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As usual, the room was quiet as ever, aside from the annoying clock. It looked the same as always. Due to my abundance of free time, I slid off the chair, and stood back on my hooves. I just paced around the room, from one wall, made of drywall and with patterns that seemed to change every time I blinked, to the other wall. My hooves struck against the relatively new oaken floor. I looked towards the clock, vowing that one day I would take that thing and break it with my bare hooves. Or at least throw something at it. On sudden impulse, I went towards the chair, and attempted to lift and throw it. It was bolted to the ground, however. The clock won this round. I looked towards the door, still pacing. I eventually paced towards it, and attempt to open it via kicking it down, but no dice. It was locked tight. Eventually, I grew sick of walking around, and I sat down on the chair and decided to play a game; if this was going how I thought it was going and if I could sit quietly, I would let myself get out of it. With that, I began to wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Eventually, I heard a knock on the door. A hooded guard stallion, whom I grew to welcome the sight of, stepped in. "It's time. Get out here," he said in his usual gruff voice. I obeyed, knowing that not doing as he said would only result in me getting bruised up. Walking outside, I saw the hallway was largely the same as the room I was just in. Same walls, same flooring, but no annoying clocks, thankfully. As we walked silently, I was tempted to talk to him. However, I knew that nearly everything I asked him would earn me a 'I'm not at liberty to say.' The one thing that earned me a different response, however, was 'Why am I here?' Whenever I asked, he would stop, glare at me, and say 'You know why, you sick bastard.' The funny part was that I really didn't. My mental simulation of every conversation we would ever have was interrupted when he suddenly stopped. "We're here. Get in there."
I opened the door. Inside was the all too familiar courtroom. I looked around. There were so many familiar looking ponies in the room, all scowling at me. That's when I remembered the fact that I earned a 'get out of the worst part free.' Like hay I'm doing this, I thought. I braced myself, then bit down on my lip as hard as I could.
I woke up to the taste of rust. My lip was bleeding from biting down on it. It wasn't bad compared to what would have awaited me, but it still stung. I sat up and got off the bed, my hooves landing on the vinyl flooring. I drowsily walked past the walls covered in posters, the stucco almost impossible to see. Most of the posters were about DJ Pon3. Sweet Faust, she was gorgeous! Everything about her was perfect, in my book. That snow white coat, her electric blue mane, those magenta eyes, everything! She had to be the best looking mare in Ponyville. She also was single, last time I checked, so even better!
I trotted to the bathroom, stepping on various tarot card magazines. Tarot readings were my job and talent. I had a business called 'Future's Seer', which earned me the nickname of Seer. That was a much better name than mine, which was only used by my family, who I wouldn't dare smack upside the head. I really didn't like my name, if it weren't already obvious.
I exited the bedroom and entered the bathroom, proceeding to wash my face, cleaning the blood off. Afterward, I took a look at the time, and realized I was up rather early, so I had a good amount of time to eat and set up shop. I went downstairs and walked into the kitchen. Opening the cupboard, I took a peek at my food options, which were cinnamon oatmeal and apple oatmeal. It finally sank in that one of these days I really, really need to go shopping. I pulled out one of the boxes blindly, and retrieved a container of salt and a bowl, which I filled with water. I poured in the oatmeal mix and the salt and stirred, while I hummed one of DJ Pon3's more famous tunes, Giggle at the Ghosties and Stuff, as I stirred, yet this wasn't a good idea, because as usual, I was too busy humming to realize what the heck I was doing. I realized this, and snapped out of it. I finally put the bowl in the microwave and set it for two minutes. While I waited, I poured myself some orange juice.
Eventually, the microwaved beeped, signaling that it was finished. I opened the door and pulled the oatmeal out, setting it on the table where I placed my orange juice. As I ate and drank, I thought about my dreams. I honestly did not know why it happened. Yet, a part of me felt like I deserved it, strangely enough. Eventually, I finished my oatmeal and OJ. I placed the bowl and cup into the sink before going upstairs and into the bathroom. I took out my toothbrush and toothpaste, and applied the paste to the brush before beginning to clean my teeth. After a few minutes of brushing, being careful around the areas where my gums were receding, I spat out the no-longer minty toothpaste, and retrieved a cup full of water and drank.
After tending to my teeth and orange mane, which now looked much more clean, I gathered my supplies and put on my turban. Decks of cards, a table, a poster, tape, and most importantly the tent. I put it all on my back, strengthened by months of doing this almost daily. I would invest in an assistant, but my earnings weren't good enough for one. I pushed the door open, and trotted outside. Celestia's sun was shining as brightly as ever. I basked in it for a moment, thinking about how life was good overall, before realizing that it was almost opening time. I trotted to my usual location, Mane Street. On the way, I saw Lyra and Bon Bon, hanging out as usual. I waved to them, and they waved back. I walked past DJ Pon3's house, and once again vowed to ask her to dinner after work. I knew I wouldn't, but I liked to pretend that I wasn't a total wuss.
I ended up almost literally running into the Cutie Mark Crusaders, as they ran across the street "Excuse us, Mr. Seer!" Sweetie Belle apologized.
"It's ok, Ms. Belle!" I replied.
They kept running, but a few seconds later, Scootaloo came back. "Hey, Seer, can we get a reading? We're not sure what to do next, and we have the bits!"
"Of course, but I'm not open yet. I will be in a few minutes, though," I assured her.
"Cool! Mane Street, right?" she asked. I nodded. "Ok, we'll see you there!" she promised before running off to where the others were. I smiled to myself at how ridiculously adorable they could be. They were a pain at times, but overall, I liked them. After thinking about them, I continued on my way to Mane Street.
On the way, I started thinking about things in general. In terms of wealth, I was doing ok. I was able to pay the bills. I was keeping in shape, so I wasn't worried about my heart. My job was good and I was happy with it. Although, I was worried about my family. I hadn't seen my parents in years, and my brother, High Card, never liked to talk about it. My thoughts strayed to another subject; DJ Pon-3. Other than her appearance, she seemed like a decent mare. She was a bit blunt in the interviews, and she often talked about her relationships. However, she seemed to jump around them often. I couldn't help but wonder why. Was she even more blunt in real life? It was a mystery. However, my thoughts were interrupted when I reached my usual spot.
There was a customer in rather concealing clothing already waiting. I wasn't able to make out their features at this distance. I nodded to them. "Oh, good day. Kindly let me have a moment to set up shop, Then, you may have a reading," I told them in what I called my 'seer voice'. It was a lot more eccentric and wise sounding, or at least the first part. They nodded, and trotted off.
I placed my equipment down, and started with setting up the tent. It didn't take too long, but it certainly wasn't fast. As I prepared the poles and applied the cloth, I thought about the mysterious stranger. Normally, business was slow in the morning. Why would they be at the spot so early? I could see the Crusaders wanting a reading this early, but not any adults. I shrugged, then set up the table inside and prepared a deck of cards.
I trotted outside, and brought out the poster and tape. I held the poster in place, and taped it on. I stepped back, and looked at it. The Seer is in, it said. I nodded, in a mix of pride at how I wasn't horrid at art, and the fact that it gets the job done. I re-entered the tent and sat down, ready to do business.
The tent rustled as somepony entered. Or rather, someponies. The three Crusaders, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo entered. "Hello, Mr. Seer!" they said in unison. I nodded at them.
"Welcome to the Seer's Domain," I replied, now using my seer voice. "What would you like today?"
"One reading, please! As for the question, how do we get our Cutie Marks?" Sweetie Belle requested, tossing the bits to me with magic. I managed to catch them, and place them on the counter.
"Thank you. Now, if you'd step closer..." I requested as they did so. "Now, let's see what the cards have to say..." I pulled out a deck, and shuffled them. I arranged the cards into my usual formation, the Coltic Cross, and set one aside, flipping it over. "This represents the atmosphere surrounding the issue," I said. When they looked at me confusedly, I sighed. "It's the general mood. In this case, it is the Six of Swords, or Science."
"Ain't science fake?" Applebloom asked. Oh great, THIS debate again.
"I personally believe that Magic and Science can co-exist. However, we are getting off-track. The Six of Swords represents trusting in intelligence and setting off into the unknown, and the road to recovery," I explained. I flipped the next card over, at the center of the cross. It was the Ace of Pentacles. "This is the obstacle that stands in your way. In this case, it is the seed of prosperity and gain."
"Say that again in Equine please?" Scootaloo said.
I barely held a groan of frustration back. "It is the start of a good thing. However, it isn't a good thing here." When they all tilted their heads, I explained further. "It could be something that starts off good that ends badly." They nodded, so I knew that I got the message across. I flipped the next card, the one at the top of the cross, the Queen of Swords. "This represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without dramatic change. Here, a pony gifted with both keen logic and natural intuition, giving them uncanny powers of perception and insight. In other words, a smart pony who sees many things."
"Just like you, Mr. Seer!" Sweetie Belle commented.
"Why, you're making me blush, you little charmer," I said, slightly breaking character just the tiniest bit. I then flipped the next card. "This is the foundation the situation is based on, or rather, the general mood." It was the Knight of Cups. "In your case, a forced sense of hope blended with gentle kindness."
I flipped the next card at the left of the cross over, which was the Six of Pentacles. "This represents a passing influence, or something to be released. Here, it is a time of prosperity or profit. So you won't be having many more successes," I explained.
"We haven't had any successes, though!" Applebloom complained.
"Think about it. You three have met each other, have you not? I'd call that a success," I explained.
"Ah see your point," Applebloom said, nodding.
I moved on to the next card at the right of the cross, and flipped it. It was the Empress. "This represents an approaching influence, or something to be embraced. Here, it's creativity, productivity, and the foundation of civilization. In other words, you'll be creating something."
"Like our cutie marks?" Scootaloo asked with a grin.
"I cannot say specifically. I have said all that I can say on that matter," I said, moving on to the card at the base of the staff, flipping it. It was the Seven of Pentacles, reversed. "Here is your role or attitude.This represents impatience and a lack of effort."
"We put in plenty of effort!" Applebloom protested.
"Not in the necessary areas, it appears," I replied. I flipped the card at the bottom of the staff, the Fool, reversed. "This is the environment and ponies you are interacting with. In your case. obsession with someone or something." i thought to myself and how I felt about DJ Pon-3. Oh the hypocrisy, I thought to myself.
I flipped the next card over at the second-from-top part of the staff. It was the King of Swords. "This represents your hopes, ethics, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Here, a mature leader of unwavering ethics and indisputable authority."
"What?" Applebloom asked, raising an eyebrow.
This time I couldn't hold back my groan. "A leader who is good and wise." They nodded, and I continued.
I flipped the last card over, at the top of the staff. It was the Three of Swords, reversed. "Now, if you continue on this path, you will face an unsettling truth that needs to be faced." I leaned back. "That is the answer, Crusaders."
"That's it? We paid to be told that something bad will happen?" Sweetie Belle complained.
I nodded. "I understand it may be frustrating, yet this is all I can see," I tried to explain. "Besides, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's bad, just some painful event that must ha-" I didn't finish the sentence, as I heard the tent rustle. I sighed. They may be adorable, and while I may like them, they still have a lot to learn.
Another customer entered. It was the cloaked stranger from before. I still couldn't make out most of their details, but they resembled a mare. She had a lock of silver hair hanging out, but she tried to hide it once I noticed it. I cleared my throat. "Welcome to the Seer's Domain," I greeted. "How may I help you?"
They pointed at the deck of cards. "A reading, is it? What is your question?" I asked. She then tried to pantomime...something. A moon? Sleeping? Eating cake? I couldn't understand anything she was doing. "Please, could you just tell me?" I requested. The stranger sighed, shaking their head in exasperation.
"Trixie wants to know how to redeem herself.'
I blinked, confused. Trixie? Could she be talking about the same Trixie as the Great and Powerful Trixie? I pondered this before clearing my throat, and returning on topic. "Ah, redemption. Quite the interesting question. So who might this Trixie be?"
"This is Trixie," she said, pointing at herself. "And here is the payment," she added before sliding the bits to me.
I nodded, understanding to some extent. Was there some other reason for her return? "I see. Now, let's see what the cards have to say..."
I flipped the first card. "This card represents what the situation is based on. In your case, the Magician reversed. This represents trickery, abuse of knowledge for personal gain, and a fatal flaw." I set it aside, and arranged the cards in the Coltic Cross. I flipped the next card, which was at the center of the cross, over. "This represents the obstacle in your way. In this case, the Six of Wands, or victory. Now, while this sounds good, it really isn't."
As Trixie tilted her head in confusion, I flipped the second card, at the top of the cross, over. "Now, this card represents either your goal, or the best you can achieve without changing your plans. Here, it is the Four of Pentacles, or power, reversed, which represents using said power for your enjoyment and betterment of others, and being generous with your success."
"So that would be Trixie's goal," Trixie said, sounding a little prideful at figuring it out.
"That seems most likely. However, you would have to answer that yourself," I explained. "Moving on." I flipped the card at the bottom of the cross next. "This represents the situation on which this is based. The card representing this is the Eight of Wands, or swiftness. This represents a surge of power, rapid progress towards a goal, and boldness in work and relationships." After explaining, I flipped the next card at the left of the cross. "This card represents either a passing influence, or something to be released. Here, it's the Lovers, reversed. This shows inner strife and frustration in a relationship."
I turned the card at the right of the cross next. "This represents an approaching influence, or something to be embraced. In this case, it is the Two of Wands, or Dominion. It represents not just power and influence over others, but can also mean setting goals and a vision for the future, and coming to terms with the past." For some reason, I felt strange saying these, like there was a part of me who was disgusted by what I was saying for whatever reason.
Then, I moved on from the cross to the staff, a column of four cards. I flipped the card at the base. "This represents your role or attitude. In your case, the Five of Cups, or disappointment. This can mean suffering from a loss, and wishing for what could have been. It can also mean a gift or something similar that falls below your expectations. I then flipped the card at the bottom of the staff. "This represents the environment you're in, or the people you're interacting with. Here, it is the Hanged Mare, reversed. It represents living life in suspension and refusing to listen to your inner voice." For a moment, looking at the card was like looking in a mirror. I shook my head, wondering if I had enough sleep last night.
I moved on to the card second from the top of the staff, and flipped it. "This is your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that may come into play. In this case, the Eight of Cups, or Indolence, reversed. It represents that something that you thought was important was in reality of little consequence, or moving on from something you have invested love and devotion to."
"So it's related to Trixie's role," she pondered.
"Possibly. That is not for me to say, however," I replied. I then flipped the final card at the top of the staff. "This represents the final outcome should you continue on this course. The Two of Cups, or Love." I couldn't help chuckling a little. "I can see you have an interesting fate, but I digress. This represents the perfect harmony of union, in relationships, friendships, or work."
I gathered the cards and shuffled them into the deck. "And that is the answer, lady Trixie," I said.
"Trixie doesn't understand. Trixie's question wasn't answered," she complained.
"But it was," I assured. "You simply must consider what the cards have told you."
She sighed, and turned to leave. "Trixie thanks you anyway," she said before leaving.
The tent rustled as she left. I dropped my persona to briefly wonder. Was that the Trixie from a while ago, the one who was boasting about defeating the Ursa Major? Why was she back?
And what was that strange feeling I had when I was explaining the Hanged Mare and Dominion's meanings?
The tent rustled as yet another customer entered. "Hey, Seer."
I recognized the voice. It was Taupe. "Welcome to the Seer's Domain."
"Alright, how much for a question?" he asked, not beating around the bush.
"I only charge for readings. Answers are free," I explained.
"In that case, tell me. Is it true that Storm and Applejack, y'know...made out more than once?" he questioned, a tad red.
I snorted at the bluntness before clearing my throat. I would only break character for the Crusaders, damn it, and even then I would only do it to some extent! "You don't have to ask me that," I explained.
"Why not?" he asked, tilting his head.
"Because it's common knowledge," I said. I could've sworn that I saw a fire in his eyes.
"Well, I guess that helped. Thanks," he said while leaving. I heard a few obscenities muttered.
After he left, I followed and examined the sun. Judging by it's height, it was closing time. I packed up the decks, the table and chair, before setting it all outside. I then dismantled the tent, and lifted it all onto my back. It didn't feel as heavy as usual, but it still was still cumbersome. I began making my way back home, saying hi to everypony on the way.
A while later, I made it back. I placed all my gear inside, and sat on the couch, sighing. It was a long day as usual. Doing the seer voice made my throat hurt, but it helped me pay the bills. Suddenly, I felt drowsy. A quick nap couldn't hurt, I told myself. I shut my eyes, propping my hind legs on the other end of the couch, before passing out.
A while later, I woke up. I yawned, and stretched. It had grown late, but it wasn't quite bedtime. That, and there was no way I could sleep on an empty stomach. My stomach growled as I realized this. I decided to go out to grab some food.
I didn't have too much time until it was bedtime. I ended up strolling around town, past Twilight's library, where I briefly wondered if she loved books too much to find a stallion. I shook my head, trying to get the negative thoughts out of my head. "She didn't mean to," I mumbled to myself, reminiscing. "Just let it go already."
I stopped monologuing and went back to walking. I passed by Storm Runner, who was hanging out with Rainbow Dash. I waved to them.
"Hey, Seer," Storm greeted.
I nodded at them, before starting to trot away. I wondered for the third time this week why I'm friends with Storm. He's a cool guy, but kind of an ass. I wasn't ditching him, though, because you have to take the cons with the pros, after all.
My thoughts were interrupted when Taupe trotted by. "Hey, Storm. Come down here," he said.
Storm flew down, and landed. "What's up, Taupe?"
I've seen enough romcoms to know where THIS is going, I thought to myself. "Oh hey, look at the time, gotta go," I said as I retrieved my pocket watch from my turban, while galloping as though my life depended on it. Which it did.
After time spent galloping, I found myself at the doorstep of a familiar house. Wait, isn't this the house of...
Yep, same address I've seen every day.
Well buck me sideways, I'm at DJ Pon-3's house, I realized. I saw that the lights were on. "Oh crap," I muttered. She was going to see me and think I'm a creeper!
Wait, think? I shook my head, trying to not be TOO jerkish to myself. I stood there like an imbecile for a moment, before it hit me. This is a perfect time to ask her out!
I knocked on the door before I realized what I was doing. I was tempted to run right then, but the door opened fairly quickly.
Inside was the mare I had grown to see all over my walls; DJ Pon-3. Blue and light blue mane, jagged like lightning? Check. Snow white coat? Check. Shades? Check.
Yep, it was her.
"Yeah?" she asked, breaking me out of my trance.
"Oh, hey, uh, I'm Shu-I mean Seer," I greeted. "I run a tarot reading business. You know about it, right?"
"I'm not interested in whatever you're selling," she said bluntly, starting to close the door.
"No wait!" I exclaimed.
"You look ridiculous in that turban, by the way," she said, shooting my heart in the face when it was already broken, before shutting the door.
"Turbans are cool!" I yelled, before I facehoofed at my stupidity. Was that really what you had to say in response? This is why you barely have any friends, I thought, breaking my self-esteem further.
I exited my negative thought loop to realize how late it was. Luna's moon was high in the sky. I trotted back home, lamenting how much of a fool I was back there. When I arrived, I remembered why I went out in the first place; I was starving, and I still needed to go shopping. I'll shop tomorrow for sure, I promised myself. I knew that I wouldn't, though. That's when I remembered. Hey, you actually talked to DJ Pon-3, so anything's possible! Then I realized I wasn't a total lamer.
However, I had to focus on the present. I did turned around and exited my house. I closed the door, and started trotting to the nearest restaurant, a rather classy-looking restaurant. I entered, and there was a bellcolt waiting already. "Good day. A table for one, I assume?"
"Two," I said, because I was really thirsty, and usually they'll give you an extra cup of water.
"Where's the other patron?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"She'll be here soon," I replied, putting on my best poker face.
He nodded, and led me to a table. I sat down, and later, a waiter arrived with two cups of water and two menus. I took a look at the menus, and saw that the prices were reasonable, contrary to the appearance. I mentally hoofpumped in victory. When he left and wasn't looking, I slid the other cup to me, and began to drink. When I said I was thirsty, I wasn't kidding. I'm good at not eating for a while as long as I had food and drink in the morning, but at night, I was starved and parched.
He came back after a while, noticing that I had both glasses of water. I grinned sheepishly. "This is probably what it looks like," I explained.
"It's...fine?" he said, a tad confused. Not that I blamed him. "So, have you decided what to order?"
"I'll just take some hay fries," I said with a shrug.
He wrote it down on a notepad. "Is that it?"
"Yup," I replied.
He nodded, and closed the notepad. "We'll get it done in a jiffy," he promised, trotting away.
I planned on holding him to that. As I waited, I looked at my pocket watch again. I always kept it with me under my turban. It was reliable, and it was from my grandfather from my mom's side of the family, Steady Sword. They were Royal Guards, but that life wasn't cut out for my dad's side, or my rebellious mom. I couldn't help feeling sad for ruining a family by not joining the Guards. Even though my mom was the first to skip being a guard, I could've restarted the pattern, but nope. Had to just keep ruining things.
I then thought about my parents. Why haven't they responded to any of my letters? It had been years since I had last talked to them. Were they mad at me? I wouldn't say I'm a bad pony, although I admit I borrowed a few bits here and there. Not that they ever knew. I just blamed it all on High Card, much to his chagrin. Other than that, my relationship with them was good.
I quit brooding, then looked around in the restaurant. It was packed, with not an empty table in sight. I considered myself lucky, being able to get what was possibly the last one. Suddenly, I felt a surge of energy, and realized that this was MY table now. It was mine to protect from all those who dared try to find an empty table. This table was mine to protect.
That's when I realized that I had way too much imagination.
