook my head and reached for the handle. The open doorway revealed a frowning Rarity.

She looked up at me and said,

"Ah, Silver. Look dear, I just wanted to apologize for my actions yesterday."

She watched me, but all I did was scratch my head and say nothing.

"… I was working on a suit for an important client, and I didn't have time to waste."

I still said nothing and just stared at her. Her frustration was starting to build, and it wasn't long before,

"Well?! Do you accept my apology or not?"

I Shrugged and moved aside to let her in,

"Meh, I wasn't really offended in the first place."

Rarity stomped a hoof and then said,

"Then why did you make me do all that."

"It was entertaining to me."

Rarity's face contorted, and she let her frustration out by once again stomping her hoof.

I pointed at the offending hoof and said,

"That's got to be a bad habit."

Rarity took a deep breath and ignored the latest bait. At least she was learning.

"I talked to Twilight and she said she would be willing to meet 'you' tonight. As if she has anything else to do with her time."

I held up a finger and said,

"First, do you get up at like that 6 in the morning to talk to her?"

I held up another finger,

"Second, last time I checked she was with Martin the horse, providing for lots of things to do with her time."

I held up one more finger,

"Third, do you have any snacks on you? Preferably gems, I can't take much more rabbit food."

Rarity shook her head at me and said,

"Negative to all three of those. I talked to Twilight before I came here, so about 11:30. It's almost noon dear. Also, Twilight isn't with Martin anymore, I'm not sure what happened there. Finally, I make it a habit not to carry around gems. Spike always manages to get them from me somehow."

None of those answers surprised me, the first and last being obvious. The second had just been a matter of time. Every couple breaks apart, even if death is the departing factor. But for younger couples, I would feel safe on betting against them.

"Oh well, so are you working on anything today?"

Rarity just said,

"On the weekend? Not unless I have to."

At that moment Rose decided to walk into the room, smelling rather nice. Her mane seemed to shine just a bit in the light of the room.

"Oh… Hi Rarity, did I interrupt something?"

I looked between the two trying to sense hostile intent, but I was slightly surprised when I couldn't find anything.

Rarity shook her head at Rose and the two of them turned to look at me. I dropped my arms to my side and said,

"What?"

Rarity rolled her eyes and Rose giggled, but they still didn't clue me in on what happened. Rose started to walk out the door and said,

"Come on Silver, let's get some lunch."

Before following her out the door I said,

"But we didn't even eat breakfast."

Rarity pushed past me and I closed the door behind me. Rose and Rarity walked next to each other, leaving me to trail behind. It seemed as if Rarity was intent on joining us, and Rose seemed to have no problem with that. My memories told me something was wrong there, but I just ignored the feeling.

The two would occasionally look back at me, but nothing was said. I started to fall into step and withdrew into my own mind. It wasn't until I bumped into Rose that the world came back into focus. I looked up to see we had arrived in front of some small bistro. Mentally I slammed my head against a wall, I was seriously starting to want something more substantial.

The two mares looked at me curiously and Rose motioned for me to go first. I sighed and opened the door for the two of them. Rose talked to the waiter, and he led us back outside behind the building. The building must have been in the third district, as we could see far out across the fields.

They ordered their food, and I politely declined the offer. More lettuce wouldn't solve anything. I heard Rose say,

"So Rarity, Silver told me you went with him on his trip to Canterlot."

Rarity waved a hoof,

"For a bit I suppose, but after a while it got a bit hectic."

Rarity looked to me, silently asking for permission, and I just nodded slightly. I wasn't particularly interested in joining the discussion, in fact now I felt like going to sleep again. It was either that or find something that would settle in my stomach. I was hoping that gems would solve that issue. Eating meat sounded like such a great idea, but I knew it wasn't.

Strange as it was, meat kind of made me miss home. Or maybe I missed the freedom of doing what I wanted, whenever. Odd when the limiting factor is yourself. I have a decent amount of willpower, but I can't stop myself forever.

While I was stuck in my own mind the two mares bickered back and forth. At one point they stopped talking and just watched me as I stared at my own claw. When I noticed the background noise had decreased I looked up. I met their eyes and once again said,

"What?"

I don't know which one said it but one of them said,

"You look very bored."

I was starting to get restless, but I wouldn't go that far. I mean sitting in a small bistro isn't anything like relaxing in hot springs, but I can usually entertain myself for awhile.

"Not bored, just not interested."

"Well at least he's honest."

The two laughed at my expense, but it didn't bother me. However, I did pull myself out of my darker mood and joined in the conversation. Rose seemed very accepting of everything we told her, and never once questioned us. She would only laugh when a mistake I made came up.

When they finally decided to leave Rose paid the bill. They had looked at me at first but I just said,

"Does it look like I have pockets?"

Rose had responded,

"I can think of one."

I had just face palmed at that statement. We walked out the bistro and I said,

"What next?"

Rarity said,

"Well I was thinking right now would be a great time to go shopping."

Rose added,

"And then we can go to the spa!"

If only such things could keep me happy. I held up my hands and said,

"Then count me out. I'll meet up with you two later. Or maybe I'll just meet you Rarity at the tree house."

Before I could leave, Rose pulled me aside and said,

"Are you annoyed that Rarity came with us?"

I tried to raise an eyebrow, but I realized I didn't have those anymore,

"No, but I thought you would be."

"Why would it annoy me?"

"I don't know, female territory or something like that."

Rose laughed and said,

"I think she's more your competition then mine."

She walked away while I took a second to understand that. After I did. They had already left. I just let it go, what are you supposed to do if your girl cheats on you with another girl anyways? Not that I expected her to.

I had quite some time to burn, and I really didn't know how to do it. Couldn't practice magic, and sitting in a hot spring would heat it up and not me. I ended up walking towards the farm with the intention to work.

However before I could get there, I ran into Big Mac and Caramel on the trail. Caramel waved me down, and I approached him as he said,

"Silver, you're just what we needed."

I stopped in front of him and said,

"Wait how did you know it was me?"

Caramel shrugged,

"I'd say over half the town does. Word spreads quickly around here."

Big Mac slapped him on the back and Caramel said,

"But it helped that AJ told me, and I may have gotten a bit tipsy and spewed it out at the bar."

I shrugged,

"Not like I was trying to keep it a secret, actually that helps me out. So what can I help you out with?"

"Well were about to meet up with some other guys to play a game, but one of their players, Chance, got injured while at work. So they need a replacement?"

"A game?"

Caramel motioned for me to follow him,

"It's real easy, you'll have a great time. There's two teams…"

Caramel explained the game to me as I followed them back the way I had come. I wasn't against sports, in fact I was actually a bit excited. However I was still hungry. The game would be like soccer, if soccer had goals in the center of the field, and a track around the goals. Also if instead of a ball, there was a stick with a weight on one end. So really it wasn't anything like soccer at all.

I was to play goalie, and stop the weighted stick from getting into my net. The other ponies would run around the track and every time they completed a lap, they could move one ring closer. The teams would run in opposite directions and try to stop the opposing team, but they couldn't run backwards. Thankfully all I had to do was stand in front of a net and catch a stick.

That was probably the only way I could play, not like I can outrun horses. The field was out by the Everfree forest, and had obviously been heavily used. The goals faced away from each other and I took a position across from the other goalie. He was big, not quite ‘Big Mac’ big, but still pretty hefty. His dull grey coat actually somewhat imposing.

He just nodded his head at me as he took his position. The nets were about half the size of an actual soccer net, and the net was of a tighter mesh. I didn't really pay attention much to it as my back was to it.

The game started at the sound of a horn, and I was hopelessly lost when it did. Flashes of color went by as horses raced around the track. My team started on defense, which meant I had to watch for a flying stick. The ponies would toss it with their mouths, but I didn't think my jaw would be strong enough, so I would just use my claws.

The game was really fast-paced, but whenever the stick was tossed, the pony tossing it would slow down. Sometimes a pony would actually get lucky enough to snatch it out of the air, whether for a pass or interception. However, most of the time I just had to watch for the sign of a toss.

I wasn't very good, but I did manage to catch a few, and our team did manage to win. I think that was mostly due to Big Mac though. Whether it was insane math skills, or just luck, he managed to predict when he should throw the stick, and wouldn't have to slow down. I was just glad he was on my team.

Everyone was pretty cheery after the game, except for a few of the opposing team, and those who were up to it, took a trip to the bar. We entered the bar, a loud and chaotic group. Shouts and cheers erupted from our throats, and laughs went all around. Most of the patrons ignored us, but one or two actually got up and left.

Me and Caramel walked up to the table, and he slammed a hoof on the table.

"A round for everypony!"

The waitress grumbled, but obliged. However she turned to me and said,

"I suspect you'll be wanting something a bit different to soothe that stomach of yours."

Apparently they had serviced dragons before, or something. If there was anything that could do that, I'd take it.

"Bring me two of whatever ya got."

She nodded at me, and took the money I had. I had managed to stop by the bank and pick up a few coins. Of course I couldn't pick up that much without pockets, a dilemma that needed to be fixed. Our group managed to push together a bunch of tables and form a large circle where we continued to be loud and annoying.

Most of the guys ignored my curious form, and just accepted me as part of the group. I would venture a guess that they didn't get together too often, since they didn't have that many inside jokes. Either way, I didn't feel like much of an outcast.

Bale brought the drinks around and passed them around. Two glasses of a curious red liquid was set in front of me. Before the bar mare could walk away I said,

"So what exactly is this?"

She lowered her head and said,

"It's a special recipe that library unicorn gave me. It's for that little dragon running around, but I assume it will work with you as well. Supposed to soothe the hunger or something. You'd have to ask her for more info."

I looked down at the glass, and took a swig. It burned as it went down, which was odd, fiery insides you know. However when it reached my stomach, I felt an intense heat, and then satisfaction. My hunger had been sated, and the world seemed like a better place. I downed the first one in seconds, and the second was quickly following.

Caramel watched me do so and said,

"That must taste pretty good. Mind if I?"

I shook my head,

"I don't think that's a good idea, but go ahead."

Caramel grabbed the glass and took a small sip. His entire face turned red, and smoke actually started coming out of his ears. His throat was turning red, and he started gasping for breath. We all watched him hesitantly, not sure what to do.

Finally he opened his mouth, and a huge column of smoke came out. His face began to turn normal, and his breathing became regular again. Everyone at the table looked at each other, and then laughed in unison. Caramel turned red from embarrassment and someone shouted,

"Didn't take another sip, did you?"

Another chorus of laughter went out, and someone spoke from behind me,

"So are ye really Silver?"

I turned around and was face to face with Peg. I gave him a wink and said,

"Better believe it… Marcel."

He lowered his head and said,

"You've been talking to my daughter then. Ye best be off not using that name again."

I laughed and said,

"Your secret is safe with me."

"Well good to see yer still alive. Seemed to be a bit of confusion, all though now that I see you, I can see why. Wouldn't mind sharing that story would ye?"

I shook my head and said,

"Actually I would, tired of telling it over and over again. I think I have to do it again… speaking of which, I have to get going."

Cries went out, but I just waved goodbye. I took another two bottles of whatever that stuff was to go. Not being hungry seems to make life much better. I walked outside, and the sun was still in the sky, if not a bit low.

I headed over to Rarity's as I didn't know where else to go. I walked without knocking this time, and was met with giggles and cooing noises. A drastic change from where I had just left. The door jingled as I entered and a voice called out,

"Cooooming!"

Rarity waltzed down the stairs and then spotted me.

"Oh Silver darling, you're just in time! Follow me."

I shrugged and followed her up the stairs, but she stopped me before I could enter the room she went in. I waited outside for a second, and she waived me in. She pointed at a chair and I obliged to sit down in it. I was facing a wall screen, and I crossed my arms impatiently.

The lights suddenly dimmed, and my eyes focused on the only light left. A dim spotlight on the screen, which showed the silhouette of another pony. The pony walked out, and I'll admit, my jaw did drop.

Roseluck walked from behind the screen, wearing a silky red dress. It clung to her mid-section, and draped over her back. The dress split to reveal one of her legs, in a very seductive way. The red mixed really well with her creamy fur, and for the first time, I was wanting to do things to her without her starting it. This was the first time I actually really though she was attractive, and seductively so. Made me wonder just what was in that drink, after all it would explain Spike's crush on Rarity.

Rose raised a front hoof and winked at me, but I was still pretty much frozen.

"So do you like it?"

I nodded dumbly, but Rarity said,

"Even I can tell he does."

I looked down to discover a growing problem, but Rarity said,

"Don't worry, we got something for you too"

I was pushed behind the screen and handed a small package. I gave up sitting and drinking with the guys to play dress up. All though so far, it hadn't been so bad. I pulled the bundled up clothes out of the small box. When I had the unfurled clothes in my hands, my eyes widened and I said,

"You have got to be kidding me."

I was just met with giggles. I resigned myself to trying on the clothes, which I hadn't though even possible on this planet. After struggling to get the pants on, the tail is killer, I walked from behind the screen.

My flat voice sounded out,

"Ta da."

They had somehow managed to find tight black leather pants for me to wear. I doubted it was actual leather, but it was close to it. Maybe a bit tougher actually, which was good so I couldn't tear it. The two mares whispered to each other and Rose said,

"Turn around!"

I obliged again, and the two laughed again. I threw my hands in the air and I said,

"I've got scales, how is that even remotely sexy?"

They just shook their heads at me, and my arms fell to my side.

"Where did you even get these?"

Rarity replied,

"Well I bought pants for a stallion, and then made a few adjustments."

"That quickly?"

"I am a master seamstress you know."

"Fair enough… you wouldn't happen to have anything else would you?"

Rarity nodded and handed me another package. I opened this box, to find another set of leather pants. However, this pair was much looser, and didn't fall down as far. They were more like shorts actually, and they fit nicely. I was actually happy with them. The pants problem was solved, at least for now.

"Now I get to go again!"

Rose hid behind the screen and began putting on another dress.

"How much did you guys buy?"

Rarity looked at me and said,

"Darling, you're going to be here awhile."

I had to sit through a whole slew of dresses. First Rose had to show me a few, and then Rarity wanted to show off some of her own. A few of them made me react like before, and sadly Rarity was wearing some of those. Some of them were more casual, and one was very fancy, gala material. Rose whispered to Rarity and they both giggled.

"Now what?"

"Oh there's just a few more things to show off, but that will have to wait for later. We should go see Twilight now."

I shrugged in response, and led the way outside the shop. I had chosen to continue wearing the pants, and I think I honestly missed the feeling of doing so. Rose and Rarity followed me out the door, and towards Twilight's house. One step closer to Celestia, and one step closer to a moon free existence.

I approached the door and took a deep breath. I turned to face the girls and said,

"I hope you two are ready."

"For what dear, you're the one who has to do the convincing."

"I was hoping you would do that for me."

I turned around and opened the door. I took a step in, and then stopped moving all together. Both Rarity and Rose managed to bump into me, and grumbled. I just pointed in front of myself not saying a word. I was stuck staring at the body of Princess Celestia. She was one step too early.

_________
AN: I know this chapter is a bit short, and I apologize for that. In other news, still don't really have a plan for any romance action or where to go next, and I was hoping to get some feedback for that. O.O

Anyways, later.