Living the Good Life: Chapter 9

>"Anonymous, the Elements of Harmony are six ancient artifacts filled with great power. One could say that the Elements are the single most powerful thing on this planet." Twilight explains as she eyes one of her cupcakes.
>"And let me get this straight... You and the five you mentioned are the only ones able to use them?" you ask as you cross your arms. When Twilight nods that helps but a few things into perspective for you.
>"Yes. Rainbow Dash represents Loyalty, Fluttershy represents Kindness, Pinkie has Laughter, Applejack has Honesty, and I have Magic. Put the six of us together with those artifacts and anything capable of causing harm to others is extinguished." Twilight states as she takes a bite out of her cupcake.
>This is the first time you’ve heard of anything like this. Sure you assumed there’d be some forms of enchanted items considering the fact that unicorns here use magic.
>It makes sense to be able to fill something with magic… but something existing with the capability of getting rid of any threat sounds like something beyond the capability of any living magic user here.
>And if that’s true why would Discord not care about you making friends with them? If his ultimate plan is to continue ruling Equestria why would he risk having all that fall apart by adding you to the equation?
>You’ve already made friends with two of the six elements. The third you’re still on the ropes about for very good reason; after all she did accuse you of rape.
>But still the fact that she’s no longer gray means you’ve went against Discord in some way without even realizing it.  What is his deal and why hasn’t he told you this himself?
>Maybe he didn’t want you finding out this information, but he brought you here to make friends. Surely he figured you’d make friends with the p0nies that offer him the most threat at some point.
 >Trying to wrap your mind around Discord’s reasoning is making your head hurt. That is until you start thinking you have a reason as to why Discord is letting you go about as you are.
>Maybe… Maybe he wants to be beaten. You laugh at the ridiculousness of your reason, so what if he’s the embodiment of chaos? There’s no logical reason to actually want to lose after winning.
>You push that thought out of your mind and put your attention back to Twilight and the cupcakes. She further explains the origin of the Elements of Harmony, it’s past users, what they look like and their current location.
>Wait, the Elements are here in her home?!  When you ask her if she’s sure she nods before approaching one of her books upon her book shelf. She levitates a large book off of the shelf.
>A old worn tan book. It’s title has been stripped away due to old age. The spine of it is starting to fall apart as well. The fact that it’s still in one piece surprises you.
>When she levitates the book over to you and opens it you’re greeted by the site of six well put together looking items. You motion to the artifacts and Twilight nods.
>You reach in and grab hold of one that was a gold necklace with reddish-orange and green apple shaped gem. From Twilight’s description you’re currently holding honesty in your hands.
>You put it back in the book and grab hold of another gold necklace with a ballon-shaped gem  along with a gold tiara with a magenta star-shaped gem.
>You could see what Twilight meant when the Elements chose their users. The star-shaped gem, the ballon shaped gem, and the apple shaped gem;  All of them resemble the cutie marks of the p0nies you’ve befriended.
>So laughter, honesty, and magic. Well… magic needed some more work considering only her eyes have managed to maintain their original color. The rest of her coat, mane, and tail are still gray.
>Well, with that aside you’re now in quite a predicament.  You can either continue to help these p0nies, making friends along the way, and ultimately beat Discord and give Equestria back to the p0nies.
>Or you can go right ahead and start making friends with other p0nies and avoid the other elements all together. Besides, even if you really wanted to make Discord lose his title as ruler there are many factors stopping you from doing so.
>For one, he’s a chaotic god and is scary when angered, another is that he’s your landlord and soul reason for having a somewhat decent life. You couldn’t outright betray the chimera.
>Plus in doing so you potentially put Screwball and Eris into danger. Sure you’re pissed off at Screwball… but you don’t want to see her getting hurt. Neither she nor Eris seem bad.
>This is something that is going to take some time. After all you haven’t even been in Equestria for a week. As far as you know these p0nies may not even be worth sticking your neck out over.
>Lyra the Stalkercorn isn’t helping out their case in the slightest. If she’s like that there’s no telling how the other p0nies can be.  That puts a bit of a scare into you.
>Also, both Fluttershy and Rarity seem terrible. One tricked you into molesting her and pegged you in the lower reigon with an apple. The other is a greedy little thief.
>You’re sure their real personalities are much better, but is it worth the headache you’ll no doubt have to endure in the process? You don’t think so.
>But, you don’t know everything about Discord. He may seem fun loving and he may seem as though he doesn’t have a care in the world. But how much do you really know about him?
>For all you know he could be using chaos as a means to really mess with these p0nies. I mean how many others are still gray? Twilight said it wore off eventually but there may still be some out there affected.
>You imagine various p0nies out and about mistreating their loves ones, causing damage the wouldn’t normally be causing, and overall just running amok in the streets of whatever cities they may be a part of.
>Could you really just sit idly by and allow this to happen knowing that there’s a chance you can make things better for others? In helping the six Elements you would effectively be saving a nation.
>The lives of the p0nies would return to normal and they’d be able to go about their daily lives in piece. If they knew you were the one behind it they’d probably be eternally grateful.
>With gratitude comes respect. P0nies world wide would see you as a sort of savior. Not that you’d want them to revere you or anything, or have them kiss your feet. You’re not like that.
>If anything you’d just like to have price reductions on items… or at least a stipend. Being poor in this new world sucks. Sure you haven’t had a need to buy anything as of yet considering Discord has been helping out.
>But if you went against Discord you’d need a way to get bits just like every other hard working p0ny. There are so many things to gain and yet there are many things to lose…
>These thoughts spin about in a torrent within the recesses of your mind while you idly examine each and every element present within the book Twilight is levitating before you.
>”Are you okay?” Twilight asks as she closes her book after you put the gold tiara back with the other artifacts. You sigh to yourself before looking over to Twilight.
>”Yeah I’m fine, just thinking about a few things is all.” You say while you lie back on the couch. Twilight puts the book back in it’s proper place before rejoining you.
>”Like what?” She asks as she looks into your eyes.  “Twilight… what if I kept trying to befriend the elements. Kindess, Loyalty, and Generousity I mean.  If they turn back to normal what then?”
>Twilight is quick to answer, “If you help them like you helped Applejack and Pinkie then we’d be able to put an end to Discord and his rule! We’d be able to bring Princess Celestia and Luna back!” Twilight smiles widely at your question.
>She seems to know the potential result of you befrieding p0nies it seems. It’s only natural that she’d want you to help her friends, and you know she’s going to ask you to do so.
>But is that what you really want to do? Before you can think about it any further your prediction proves true.
>”Anonymous… I know you haven’t gotten the chance to see Equestria at its best… but there’s a lot of good p0nies out there… and a lot of them are suffering. I know I’m asking quite a lot of you but… can you please help return my friends to normal? I know you can do it… if you do Equestria will be back to normal… and I’d be able to show you just how great this place can be… So will you do it?” Twilight asks.
>Stars seem to shine in her eyes when she asks you. She radiates hope. Hope for you, hope for her fellow p0nies, and hope for all of Equestria. It’s come down to this Anonymous.
>So save the lives of thousands or to stay loyal to the ones whom you owe everything to? You wish you could make both parties happy, but you can’t have it all. You know that one for a fact.
>One is going to ultimately be upset… You need more time to think about all of this. Your hesitation is starting to have an effect on Twilight.
>You can see the figurative stars in her eyes begin to fade and you can see her hopeful smile slowly turn into a frown. To disappoint someone so early into a friendship… you need a walk.
>”Twilight… I can’t answer that right now…” you can’t look her in the eye as you get to your feet. You turn your back to your friend and make your way to the door.
>”W… wait where are you going?” Twilight asks as she starts trotting after you. You turn back to her and kneel.
>”I’m going to go for a walk and clear my head… when I come back I’ll be able to answer you. I just need some time alone okay?” you ask as you run a hand through Twilight’s mane.
>”Oh… okay.” Twilight answers sadly while looking to the floor in disappointment.  You hate doing this to her but you have to put things into perspective.
>Before you leave you place the remaining bits Twilight gave you on a nearby table next to the door. You give Twilight one last look before opening the front door.
>She’ll just have to accept that you might not be willing to help all of her friends.  Soon you’re outside and into the warm afternoon air of P0nyville.
>With your walk in mind, just where are you going to go? There’s plenty of places you haven’t visited so why not just go and explore a little?
>There’s no need for a set destination when all you wish to do is clear your mind and figure out just what you’re going to do from here.
>As you make your way down a random poker card path through town you don’t notice a certain mint green unicorn spying on you from a nearby bush.
>She watches you intently as you walk between two buildings and out of site. Using her magic she produces a notepad and ink quill from out of thin air.
>”Subject walks upon its hind legs, it has appendages similar to that of a minotaur, and the lack of hair aside from what’s on it’s head may just confirm that this is a homo sapien… in other words human.” As she speaks the quill scribbles down her speech.
>” I Lyra Heartstrings shall take it upon myself to study this human from afar, but I shall soon make contact with it. I hope to befriend this human upon first contact and maybe… just maybe… he’ll rub my tummy.” Lyra smiles before squeeing to herself and shaking her front hooves in an exited fashion.
>She darts out from the bush and gallops off in the same direction you walked off to. Her notepad and quill float close behind. Little do you know your day’s about to get a bit more exciting…
>You continue on your merry way through town.  Unbeknownst to the mint green unicorn’s presence. She continues to dart through bushes and around the sides of homes in order to make sure you don’t see her.
>While she continues to spy on you, your inner conflict keeps your attention. You’re still deciding on who you should side with… it’s regrettable that you’re not paying attention to the happenings around you.
>Aside from the occasional chocolate rain cloud or the frequent poker card that comes dislodged from the ground due to your dragging feet, the town seems to be at peace.
>The dancing buffalos have moved on to the fields outside of P0nyville for the most part. Any real chance of collateral damage occurrring has left without you even realizing it.
>There are more p0nies up and about today. In turn the town has taken a more lively appearance. There are construction p0nies setting up red and pink decorations for the inevitable festival that is to come on Hearts and Hooves Day.
>The once quiet streets no longer exist and it’s all because of you. You may not realize it yet, but the p0nies around you have been thinking that in your stead. Those that pass by you wave happily.
>Unfortunately you only mumble a half hearted hello in response sticking to keeping your eyes to the poker cards that line the streets. You take a turn leading you into the Ponyville Marketplace.
>As you walk through the marketplace you come across various stalls selling apples, pies, drinks, cooking utensils, books, and vegetables. There’s even a stall selling various scented soaps.
>The majority of their banners are painted with red and pink hearts around their banners that adjorn the tops of their stalls. It seems that when P0nyville celebrates a holiday they really get into the festivities.
>Lyra pops out from behind a carrot stand, binoculars in hoof. She’s managed to get herself a white safari helmet. She trains her binoculars on you as you walk around various stalls.
>Her notepad and quill appear out of thin air around her. She speaks while not taking her binoculars or gaze off of you.
>”It appears as though the human known as Anonymous isn’t striking fear into the hearts of P0nykind. Rather they are openly approaching him. While they wave and offer him smiles he offers half hearted replies in return. Why he is like that remains unknown….” She leans in before speaking.
>”I may need to get a closer look in order to further inspect this thing.” As her notepad writes her speech an earth p0ny with a beige coat, pigment blue mane with a rose pink streak, cerulean eyes, and a cutie mark of three pieces of wrapped candy trots over to her.
>She seemed to be in the spirit of the coming holiday as well. She carries two saddlebags upon her back, both filled to the brim with little chocolate candies, hearts, roses, and the like.
>Her eyes take on a half lidded, deadpan expression when she sees Lyra spying on you. She looks from your retreating form to Lyra before clearing her throat.
>This p0ny ends up surprising Lyra, causing he to fumble her binoculars in her hooves. Lyra ends up dropping them. Upon contact with the ground the lenses crack.
>”Buck! What the hay Bon Bon?!” Lyra shouts in anger before turning to face her. Bon-Bon’s deadpan glare causes Lyra to stop her incoming onslaught of yelling.
>”Lyra, what are you doing?” Bon Bon asks in a agitated tone. Lyra studders while motioning to you then to her notepad and quill. Bon Bon sighs in exasperation before shaking her head.
>”Try that again.” Bon Bon says as she looks over to you. Unlike Lyra she isn’t clammoring to spy upon you with such inquiry unlike her unicorn friend here.
>”Okay, I was trying to gather information on this human.” Lyra explains as she starts trying to pick up the broken lenses of her binoculars with magic.
>”Did you try simply trotting up to Anonymous and asking about him yourself?” Bon Bon asks with a forced smile. It helps that she’s looking upon Lyra as if she’s a complete fool.
>Lyra opens her mouth to respond but when she realizes that she has no real reason to act like she’s been she stops. She rubs a hoof under her chin in deep thought before responding.
>”I dunno I didn’t think of that?” Lyra states while offering Bon Bon a nervous grin. Lyra is looking everywhere else but Bon Bon at this point while maintaining her smile.
>Bon Bon face hoofs; After that she reaches out with a hoof. She wraps her hoof around one of Lyra’s front hooves and starts trotting off in your direction. She drags Lyra behind her.
>”W… What are you doing?!” Lyra asks as she desperately tries to pull herself from Bon Bon’s grip. As Bon Bon drags Lyra she loses her safari hat, quill, and notepad. They hit the poker card ground with a soft thud.
>“We are going to introduce ourselves to that human.” Bon Bon states in a non chalant tone as she continues to pull Lyra. Lyra contemplates biting Bon Bon’s hoof in order to free herself.
>Lyra decides against it though. Not wishing to incure whatever wrath may be brought upon her if she just so happens to go through with biting.
>”Bonnie lemme go!” Lyra shouts as she tries to pull herself away yet again. Bon Bon groans before turning her head to look back at her friend.
>”And drop that Manticore Hunter accent it’s getting annoying,” Bon Bon says in agitation before turning back and trotting in your direction.
>”Don’t say anything about Steve Irwing that griffin is awesome!” Lyra shouts in her normal speaking voice as she glares at her friend. It doesn’t take long for Bon Bon to get to you.
>When Bon Bon is within reaching distance she balances upon her hind hooves and grabs hold of your pants leg with her free front hoof. With a single tug she disrupts your thoughts.
>You turn to find a mare tugging at your pants leg. When you see her, and that she’s holding Lyra’s hoof in a vice grip you can’t helpt but look upon the two with scrutiny.
>”Can I help you?” You ask as you cross your arms in front of yourself. Your tone represents curiousity rather than contempt . After all there’s no need to be rude.
>”Good afternoon Anonymous. My name is Bon Bon and this…” Bon Bon says as she pulls Lyra into a one hoof hug. Bon Bon looks to Lyra, waiting for her to introduce herself.
>”Come on, say hi to the nice human.” Bon Bon finishes by flashing you a close eyed smile. You raise a brow before tilting your head in confusion. Not because of Bon Bon of course, but because of the visibly sweating Lyra she’s holding.
>Now that the unicorn has nowhere to run she’s trying her hardest to keep from looking up at you. She looks around frantically hoping for an escape.
>When she looks up to you her face becomes flush with embarrasment. Finally Lyra seems to find her voice. It’s unfortunate that she’s not speaking with that much volume.
>”H… Hi Mr. Anonymous… I… I… I’m Lyra H… Heartstrings.” Her voice comes out barely above a whisper and she stammers out her greeting.
>There are many ways you could go about this. For one you’re a little agitated that this unicorn had to be forced to introduce herself. It doesn’t help that she’s been virtually stalking you for the last couple of hours.
>On the other hand maybe she was just nervous. You should expect this, even though there are p0nies openly greeting you not everyp0ny is going to share their opinion of you. Some will naturally fear you.
>Perhaps she was just trying to study you to see if you were a monster or something. Could you really blame her if that was the case? No, no you can’t. So instead of being a jerk you instead do the following.
>You kneel down to their level, you offer the two a warm smile, and your reach out your hand to them and wait for them to shake. Lyra takes your hand into her hooves in less than a second.
>”Oooooh Bonnie look fingers!” Lyra says with glee before giggling. She ooohs and aahs as she wiggles your fingers with her hooves. When she pushes your index finger and when you curl it she squees.
>You clear your throat and Bon Bon gets the message. Bon Bon slaps Lyra’s hooves away with her own. Lyra looks at Bon Bon in a way that looks like she just got done killing her pet.
>”W… Why?” Lyra asks seemingly on the verge of tears. “Because you’re being weird and you’re freaking Anonymous out.” Bon Bon answers before sitting on her haunches and pointing to you with a front hoof.
>When Lyra sees you looking upon her with the same kind of look you’d shoot a crazy p0ny Lyra giggles before scratching the back of her head with one of her front hooves.
>”Whoops… yeah… sorry I kinda have a thing for hands?” Lyra asks out of embarrasment before reaching out to your outstretched hand. You let her shake your hand for a second before yanking it away.
>”A thing? Try an obsession.” You say jokingly. You chuckle to yourself before offering your hand to Bon Bon. Unlike Lyra here Bon Bon reaches out her hoof in order to complete the hand/hoof shake.
>Thankfully she doesn’t act like Lyra when it comes to hands. Bon Bon is obviously the more level headed of the two. When you get to your feet you place your hands in your hoodie pockets.
>”So, what’s up?” You know there’s more to it than them just introducing themselves to you. Judging by how Lyra is acting she’ll probably want to ask you questions like Twilight did when you first arrived.
>You wouldn’t mind answering Lyra’s questions as long as she remains calm and civil about it. You’re sure Bon Bon is going to stick around because judging by Lyra’s actions that might be an impossibility.
>Plus this little encounter just might help you put your thoughts into perspective for you. Also you’ll be making friends with p0nies that aren’t the Elements of Harmony bearers.
>”Well, seeing as how Lyra here thinks you’re so awesome. I was thinking why don’t we all have a little lunch together? Besides Lyra isn’t the only p0ny here wanting to know a little bit about our newest addition to P0nyville.” Bon Bon says with a smile.
>As much as you’d like to join the two for lunch there are two factors stopping you from agreeing to go at first. For one you just stuffed your face full of delicious cupcakes and you’re completely broke.
>”As nice as that sounds I’m afraid I’m going to have to say no. I’m broke.” You state before pulling out the pockets of your jeans to show that they’re empty and free of bits.
>”Oh that won’t be a problem I’ll pay for it!” Lyra half shouts. When she realizes just how loud she was she immediately shuts herself up by putting her hooves in front of her mouth.
>”Oh wow isn’t that nice of you Lyra? Well I know there’s a café nearby that has the best daisy sandwiches around. So how about it Anonymous?” Bon Bon asks.
>Free food and a chance to make new friends, how can you say no to something like that? Your opinion on Lyra is shed in a bit more of a positive light now.
>After all it’s not every day someone offers you free food. Though the flower sandwiches doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. You’re sure they’ll have something you can eat.
>“Since Lyra’s being so nice, sure why not?” you answer with a shrug and a grin. Finally with something to do you follow Bon Bon and Lyra as they lead you through the marketplace.

>Little do you know there is one unicorn pony and one unicorn filly en route to the same café.  But unlike your group the two where heading there for a much different reason.
>The mare leading the foal had her color drained  from her much like the other p0nies you’ve been unfortunate enough to meet.
>Her grey fur, her grey eyes, and her off colored curled mane and tail made her out to be plain and dry. But the way she trotted with elegance and poise put her a peg above the rest.
>Her grace was offset by her choice of wear. She just so happened to be wearing the fedora and sunglasses she had stolen from Lyra when she left them behind a few hours prior.
>The filly herself had color. She had a white coat with a purple and pink mane and tail along with light tinted green eyes. She looked to her grey counterpart with concern.
>”Um… Rarity… why are you wearing those things? Wouldn’t you say they were uncouth or something?” the filly asks as she trots alongside. Rarity responds with a cultivated trans-Atlantic dialect.
>”Sweetie Belle you simply must agree that this beret and these reading glasses are delightful. Why it would be a crime against fashion NOT to wear these items together.” Sweetie Belle examines Rarity’s wear yet again.
>”But Rarity those sunglasses are broken… you put them together with scotch tape.” Sweetie retorts as she turns her head back to the path ahead.
>”I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about dear.” Rarity seems to have her head in the clouds, at least to Sweetie’s standards.
>”Okay… so what are we doing in P0nyville today?” Sweetie asks as she spots a café coming into view. Rarity smiles at Sweetie’s question.
>”Today I’m going to take whatever I claim to be mine of course.” Sweetie Belle looks to her sister disapprovingly.
>”Rarity that means that anything that hits the ground is yours. You’d be stealing from other ponies.” Sweetie says flatly before narrowing her eyes at her sister.
>”How is it stealing if a pony drops it? It becomes public property as soon as it hits the ground and I am a part of that public.” Rarity states before turning her head to look at Sweetie. Sweetie shakes her head before looking forward.
>”I want my old sister back.” Sweetie says barely above a whisper. The two trot on, their destination unknown.
>Meanwhile, you, Lyra, and Bon Bon have arrived at your destination. A giant bronzed and black colored, hollowed out coffee pot shaped building on the outskirts of the marketplace.
>The café has outdoor  seating in the form of white overturned coffe mugs and round mahogany tables. Black and white patterned umbrellas pierce through the centers of the table and open at the top to shade customers from the sun.
>Upon inspection through one of the front windows you come to find that the interior seating matches the outdoor seating, minus the umbrellas of course.
>On the far edge of the tables and seating area lies a counter. Like Sugarcube Corner the front portion of the counter shows various café treats on display.
>Considering the sky is harrasing the citizens of P0nyville in the form of isolated patches of chocolate milk your group considers inside seating.
>Upon entering the café you’re met with the a subtle scent of freshly ground hazel nut. You inshale deeply before sighing happily. This is the kind of smell that got you going in the mornings.
>And the café itself seems so clean and neat. The ponies that run this place must have fairly high standards, this place probably isn’t all that cheap either…
>You won’t get much, you don’t want to drain Bon bon of her bits and judging by the bulking saddle bags she has she’s probably already drained of quite a lot of bits as it is.
>Maybe you could get some coffee or maybe one of those little cream filled cakes or something. When the three of you approach a table near the center of the café you pull out Bon Bon’s and Lyra’s chairs for them.
>You’re getting free food and drinks from Bon Bon so you might as well try to be as polite as possible. Both Bon Bon and Lyra thank you before sitting on their respective mugs.
>You take a seat on a coffee mug of your own and lean in, placing your elbows upon the table top as you do so. It’s unfortunate that the table and mug you’re sitting at and upon are much too small for you.
>Hopefully they won’t break on you. It doesn’t take long for a brown pegasus p0ny with  whip cream colored mane and tail dressed in waiter’s attire to approach your table with three menus in her wing. She passes them to the three of you via her wing and introduces herself
>”Hello, my name is Mocha Latte and I’ll be your waitmare for today. Take a few minutes to browse our items and I’ll be back with you shortly.” With that she offers the three of you a quick bow before trotting off to another table.
>The three of you offer your thanks yous and open your menus in silence. It doesn’t take long for you to find your meal of choice: Strawberry cheesecake and milk.
>When you tell Bon bon what you’d like she informs you that it’s fine and you smile with joy. You haven’t had delicious cheesecake in years!
>When Bon Bon and Lyra choose their orders Mocha Latte comes trotting back to your table. The three of you place your orders and Mocha informs you that it’ll be a few minutes.
>When she trots away with the menus the three of you decide to take this time to talk. Of course Lyra starts off by asking you virtually the same questions as Twilight.
>Who you were, if you really were a human, how you got here, what your hobbies were, what kind of human you were personality wise, things of that nature. When you got off of the subject of your family Bon Bon speaks up.
>”Your sister sounds like a spoiled flanking bitch.” Bon Bon says as she looks you over. Lyra nods in agreement.  You’re not surprised to find that they agree with you.
>”Yeah, well, we can’t choose our siblings.” You say with a shrug before tapping your fingers upon the table impatiently. Lyra watches your fingers with interest .
>Her head moves in sync with your finger tapping. When you notice you stop moving your fingers and glare. Lyra looks to your eyes nervously before giggling and blushing out of embarassment.
>”Sorry about that.” Lyra says as she looks out of the front window of the café. With their questions having died down you start to ask them questions.
>Turns out Bon Bon met Lyra through a field trip. At some point Lyra’s class at Canterlot University went on a field trip to Manehattan’s museum of natural history.
>The two met when they were both looking at the same exhibit. When the two talked they realized that they had quite a bit in common and the two become friends.
>When Lyra left the two kept in touch all throughout Lyra’s schooling as pen pals. For years they’d send letters back and forth describing their experiences and happenings.
>During their separation Bon Bon ended up getting quite a lot of business with her candy selling, so much so that she was able to save up enough bits in order to make the trip out to Canterlot.
>At the same time Lyra’s skill with a lyre got her recognized by music ponies all around. She was even offered a chance to be brought into the Canterlot Orchestra.
>You saw Lyra’s lyre cutie mark and Bon Bon’s three wrapped candy cutie mark respectively, but you didn’t expect either would become a huge success.
>Then, during Lyra’s graduation, Bon Bon made a surprise appearance.  Lyra was overjoyed to see her friend after so long.
>There were plenty of hugs and tears… turns out Lyra made a little scene that involved her lifting Bon Bon up and spinning her around in a vice grip of a hug while crying loudly.
>”B…b…Bonniekins I m…missed you!” Bon Bon mock cries as she describes the day the two reunited. The two of you share a laugh at Lyra’s expense. Lyra scoffs before smirking at Bon Bon.
>”Well I can clearly remember a certain earth pony hugging me back and crying: Miiiiinty I missed you too!” Lyra laughed when Bon Bon glared at her angrily.
>After the ceremony had come to an end Lyra left her home in Canterlot to pursue  whatever career she could with her lyre, as long as it involved Bon Bon of course.
>You figured Lyra would have gone with the Canterlot Orchestra, but her friendship with Bon Bon took a higher priority so she turned them down. After all, she’d be traveling everywhere in Equestria with them.
>That would mean little to no Bon Bon interaction. So Lyra and Bon Bon instead made their way to P0nyville. Bon Bon ended up selling the property that her candy shop was set upon back in Manehattan.
>Then she used the bits to open up a new candy shop here in town.  Lyra took it upon herself to provide the music and atmosphere while Bon Bon provided the candied goods.
>Turns out the two of them are quite the success. Their business, Candyland,  is on par with Sugarcube Corner when it comes to attracting customers.
>Looks like Pinkie skipped out on that bit of information when she told you about Lyra this morning. As the two of you continue idle conversation Mocha finally makes her way back with the food.
>Your Cheesecake and milk, Lyra’s cream puffs and mango smoothie, and Bon Bon’s daisy sandwich and tea.  The three of you eat your meals in relative silence.
>You chuckle when Lyra’s way of eating causes her to get cream all over your muzzle. You chuckle before shaking your head.
>”Here.” You say before grabbing one of your napkins and wiping away the excess cream from Lyra’s face.  You notice her reddened cheeks while cleaning her face.
>She must be embarrassed with herself and her eating habbits, or she probably thinks you’re treating her like a filly. Well if she wouldn’t eat like a starving child she wouldn’t have such a messy face.
>Before you get back to eating you decide to ask Lyra why it was she was spying on you. “So Lyra…” You say while cutting up your cheesecake with a fork.
>”Yes, what is it Anon?” Lyra asks as she takes a sip of her smoothie. “Why were you spying on me this morning?” you ask before taking a bite of your cheesecake.
>Lyra sputters and chokes on her smoothie. She coughs in an attempt to get in a breath of air. When her coughing fits die down she’s able to get in a good breath of air.
>”Heh… sorry about that…” Lyra says sheepishly before blushing out of embarrassment. She takes another breath before continuing.
>”You’ll think it’s silly… but here it goes: I had a dream... Well a few dreams.” Lyra says simply before sipping on her orange smoothie again. Bon Bon sighs before face hoofing.
>“A dream?” you ask out of disbelief,  Lyra nods not bothering to stop drinking.  She takes the straw out of her mouth and continues.
>“Uh huh. See, in the dream I was floating like right above me right? Like… I was watching myself sleep right?” You nod.
>“Okay, so after a while I felt myself being pulled to the ceiling. Then like a sling shot I was flung into the sky. Then I pretty much left the planet being pulled to Celestia knows where.”  Lyra takes another sip before continuing.
>”I passed by like a bunch of planets and stars and stuff until I finally came across a planet that looked like ours but the land was all in the wrong places ya know? So I knew I wasn’t heading to our planet again.” Lyra explains as she eats her final cream puff.  She speaks with her mouth full of cream puff.
>”Hmmm mhmmm naummmm hmm.” When she realizes you have no idea what she said she holds her hoof up and swallows the food in her mouth.
>”Okay sorry about that, anyway, I was like… pulled to the planet. When I finally reached the ground I was pretty much just floating around the planet at super fast speeds… and I saw it all. You human thingies walking around, blowing things up, begging on the streets, living normal lives, the works.” Lyra speaks in awe at what she saw. The more she explains the more you start to believe her.
>When she mentions your president and his physical appearance down to the buttons of his suit whatever part of you that didn’t believe went right out the window.
>”I got so… enraptured by the various lifestyles,  how they looked, and the different cultures you humans had that I started writing down what I saw.” Lyra says as she points to Bon Bon.
>”And she thought I was losing my mind!” Lyra exclaims before taking a huge gulp of her smoothie. Bon Bon’s jaw drops before she says.
>”How could I not?! You were spouting things about hands and hairless monkies all the time! I wanted to take you to a therapist but you were being so adamant about it that I gave up!” Bon Bon shouts before crossing her hooves in front of herself and looking away.
>”Well here’s proof that I’m not crazy so there!” Lyra says before taking a victory sip of her smoothie. “So let me get this straight, you were only watching me because…?” you ask.
>”Because I wanted to see how our species interacted together… and well… there was a personal reason too. But I won’t say anything about that.”  Lyra says before smiling. With your curiosity sated you go back to eating.
>Lyra and Bon Bon are the first ones done so they chit chat among themselves while you eat your food in peace.
>”So Bon Bon, who’s your special somep0ny gonna be?” Lyra asks with a smile. Bon Bon reaches into her saddle bag and pulls out a heart shaped box of chocolates.
>The box itself is closed with a pink ribbon, in between the ribbon and box is a card with an hourglass on it.
>”I’ve got my eye on Time Turner down at the hourglass shop…  he’s been by the shop every day this week and we’ve been talking…” Bon Bon trails off.
>”Aaaaand?” Lyra asks before wiggling her eyebrows and smiling slyly. You look back and forth between the two. Wonder what Lyra’s implying?
>”And we went on a date the other night… he was so nice and charming. A real gentlecolt so… yeah I’m gonna ask him.”  Bon Bon giggles before tapping her hooves together excitedly.
>”So what about you Lyra, did you find anyp0ny?” Lyra laughs before slurping up some of her smoothie. When she finishes she answers.
>”Me? A special somep0ny? That’s funny.”  Lyra states flatly before looking off to the side and taking another sip of her smoothie.
>“Oh come on Minty there’s gotta be a p0ny out there you have your eye on.” Bon Bon insists. Lyra shakes her head. That’s when both ponies turn their gaze to you.
>”So what about you Anon. Have you found anyp0ny?” Bon Bon asks. Lyra simply stares at you with a raised brow while taking a drawn out slurp of her smoothie.
>You stop eating for a moment to answer, “I don’t go outside my species.” After answering you go right back to eating the rest of your lunch. Bon Bon doesn’t seem satisfied with your answer.
>”So Anonymous, just how many humans are there on this rock anyway?” Bon Bon asks as she puts her gift for Time Turner back in her saddlebags. You shrug.
>”Don’t know, aren’t I the only one?” You ask, your mouth full of delicious cheese cake. You don’t really see where Bon Bon is trying to go with this. At least not yet.
>”Okay, let’s say you are the only one. So what you’re just gonna live alone for the rest of your life?” Bon Bon asks while raising a brow. Is this something a new friend should be asking?
>”Live alone? I have friends… or I’m going to make friends.” You state while wiping your mouth of crumbs. Bon Bon just shakes her head.
>”Okay, how about this, do you think you’re going to go back to Earth?” Bon Bon waits for your answer, she doesn’t have to wait long.
>”I’m not going back and if I’m forced to go back I won’t go without a fight. I haven’t even been here a week and I like Equestria more than Earth.” You state before downing the remainder of your milk.
>”If that’s so, then I’m afraid if you want to find love you’re gonna have to settle for a pony, or a griffin, or even a dragon I don’t judge.” Bon Bon says with a chuckle.
>”Yeah, well, I think I’ll be fine. No offense but I don’t find ponies, griffins, or dragons appealing. Not saying you mares aren’t hot I’m sure you are in the eyes of a stallion, but not to me. Though if we throw personality into the mix that’s a different story altogether.” You say before wiping your lips of whatever milk there may be.
>”Well what do you mean? What do you like in a ma… er girl?” Bon Bon asks. Her gaze goes from you, then to Lyra, then back to you. You sigh out of frustration before putting your head into your hands.
>”Can we just drop it please?” You ask without making eye contact with either mare. While you’re occupied with your empty glass of milk Bon Bon turns to Lyra and wordlessly mouths ‘sorry’ to her.
>Lyra shrugs before frowning. With her smoothie finally empty she has nothing to do other than sit in silence. Mocha ends up coming by and telling you guys that the meal costs a total of 20 bits.
>At that point you’ve finished your meal and are ready to head out. Bon Bon reaches into her saddle bag and produces a sack of bits. It’s at that time that a certain unicorn pony and filly come trotting by the café….
>Bon Bon uses her teeth to try and undo the rope keeping her bits secure inside of her bag. Unfortunately she yanks too hard and the sack slips out of her hooves.
>Her sack of bits hits the ground and her bits go everywhere in the floor. The grey unicorn’s ear twitches when the money makes contact with the floor.
>Suddenly the door to the café flies open and a grey blur comes in and swipes all of the bits out of the floor before anyp0ny can make an attempt to grab any.
>The grey unicorn stops at the door for a split second and turns to face the ponies inside the café. It’s in that moment you see that it’s the pony that stole Lyra’s property. In fact she’s wearing it right now.
>The unicorn shouts  “Mine!” at the top of her lungs. Then she runs out of the café. The filly looks from you, Bon Bon, and Lyra. Then she looks in the direction the thief pony galloped off to.
>”Wait for me!” shouts the filly as she gallops after the grey unicorn. “Thief!” shouts Bon Bon as she points in the direction the two ran off in.
>”And she’s got my hat and sunglasses!” Lyra shouts as she gallops over to the front door. She opens the front door to find that they've gotten quite a lot of distance from the café.
>You don’t know if any of those ponies in the café can catch them… but to you, you don’t think they’re moving all that fast. Without giving it a second thought you’re to your feet.
>You break off into a sprint past Lyra and out of the front door. When your feet hit the poker card laden streets you go into a full blown run. They may have a bit of a head start but if you maintain your speed you might just catch them… or at least the filly…