02 - The Diner Incident with Anon

[there was a comment that Astral was overpowered in this fic. I would like to think that Anon in this fic was exceptionally weak-minded (having to resort to violence and all; the neanderthal). but since this involves an Anon, I don't think I would quite call it "canon" to my other Astral stories]

[edit to the above: this piece is up for a little re-working, and then I'll consider it fully canon to the others here-- Anon will be a Griffin instead. Astral's powers will be toned down some, or at least made more of a struggle with consequence; it'll play into the bigger picture as more stories and pieces are written.]

* * *

>>34568369
[image: cozy glow dressed in a cute black and white frilly maid's uniform, happily trotting along while carrying a tray with a colorful treat in a classic tall milkshake glass on top]
Golly, mister. I have the drink you wanted

>>34568541
"Kid, I ordered coffee, not a parfait or whatever fruity-tooty sucralose shit you ponies suck down."
>Smacks platter out of her hooves
"Do it right this time, and don't expect a tip."

* * *

>"Golly, I'm so sorry, mister," said Cozy, reaching down to pick up the tray and pieces of broken glass. "I meant to bring this to the other table, but I just--"
>The angry, rude anon cuts her off, "Coffee. Not fucking excuses, and make it snappy!" he said, smacking her on the flank.
>Startled, Cozy again drops the tray, scattering the pieces of broken glass into the puddle of colorful treat on the floor. Tears flooding down her cheeks, she lowers her head and runs behind the counter, into the kitchen.
>"Why are they so mean to me?" she asked herself, in between sobs. "Ponies are never that mean to each other, not even evil world-conquering evil plotting ones like I used to be."
>"Cozy?" asked a familiar voice from around the corner.
>Cozy wiped her face with a towel from the kitchen, straightening up her apron, attempting to look more presentable, as if she hadn't been crying but failing. She turned the corner exiting the kitchen. "Astral?"
>"I just got here. Are you ok? what's wrong?" asked Astral, with a concerned voice. She made her way around the counter to give the little filly a hug. "I thought I'd stop by after class to see you were doing in your new job.
>"I'm... I'm ok." replied Cozy with a wavering voice.
>"No. You're not." countered Astral. "I don't have to be telepathic to know that something is bothering you."
>Cozy showed a pitiful grin, "Is it that obvious?"
>Astral nodded. "Tell me. Just what has you all worked up here?"
>Cozy hesitated for a moment. She looked out into the cafe, and slowly raised her hoof, singling out the man who ruined her day.
>"Astral glanced over to see who it was before turning back to Cozy, "Don't worry. I'll take care of him," she said, as concentrated a harsh stare at the unsuspecting anon, her horn lighting up.

>Anon froze in his seat for a moment before bringing his hands up to the side of his head, as he began to cringe, shutting his eyes tightly. Blood began to trickle from his nose as he strained and grunted noisily.
>Ponies stopped mid-conversation to stare and murmur amongst themselves what might be going on with this strange person. He was quite a strange fellow among the ponies; for all they knew, this might have been normal. Some went back to eating and chatting amongst themselves while others dismissed their meals to watch the show.
>"Arg! Get, out, of... my head!" strained Rudeanon.
>The glow of Astral's horn intensified. "You, will, pay," she said, through gritted teeth from behind the counter.
>Cozy looked at Astral, then back to Rudeanon and back. "No, Astral. Don't hurt him!" she begged, nudging Astral.
>Astral was rigid and unyielding. This was happening.
>Rudeanon held his head in his hands tightly, yelling out incoherent syllables as blood now trickled from his ears.
>"Astral, no!"
>Rudeanon suddenly stopped, lowering his hands down to the table, sitting upright and motionless.
>"Gotcha," said Astral, with a grin.
>"Gotcha," said Rudeanon, flatly with a forced grin. His eyes gave frantically pleading look as he sat stiffly in his seat. He was no longer in control.
>"Astral, what are you doing?" asked Cozy, worriedly.
>"Taking care of business," replied Astral. "Watch this."
>"Taking care of business," said Rudeanon, flatly. "Watch this."
>Rudeanon slowly and stiffly got up out of his seat, stepping towards the mess on the floor. He then got down on his hands and knees and proceeded to pick up the broken pieces of glass from the floor, gently placing them onto the tray, with his mouth. His lips beginning to bleed from the sharp edges, tears flowing from his panicking eyes.
>Everypony watched in awe and wonder.
>"Is this normal?" one asked.
>"Is he mocking us?" asked another.
>"See? That's why you shouldn't do drugs," one mare said to her fillies

>Rudeanon finished picking out the last bit of glass and placing it on the tray. He whimpered as he began to unwillingly lap at and lick up the spilled treat.
>"Astral, stop it! I don't want this!" said Cozy as she nudged Astral harder.
>"Almost done," said Astral.
>"Almost done," said Rudeanon.
>"People..." one pony said, dismissively before turning back to his meal. The others agreed and went back to their own conversations and meals.
>Rudeanon finished licking the floor clean and stood back up. He made his way to the counter in front of Cozy, nearly collapsing as Astral dropped her spell. Rudeanon shook his head getting his bearings before looking down at Cozy. "I'm... S-sorry."
>"Your Coffee," said Cozy as she pushed a mug across the counter to him.
>Astral smiled proudly at Cozy, but Cozy was not happy at all.

>The door to the one-room dwelling opened, and Astral stepped through, followed by Cozy. Astral released her saddlebags and floated them over to the corner where she usually keeps them, a school book and some friendship worksheets fell out.
>"I don't get it, Cozy. I was just looking out for you. Just because he's not from here doesn't mean he can get away with whatever he wants. Did you hear about what he did with Lyra at the store the other day?"
>"No. But it doesn't mean you can get away with what you want, either, Astral!" Cozy was upset. "Twilight wouldn't approve. This isn't the way! What's happened to you?"
>"I'm sorry," said Astral, softly. "I've been growing in my power. I can feel it changing me."
>"I don't like it."
>"I don't think I like it either. I don't know what's happening to me."
>"You need help, Astral. You helped me. Let me help you back."
>"What will we do?"
>"I don't know."