Minuette and Meby MemoryChaptersI'm Taking You To The Dentist! I Hate Walking! No, Really!This Is... Unexpected... Time Warps Are Cool!Candy, Lyre's, Cool Time Warps, Weather Issues and SuchThoughts And Feelings (aka the author is lazy)Comfort Food And, Er... StuffFlash Forward - A Small Look to the Future! (Merry Christmas Bonus Chapter)I'm Taking You To The Dentist! I'm Taking You To The Dentist! MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ I'm Taking You To The Dentist! Life is slow; you wake up, make a nice cup of sweetened tea, and read for a while. Socialize with your roommate, wish them good day, and venture outside. Hang with your friends, do any work, go home. Sure, days vary. Sometimes you'll watch a show with other ponies, the odd night out drinking to celebrate New Year's, and the occasional journey out to the big city. Yeah, life may be slow, but that's why I am here, right? It's simple, clean, refined and best of all it's exactly what I asked for. Today will be no different from my standard routine. Sighing contently after another good night's sleep, I stretch my legs out before rising slowly out of bed. The room is a mess, as always, but there is one corner I'll forever keep clean. I call it my music corner. I slowly walk over to it, allowing my eyes to adjust to the light of the sun creeping in through the windows. The music corner has an assortment of instruments, notes sheets, the works. Standing proudly atop of the organised chaos is my lyre; my pride and soul, my way of expression. It's a part of me - literally. It matches my cutie mark. "I'll play you soon, my little lyre," I whisper, making sure nopony can hear me. Call me crazy, but I talk to inanimate objects! Shocking. "I just need to do some things, m'kay?" The clock says it is half past eight. I don't need to leave until eleven o'clock. Time to kill. I reach up and move my hair out of my eyeline but it poofs straight back into place. Oh no... I turn around and make a dash for the bathroom. My roommate always likes to joke about my bedmane but it has become an annoying nuisance. So instead of becoming frustrated, every morning I try and brush it down before she can see me. Her name is - "Hah! Lyra! Nice head of hair you've got there." Bon Bon. Her name is Bon Bon. And she caught me. I groan. We're best friends and roommates but she still doesn't realize I am never in a joking mood in the mornings. "Ha ha, you got me." "Sure did. You look like a real fool, Lyrie," she is grinning; I can hear it. When you are with someone for almost every moment of your waking life, you pick up little things like that. "Don't you have somewhere to be, Bon Bon?" I ask. "And don't call me Lyrie..." I murmur. "Not until ten," her grin must be off her face. "Cheerilee had to pull back the one-off baking class I am holding at the schoolhouse. Something about a field trip to that musicians studio." "How will this affect you?" "The field trip came as a surprise as nopony expected it to be accepted but it was... at the last minute. Anyway, it's being held this afternoon, the time I was supposed to do it, so morning lessons have been altered to allow for me." "At least you'll be back sooner to mind the fort. I'm out at eleven for groceries. What's this musicians name? Do I know them?" I turn to her now. "What's her name? Oh yeah, Vinyl Scratch. The most popular pony in the music industry," she gives me that look; the one that says I know this will get right on your nerves. It's all in good spirit, but I have just woken up and can't think of any comebacks. "Stop winding me up, Bonnie. Her idea of music is wub wub wub and distorted sounds. No flow, no elegance; just a load of horseapples to appeal to the next generation. I swear, they have no taste." "Whoa now, please. Just because your mane is new doesn't mean your outlook needs to be." "Yeah, it's my new style. You like?" I say, attempting to counter-joke her. I smile broadly, showing off my teeth. It took Bon Bon a moment to work it out. When she did her eyes narrowed and a menacing smile appeared on her face. "It's as bad as your teeth, Heartstrings." "Wait, what?!" I say, pouncing onto her. She falls over softly and comes face to face with me. "What is that supposed to mean?" I continue, trying to keep the shock out of my voice. Bon Bon cringes at my every word and scrunches up her nose. "You've never been one for maintaining a... gleaming smile. Go smile in the mirror and you'll see what I mean." Reluctantly I step back into the bathroom, move the hair away from my eyes and look in the mirror. Greeted by my own pair of sunglow eyes staring back at me. I slowly start to smile, first lips only, before breaking out into a full grin. Holy Celestia she is right! They're yellow, not white. I raise a hoof to my mouth and breath on it through my mouth. Buck, I swear I can smell last weeks garlic bread. "Teeth... why are you so dirty?!" "'Cause you never brush them," Bon Bon pipes up. "C'mon. Fix your outrageous hair and grab something quick to eat. I'm taking you to the dentist." But but but but! "Now? It's half past eight! Who opens at half eight?" Bon Bon flicks her tail at me and goes to our kitchen. I can hear her receding voice say back at me, "A young girl named Minuette. Just started a dentistry down south. I'll book you in now." I hate very few things, and I fear even fewer. Some ponies are scared stiff of spiders such as Bon Bon, others fear failure like Berry Punch. Me? I brush these off as trivial things. So why am I scared of something more trivial than them all; going to the dentist? I've always had a weird fear of them. The perfectly sterile rooms, enough drills to build a new structure, and that horrid mouthwash that burns your mouth out until you feel like a dragon - without the adaptations to cope with extreme heat. Ever since I was a filly in Canterlot, I've always hated them. It's funny, because I have actually never been to a dentist. I guess I have to blame those comics and books I borrowed off Twilight back in the day for putting dumb images in my head. "Lyra! We're going!" Yeah, dumb images, That's what they are, right? I mean, right right? Ugh, this is hurting my head. Maybe I'll go play some music... "LYRA! ARE YOU DEAF?! We're going, now!" Dammit. I shoot off towards the door and see a fuming Bon Bon, but her expression quickly changes. It changes because she sees something nopony ever thought they'd see on my face; real, deep fear. I have my moments of faking it to get out of the few things I hate, but this is real. And Bonnie - no matter how much of a moron she can be - understands that. "Lyra, stop looking so gloomy, please?" she says gently. I don't reply. It's just a dentist, it's just a dentist... is all I can think of. She pulls me in for a hug. "It'll be okay, Lyrie. Let's get this over with. I'll treat you to some candies if you be a good girl, okay?" I nod and break out of the embrace. Let's get this over with. I Hate Walking! No, Really!MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ I Hate Walking! No, Really! Polar opposites are said to attract, ya know? SO WHY THE HELL AM I NOT FLINGING ALL OVER PONYVILLE LIKE A LONG-FUSE FIREWORK SET OFF BY A COUPLE OF KIDS?! Seriously, Ponyville in the early-morning is all quiet serenity. Clean streets free of clutter and ponies; you can see all the way down the streets as everyone is inside, all nice and warm with a coffee and a bowl of Chocolate Rice Cereal. But me? If I wasn't so good at masking negative emotions I'd be shaking all over the place. I'd look more hyperactive than Pinkie Pie. But maybe I am taking it too literally; I mean, it's not like a grumpy donkey will be forced to ram into a hyper active pony, right? Hm, nah, I'll stick with being literal. So out goes the theory of "opposites attract". Didn't even take me four paragraphs of introductory text. "In theory," says Bonnie, desperate to break the icy mood. "You could be in and out in minutes." I groan. "Not helping," I look her over. "How do you cope? You're always so... calm, even if you find a spider. You don't freak out; you just freeze solid." She slightly smiles. "My father taught me to control my fear and not let it control me," she explains. "But I don't just fear spiders, it's a borderline phobia!" I chuckle. "If you say so. But what do you do? Fear control...?" Bonnie said the walk would take us roughly ten minutes. It feels like an hour. "Well, it depends on your definition of fear," she narrows her eyes. "Describe your fear." "It's... cold." "Cold?" "And spiky," I add. She puts a hoof to her mouth. I'm still amazed by her ability to do that and maintain a walking pace. I either flail around or have to stop. "Oh, oh!" She exclaims, a smile on her lips. "That's adrenalin! Yes, okay. Think of it as your bodies defense mechanism; it's preparing you to do whatever you have to do to stay safe." "Ha, right. This is another practical joke isn't it?" "Nope," she says sincerely. I am obliged to believe her. "Thanks for not taking the p... thanks for not joking about this, Bon Bon," I pitch in sincerely. "But how do I use this 'adrenalin'?" Sounds kinky. "It depends on who you are," she smiles a little bit more. "I'm sure you'll work out your own way but I can always set you up with a psychologist." "That'd be cool, thanks." So much for kinky. "So," I begin, desperate to make conversation. "How much are you going to get from going to the school?" Bon Bon smiles. She'll be in her element soon, in her zone, babbling on. I'll listen, of course. "Well, it all depends really. If I do the whole afternoon that's at least fifty bits. If not I'll get twenty. Also, depending on my performance and how well the students connected with my lessons, I may just get a job! No more long hours of selling nothing! Actual income!" It takes a moment for it to sink in. We're breaking things here. "Waaait, what?! You, a teacher?! We... you... I..." She giggles. "Don't worry, I'm sure I want be that good." Sighing, I take a deep breath and quicken my pace. "If you say so, Bonnie. It's just..." I pause. "You've changed so much from that shy, yet joking candy-loving mare I knew. And it makes me so... proud of you!" "You've changed since we first met, too, Lyrie." The rest of the walk is pretty normal. If normal is when you hate every second wish you were at home; constantly turning around just to see other ponies' homes with your humble little place out of sight. Still, Bonnie is providing welcome comfort. "I still wish I was at home, playing the lyre, chilling out, with a nice cup of coffee. I hate walking." Bon Bon just stares. "No, really! I wish everypony had a form of transport that didn't required any raw power from us. Works itself like clockwork." "Well, we're here at the dentist anyway," Bon Bon says, gesturing to something on my left. I turn and see it. A modest building which looks like a converted cottage, with a crudely scribbled sign that says "Colgate's Dentistry of Brushie Brushie" written in blue marker on a white backing. I didn't even notice Bon Bon leave my side. This Is... Unexpected... This Is... Unexpected... MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ This Is... Unexpected... So then... It's that time in my life... The time where I face my greatest of fears... "Alone I stand against the greatest of enemies, the strongest of opponents, the most powerful of foes. Alone, I shall fight through the hordes of minions it imposes against me, one by one, bit by bit - it wont be long until they are all gone. This is it. The final battle; a battle of heroes, a battle for the ages. Forgotten by others, unknown to most. The fire in my heart will - " "Ahem, can I see a Miss Heartstrings, please?" says an unfamiliar voice, breaking me out of my great speech. I might save it for another day. "Oh yes, uh, that's me!" I stutter out of my mouth. It feels dry. I frown. I hate it when that happens. "If you'd like to follow me," she says again. Blue coat, white and blue mane and tail. Cutie mark of an hourglass. Blue eyes. Unicorn. "This wont take long." So this must be Colgate. I exit the all-white and bland waiting room - my image of what a dentist is like still holds strong! - tailing after her. Straight to the point with this one? Cool. The room I've been dreading for as long as I can remember - which is about an hour now - is not as expected. Only half is white, as if she ran out of that dreaded paint, and the other half is brown. There is one of those chairs, some stuff that only hardcore dentists will know about, a sofa, a bed, and a few other trinkets found in a family home. Meh, sounds pretty routine to me. Nothing out of the ordinary. I'm just glad I'm using my fear like Bonnie said to. I feel like I can do this! Yeah! How hard can it be? Nothing can stop Lyra Heartstrings! "If you would sit in the chair, please, I'd be thankful!" I stroll past the bed and into the chair, plopping - do ponies still say that? - my flanks onto the padded seat. I stroll past the bed... The bed... Bed... "Bed?!" I say, dramatically loud. I could win awards, but I'm not acting... I think. It's now I notice Miss Colgate staring at me. "Oh, sorry. Um, yeah, I sorta share my living space with my working space. I'm not made of money; I used to live in Canterlot and moved here after some rich snob opened up a 'high-end' business on my turf and took all my business with his fancy methods! So I have to start again with nothing, just a dentistry and one friend to my name!" Colgate yelled. It beats my shout... by a long shot. Someone give this pony an award! "Oh, so sorry. Now, are you ready to begin?" So she speaks formally sometimes and then speaks like a true working-class mare at others. Also, she lived in Canterlot. Just like me. I'm confused. I'm confused enough to forget my fear and slowly work my mouth. "Yes I am." "Good. Now, I need you to sign here," she pulls out a clipboard with a lot of small print and a dotted line at the bottom. "This is an agreement that states you will allow me to complete the operations by any means necessary... and a few other things which are a moot point." I sigh. It'll get me out of here quicker. "Sure," I say before being handed a quill. I write my name in the least-fancy hoofwriting ever. "Thank you, now, this wont even take a second. I hope." She leans down and her horn ignites into a bright blue. Sparks shoot off and into the air, before forming into a small bubble of light sparks hitting each other. It expands and envelopes the room, cutting me off from the outside, and us from them too. It's all eerie and gives me mad creep-out vibes. I can see where this is going and I want out! "What are you doing?! I swear if this is any funny business..." "Nggh, ugh, it isn't... funny... this... is... time warping... nearly... done..." I turn around in surprise. "Time warping?" It keeps expanding until it reaches even the furthest reaches of the room and beyond. The colour solidifies. Her horn stops glowing but the bubble stays. She's sweating but has a dumb grin on her face. "It worked! Yes yes yes! Now, onto the operation. I'll knock you out with this," she injects me with something. I feel a small jab and I jump up into the air. "And we'll be done in a second..." This is unexpected. Still, the darkness is cool. Hmm. Colgate seems cool too. But if she'd explain things it just might be better! Time Warps Are Cool!MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Time Warps Are Cool! "Hey, Miss Heartstrings? Wakey-wakey!" says a soothing voice. I come out of my forcefully-applied trance slowly. Ugh, what happened? Time warps, ponies, magic, bubbles... muffins? No scratch that last bit... dentists, I remember that. And Bon Bon telling me to go get my teeth cleaned. Ha, no chance! It must've been a dream! So I must've been a bit heavy on the chocolate cake last night! Bonnie! I thought you'd make sure I'd not have more than half of that cakes now! I raise a hoof to my eyes and rub them slowly, smiling. A weird dream, but pleasant enough and I feel rested! I stretch my legs and prepare to talk to my lyre like I do every morning in secret. Ponies would think I am crazy if they caught me doing it. I left my head, eyes firmly shut, ready to embrace whatever time of day it is. I open my eyes in a snap. I must've fallen asleep downstairs. I see a few new trinkets though that I don't remember being there. Redecorating again, My Little Bon Bon? "Bon Bon!" I shout. "Why'd you leave me to sleep on the floor again! You know I hate it," I frown. I hear stifled giggling from behind me. "This isn't funny!" I get up off the floor and try to maintain my facade of anger but ultimately fail. Okay, maybe it is a little bit funny! "I swear, I will tickle you to the ground when I catch you!" More laughter. I turn and see a strange blue mare, white-washed walls and dentist equipment and - Oh wait. Damn. It wasn't a dream. I blush violently, humiliated. "Um, sorry, Miss... Colgate?" She giggles again, takes my hoof and leads me to the door. "It's okay, Miss Heartstrings. I hear the time warps do tend to slightly disorientate patients. it only makes the recent past seem like a dream though, buuuuut to err on the side of caution I need to have permission to use it." "Time warps!" I gasp and grin excitedly! This is so awesome! "What about them?" she says, eyebrow raised but a dumb smile on her face. She knows I am interested. "Explain! They sound so awesome and strange and cool and a million other words I can't remember! That form of magic is so rare it's - " She stops me with a raised hoof. "I suppose I can, Miss Heartstrings. Could you, um, wait a while? Go home if you wish. I need to attend other patients you see, but I'd be happy to explain!" "Oh, of course! Can I meet you at the Town Hall then?" "Yes, of course! How does seven pm sound?" she says. "Sounds good! I'll meet you there!" I turn and walk through the door. "I can't wait, Miss Heartstrings!" "Please, just call me Lyra!" I quickly add. I am certain she says, "That mare is crazier than when I used laughing gas on Pinkie Pie..." I walk out into the morning air before dancing my way home on my rearlegs, attracting a few odds stares. I don't mind. Behind the party pony I am the most hyperactive mare around! I arrive home soon enough and see it is empty. Ah, yes, Bon Bon is out teaching fillies her trade. How nice! I have so much time to get ready and prepare questions! I'm excitable and may go over the top but it got me an A+ throughout school life so who cares? Happily, I trot into our living room and take a seat on the couch. But for the first time in months I do not reach for the remote to turn on the TV. No, instead I grab Bonnie's notebook and rip a page out - I'm sure she wont mind, and if she does I'll tickle her - and then rest it in my lap. I use my magic to grab a quill from a shelf above the TV and think. What would be a good thing to ask? Ooh! I'll start basic! What is a time warp? I stare at my sheet. And stare. And stare. I yawn. What time is it? I observe the clock menacingly, whispering, "Don't lie to me this time!" It says. Yeah... this is going to be a long couple of hours. But it'll be worth it when I ask Colgate all my questions about her little talent! If she's into music I could finally express myself to somepony! Gosh, this'll be so awesome! Now I just need some more questions... Candy, Lyre's, Cool Time Warps, Weather Issues and SuchMinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Candy, Lyre's, Cool Time Warps, Weather Issues and Such The weather can be just mean sometimes! This morning it was... okay, I suppose. Not like a perfect Summer's day, yet anypony could step outside, take a deep breath, and get real high on the almost beautiful morning. But now we've reached... whatever time it is, it's started raining, it's cold, and worst of all - I've lost my coat! I sigh and continue trudging through the muddy paths of Ponyville, taking cover under a tree or maybe even dive into a bush to try and warm myself up. This is the point I need somepony to say "Totally worth it!" to me as I cannot say it myself. If anything, I need to keep this inside, and learn how to hide my feelings! Currently I am sat under a tree, blowing my nose on a piece of tissue paper a stranger gave to me. Another plus point about living here is that it's oh-so friendly. I hardly ever see any quarrels in this little town, and I've only been part of one or two in the few years I've lived here. I sigh contently, which gives me a vague form of motivation to carry on. I'm almost at my destination anyway. If I hurried along I could be there without feeling the need to duck under cover again! Grinning, I begin a slow jog, taking the driest route along the muddy paths - this made me have to keep swerving from side to side but hey, it's not like anypony will be out in this weather. I pass a few stores along the way and pick up something to eat - what, everypony has priorities! - and put my head down to keep it dry. There is no way I'll let this muffin get drenched. After another few minutes of what can be laughingly called a run, I arrive! I reckon the best part of meeting up here at the Town Hall is not the fact it's easily recognized and even a new arrival like Colgate will know of its whereabouts, but because you can just walk inside, sit down and chat with no real business there. I slow down and in an attempt to regain some composure, and stroll in as if I hadn't just had a battle with the Elements of Weather-mony. "Hey, Lyrie!" a laughing voice says behind me. "Ahaha, just kidding." I turn and see Bon Bon looking at me smugly. Wait... what?! Does she have a tracking device on me or something? I gasp inwardly at the thought. I want to get angry but I can't help but laugh! "Hey," I reply simply. "What's going on?" "Not much," I say, before going off to find Colgate. "Be right back." My quest didn't take too long as I found Colgate sitting right behind Bon Bon on the benches. "Hi, Colgate!" I say happily. "How are you? "Oh, hello! I'm fine, thank you for asking. But, um, are you okay? You look a bit..." She stops. Uh, hmm... what can... Oh dammit. I facehoof! I forgot I still look like I've been to the tropics and back! I stand back away from anypony and cover myself in a light magic bubble before shaking myself. The water droplets all collect in the bubble, and I disperse them slowly. I drop the field and smile. I'm proud of myself. Colgate claps. "Well done! Good idea for a quick dry up," she says in awe. I smile. "Thank you. But I have to try really hard." "How much do you try?" "All the time in this institution." She raises an eyebrow and I do too. We must both be thinking, What? "Well, in any case," she begins, coughing slightly to get my attention. "What was it you wanted to know? I can explain as much as I can but most of what I do is... natural, to say the least." "Natural, hey? Even cooler! I'd expect the amount of concentration required to be immense!" She blushes. "It's nothing, really! It can't be as good as your music!" she gestures to my cutie mark. "Oh, well," I pause. "That really is nothing. I can never find anypony who appreciates my style anymore. Like I said to Bon Bon, all the current generation listen to is wub wub wub!" I put on my best mock-despair face. She giggles. "True. Sad, but true," she looks past me for a few moments. "Personally I'm into more classical tunes, rather than the new age of music." I smile, "I guess we have at least one thing in common." "It sure does. You two will be friends in no time," Bon Bon's voice says from behind me, theatrically loud. I jump out of my chair. "Bon Bon!" "Oops," she replies with a smile. "Silly me." I turn red. "Bon Bon! I thought you had places to be!" "The whole thing was cancelled, Lyrie. I was compensated for it, though, so instead of selling sweeties I came here to unwind, relax, maybe talk to a few ponies." She grins. "It just so happens you came here too! Isn't this wonderful?" Before I can give Bon Bon an earful, Colgate cuts in. "It certainly is, Miss Bon Bon. Would you like to sit with us?" She gestures to a seat next to me. "I'd be delighted to!" she slaps her backside on the seat next to me and leans back. I decide to get things moving again. "So, Colgate, can you explain the basics of your special talent?" "Oh of course," she takes a deep breath and prepares herself. "Basically, I remove a certain area and everything within it from time itself, which then warps it for those within. What feels like days within the field I choose, is only mere minutes within the time stream. How do I do this? I don't know, it comes naturally to me. It's like any of those weird quirks ponies have." I gasp. "So you're the only pony with this talent?" Bon Bon shoves her nose in. "No, there's a Doctor up in Manehattan with the same talent." "Exactly the same?" I say in surprise. "Bon Bon speaks the truth," Colgate says. "But, unlike me, Doctor Whooves is trying to work out what exactly we do and how we do it, because right now all we can say is we do this and that and then say 'Hey! What's going on??" This is more awesome than I could've hoped for! I have a feeling Colgate and I will become best friends, soon. But right now I need to talk to Bon Bon. What's her problem? Why is she following me and why is she so curious about Colgate - almost as much as I am - even though they've only just met? Ugh, I need to sleep. I'll have a cold soon, no doubt. Thoughts And Feelings (aka the author is lazy)MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Thoughts And Feelings (aka the author is lazy) You know that feeling when you're just constantly thinking "oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!" over and over? No? You haven't lived, then. Ahaha! Just joking, but I'm serious, it's wonderfully amazingly awesome! It's like that feeling of anxiety, but turned upside down into a good feeling. But not motivation. Just... I don't know. I'll ask Bon Bon. She knows feelings pretty well. I need to ask her about a lot of things actually. Eh, I guess it'll be a simple matter of seeing here; it's not like I can go five minutes without seeing her signature mane colour scheme and the odd cutie mark some mistake for ribbons. I mean, come on, they're not the best representation of sweeties but ribbons?! Far from it, you silly ponies. I'm surprised someone hasn't strolled up to me and casually said "so you play the harp?". Anywho, the whole meeting with this Minuette pony was awesome! Despite Bon Bon being there - but, secretly, I'm glad she was - it went well. If only I had the time to ask her in-depth questions on her opinions about music, the direction it is heading, who will have the most influence over the next generation, all of that. It's rare I can get Bon Bon to talk to me about the musical side to life, even if she enjoys listening to my performances throughout the day. Whether they be forceful and loud or quiet and soothing, Bon Bon will always be my one-pony audience. I do not want the high life in music, not anymore, which is why i'm here in Ponyville. Quiet, routine, and laid back. I'm just glad she stayed here despite my family and I moving away all those years ago. We were good friends throughout childhood, us two. That bond has stuck by us even through the many days, weeks, months, and years of separation. I suppose you could relate friendships like that to magic; it never fades, it never drains, and even after permanent separation it lives on. All this philosophical thinking is making my head hurt. What time is it? I'm lying on the couch - which feels more like my couch as Bonnie never really uses it, instead opting for that silly old creaky chair in the corner, which by the way does not represent her! - and I really can't be bothered getting up. I was right, and I have a cold. People talk about coltflu, yeah? Well I have mareflu, a new and rare mutation of coltflu, the only difference being it affects mares! Hmm, maybe Bon Bon is home? "Bon Bon?" I call out. No answer. If she was home, she wasn't playing the part of worried friend for me. "Hey, Bonnie, you there?" ... I'll just sleep again. Sleep is good. Sleep is magic. And I am not lazy! Comfort Food And, Er... StuffMinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Comfort Food And, Er... Stuff "Mmmm," I say aloud, still half-asleep, vivid images of a dream gone-by still fresh in my mind. The sights, the sounds, the things I felt both physically and emotionally, and the smells all seemed real, so real in fact that in my sleepy state I can feel them faintly, briefly. Like a disturbing but comforting breath on your neck, until you realise it isn't somepony breathing and it's actually a fan somepony left on, position perfectly behind you. Or something. I don't know! I'm tired... The dream. Ah yes, the dream! It was so awesome, awesome enough to make me hold onto it as the rest of my stupid brain struggled to regain full control. I was in a room, okay? And in that room there was a bee. Bon Bon was there, feeding it ridiculously oversized treats - don't argue with dream logic, by the way, otherwise you'll end up like Ditzy! - before Minuette burst in and used a time spell to rewrite evolutionary history. She made the bee big enough to swallow the treats whole! It was like watching a cloud engulf an airship, just less elegant with a frightening buzz coming from it. I slowly open my eyes, letting the dim light of my signature 'thumbs-up' lava lamp setting in. I'm not crazy. But a thumbs-up seems like a brilliant way to say "Yeah, that is cool, my friend!" without words. I can't do it with hooves, though! I mock a sad face at this. Maybe someday? I'm not crazy! Now that I can finally see I sit up and immediately find out why I am awake. That smell... I sniff at the air a few times, trying to work out exactly what that smell is... it's making me smile. Like a comforting warmth, or your favourite thing ever appearing. Ohohoho! It is! I can smell... pizza! I jump up and run, knocking over a few things. Pff, who cares? Easily replaced, no doubt, and probably aren't broken anyway. I skid to a halt at the kitchen archway and trot in elegantly, knowing exactly what to expect. I also need to keep up appearances; if Bon Bon thinks pizza is the way to get me up, she'll use it against me. And I can't fight pizza... have you ever tried to do that? No? Don't. Please! Save yourself from the pain of separation! Bonnie hears my gentle hoofsteps and looks up from her place at the small table. She smiles - not the cheeky grin I'm used to, but a sincere smile - and gestures for me to sit. "Hi, Lyrie," she says. Ugh, still saying that name? "I want to, er, apologize for getting in the way of you and that Minuette pony. But you know us two, best friends forever for a reason!" "Hehe, that reason is because we never fall out no matter what... despite your shortcomings," I say jokingly. I stick my tongue out to add that extra bit of 'oompf' to what I just said. Oh no you didn't! is what she must be thinking. "I have a clean smile and sells sweeties to everypony who needs cheering up. I think I'm good. Unlike you," she retorts. I walk over to Bon Bon and hug her tight before sitting down. "You're the best friend ever! So let me guess, this is apology food?" "But of course!" "You didn't have to, you know," I frown. We're the best of friends, I don't need big apologetic gestures and she didn't do much wrong anyway. Emphasis on much. She shrugs. "I felt like it, bad breath." "Are jokes about my dental hygiene going to become frequent now?" "Sure is," she replies. "Eat up and get ready, Heartstrings. We're going out on the town." "At this hour?" I begin eating regardless. Mine! "Certainly," she grins. "It's going to be a blast!" I'm scared as to what Bon Bon means by "a blast" but this pizza is too good! Who knows, maybe Minuette is out too? I really want to ask her so much more... but it can wait, I suppose. Bon Bon and I occasionally go out together, and it's almost like reliving childhood. Oh yeah, get ready for some totally grown-up action. Which it isn't going to be and never will! Flash Forward - A Small Look to the Future! (Merry Christmas Bonus Chapter)You never know what lurks around the corner, guys and gals! For all you know, there'll be a bee, or two bees, or a swarm of bees! But either way, sometimes it's best to stop, breathe, and think before you do. Now, if only I had said this to myself a few minutes ago... maybe I wouldn't be stuck in Ponyville Hospital with bee stings. Thankfully Bon Bon had stood by me, like any good friend would. If there was any sign of jealously at my new-found friendship with Minuette, she wasn't showing it - not that I'm saying there was before, anyway. She dragged me by the tail halfway across town. It took most of the journey for me to realize I could help the process along by lifting myself off the ground a little. Better late than never! "Shwomtwimes I wohnder if it'sh pwoshible to do shomethwing with you, withowt shomethwing gowing wrong," Bon Bon had said, voice muffled and distorted into sounding like a text-speakers dream! It very nearly made me giggle, and I would have if it wasn't for the sting on my tongue. "I knew this day was going too well," I mutter. And what is it with me and bloody bees?! Looking up, I decided to past the time waiting for the doctor to discharge me looking around the room. They tried, of course, to make the hospital more friendly - spacious windows and little comforts like pictures on the wall and books to read! But I still hate it - I hate hospitals. Why was I here again? So many questions, so little answers. At least one good thing came out of all this... "Oh, don't you worry Lyra! There's still plenty of time to make it better, yes?" Minuette smiles at my comfortingly. I grin in response, the only thing I could think to do - my mind was hazy and I wasn't sure why she was here, but it must have been for a reason! With Minuette and Bon Bon and around, I don't think it's possible to feel down. Despite pain. And misfortune. And cold. Hunger, too - can't forget your tummy! "Plenty of things to do, as well," chimes in Bonnie, her formerly annoyed attitude gone at, presumably, the sight of me being fine. I simply stare back, mind blanking. Oh Celestia, had I forgotten her birthday again?! I mean, okay, I do this every year - but last time I had an excuse! Honest! She prods me with a hoof. "It's Hearth's Warming, silly!" And just like that, my mind clears with the realisation I had forgotten something - again. "Ah, well... can we go out shopping?" It didn't take long for us to reach Ponyville Market. We'd split from each other upon arrival to go about our business at my insistence - whilst they surely had already got their gifts for everyone else, I hadn't. I had to think of an excuse to get them off my back somehow! Ponyville always has its odd quirks; in other towns like Appleloosa, and even in big cities like Manehatten, having a full-blown market going on during the night of Hearth's Warming is odd even for our little town. I love the place regardless. It makes me beam. "Now to find a gift for all my friends - Carrot Top first, maybe Amethyst and Sea Swirl afterwards - oh, and Cheerilee! Can't forget about her." As I begin my trudge through the icy yet pleasant Ponyville evening, something cold and wet lands on my back. I look up and see the dim sky, cloudy yet majestic in all its glory. A few pegasi dotted the underside of the clouds, adding the finishing touches to the winter downfall - snow. Beautiful snow flakes hit the ground and form small mounds. I close my eyes and breathe in deep - today was going to be great. "Enjoy your gift?" "Yeah, Lyrie, I love it!" a smooth voice hits my ears. Glad you like it, I think. Very glad indeed.
I'm Taking You To The Dentist! I'm Taking You To The Dentist! MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ I'm Taking You To The Dentist! Life is slow; you wake up, make a nice cup of sweetened tea, and read for a while. Socialize with your roommate, wish them good day, and venture outside. Hang with your friends, do any work, go home. Sure, days vary. Sometimes you'll watch a show with other ponies, the odd night out drinking to celebrate New Year's, and the occasional journey out to the big city. Yeah, life may be slow, but that's why I am here, right? It's simple, clean, refined and best of all it's exactly what I asked for. Today will be no different from my standard routine. Sighing contently after another good night's sleep, I stretch my legs out before rising slowly out of bed. The room is a mess, as always, but there is one corner I'll forever keep clean. I call it my music corner. I slowly walk over to it, allowing my eyes to adjust to the light of the sun creeping in through the windows. The music corner has an assortment of instruments, notes sheets, the works. Standing proudly atop of the organised chaos is my lyre; my pride and soul, my way of expression. It's a part of me - literally. It matches my cutie mark. "I'll play you soon, my little lyre," I whisper, making sure nopony can hear me. Call me crazy, but I talk to inanimate objects! Shocking. "I just need to do some things, m'kay?" The clock says it is half past eight. I don't need to leave until eleven o'clock. Time to kill. I reach up and move my hair out of my eyeline but it poofs straight back into place. Oh no... I turn around and make a dash for the bathroom. My roommate always likes to joke about my bedmane but it has become an annoying nuisance. So instead of becoming frustrated, every morning I try and brush it down before she can see me. Her name is - "Hah! Lyra! Nice head of hair you've got there." Bon Bon. Her name is Bon Bon. And she caught me. I groan. We're best friends and roommates but she still doesn't realize I am never in a joking mood in the mornings. "Ha ha, you got me." "Sure did. You look like a real fool, Lyrie," she is grinning; I can hear it. When you are with someone for almost every moment of your waking life, you pick up little things like that. "Don't you have somewhere to be, Bon Bon?" I ask. "And don't call me Lyrie..." I murmur. "Not until ten," her grin must be off her face. "Cheerilee had to pull back the one-off baking class I am holding at the schoolhouse. Something about a field trip to that musicians studio." "How will this affect you?" "The field trip came as a surprise as nopony expected it to be accepted but it was... at the last minute. Anyway, it's being held this afternoon, the time I was supposed to do it, so morning lessons have been altered to allow for me." "At least you'll be back sooner to mind the fort. I'm out at eleven for groceries. What's this musicians name? Do I know them?" I turn to her now. "What's her name? Oh yeah, Vinyl Scratch. The most popular pony in the music industry," she gives me that look; the one that says I know this will get right on your nerves. It's all in good spirit, but I have just woken up and can't think of any comebacks. "Stop winding me up, Bonnie. Her idea of music is wub wub wub and distorted sounds. No flow, no elegance; just a load of horseapples to appeal to the next generation. I swear, they have no taste." "Whoa now, please. Just because your mane is new doesn't mean your outlook needs to be." "Yeah, it's my new style. You like?" I say, attempting to counter-joke her. I smile broadly, showing off my teeth. It took Bon Bon a moment to work it out. When she did her eyes narrowed and a menacing smile appeared on her face. "It's as bad as your teeth, Heartstrings." "Wait, what?!" I say, pouncing onto her. She falls over softly and comes face to face with me. "What is that supposed to mean?" I continue, trying to keep the shock out of my voice. Bon Bon cringes at my every word and scrunches up her nose. "You've never been one for maintaining a... gleaming smile. Go smile in the mirror and you'll see what I mean." Reluctantly I step back into the bathroom, move the hair away from my eyes and look in the mirror. Greeted by my own pair of sunglow eyes staring back at me. I slowly start to smile, first lips only, before breaking out into a full grin. Holy Celestia she is right! They're yellow, not white. I raise a hoof to my mouth and breath on it through my mouth. Buck, I swear I can smell last weeks garlic bread. "Teeth... why are you so dirty?!" "'Cause you never brush them," Bon Bon pipes up. "C'mon. Fix your outrageous hair and grab something quick to eat. I'm taking you to the dentist." But but but but! "Now? It's half past eight! Who opens at half eight?" Bon Bon flicks her tail at me and goes to our kitchen. I can hear her receding voice say back at me, "A young girl named Minuette. Just started a dentistry down south. I'll book you in now." I hate very few things, and I fear even fewer. Some ponies are scared stiff of spiders such as Bon Bon, others fear failure like Berry Punch. Me? I brush these off as trivial things. So why am I scared of something more trivial than them all; going to the dentist? I've always had a weird fear of them. The perfectly sterile rooms, enough drills to build a new structure, and that horrid mouthwash that burns your mouth out until you feel like a dragon - without the adaptations to cope with extreme heat. Ever since I was a filly in Canterlot, I've always hated them. It's funny, because I have actually never been to a dentist. I guess I have to blame those comics and books I borrowed off Twilight back in the day for putting dumb images in my head. "Lyra! We're going!" Yeah, dumb images, That's what they are, right? I mean, right right? Ugh, this is hurting my head. Maybe I'll go play some music... "LYRA! ARE YOU DEAF?! We're going, now!" Dammit. I shoot off towards the door and see a fuming Bon Bon, but her expression quickly changes. It changes because she sees something nopony ever thought they'd see on my face; real, deep fear. I have my moments of faking it to get out of the few things I hate, but this is real. And Bonnie - no matter how much of a moron she can be - understands that. "Lyra, stop looking so gloomy, please?" she says gently. I don't reply. It's just a dentist, it's just a dentist... is all I can think of. She pulls me in for a hug. "It'll be okay, Lyrie. Let's get this over with. I'll treat you to some candies if you be a good girl, okay?" I nod and break out of the embrace. Let's get this over with.
I Hate Walking! No, Really!MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ I Hate Walking! No, Really! Polar opposites are said to attract, ya know? SO WHY THE HELL AM I NOT FLINGING ALL OVER PONYVILLE LIKE A LONG-FUSE FIREWORK SET OFF BY A COUPLE OF KIDS?! Seriously, Ponyville in the early-morning is all quiet serenity. Clean streets free of clutter and ponies; you can see all the way down the streets as everyone is inside, all nice and warm with a coffee and a bowl of Chocolate Rice Cereal. But me? If I wasn't so good at masking negative emotions I'd be shaking all over the place. I'd look more hyperactive than Pinkie Pie. But maybe I am taking it too literally; I mean, it's not like a grumpy donkey will be forced to ram into a hyper active pony, right? Hm, nah, I'll stick with being literal. So out goes the theory of "opposites attract". Didn't even take me four paragraphs of introductory text. "In theory," says Bonnie, desperate to break the icy mood. "You could be in and out in minutes." I groan. "Not helping," I look her over. "How do you cope? You're always so... calm, even if you find a spider. You don't freak out; you just freeze solid." She slightly smiles. "My father taught me to control my fear and not let it control me," she explains. "But I don't just fear spiders, it's a borderline phobia!" I chuckle. "If you say so. But what do you do? Fear control...?" Bonnie said the walk would take us roughly ten minutes. It feels like an hour. "Well, it depends on your definition of fear," she narrows her eyes. "Describe your fear." "It's... cold." "Cold?" "And spiky," I add. She puts a hoof to her mouth. I'm still amazed by her ability to do that and maintain a walking pace. I either flail around or have to stop. "Oh, oh!" She exclaims, a smile on her lips. "That's adrenalin! Yes, okay. Think of it as your bodies defense mechanism; it's preparing you to do whatever you have to do to stay safe." "Ha, right. This is another practical joke isn't it?" "Nope," she says sincerely. I am obliged to believe her. "Thanks for not taking the p... thanks for not joking about this, Bon Bon," I pitch in sincerely. "But how do I use this 'adrenalin'?" Sounds kinky. "It depends on who you are," she smiles a little bit more. "I'm sure you'll work out your own way but I can always set you up with a psychologist." "That'd be cool, thanks." So much for kinky. "So," I begin, desperate to make conversation. "How much are you going to get from going to the school?" Bon Bon smiles. She'll be in her element soon, in her zone, babbling on. I'll listen, of course. "Well, it all depends really. If I do the whole afternoon that's at least fifty bits. If not I'll get twenty. Also, depending on my performance and how well the students connected with my lessons, I may just get a job! No more long hours of selling nothing! Actual income!" It takes a moment for it to sink in. We're breaking things here. "Waaait, what?! You, a teacher?! We... you... I..." She giggles. "Don't worry, I'm sure I want be that good." Sighing, I take a deep breath and quicken my pace. "If you say so, Bonnie. It's just..." I pause. "You've changed so much from that shy, yet joking candy-loving mare I knew. And it makes me so... proud of you!" "You've changed since we first met, too, Lyrie." The rest of the walk is pretty normal. If normal is when you hate every second wish you were at home; constantly turning around just to see other ponies' homes with your humble little place out of sight. Still, Bonnie is providing welcome comfort. "I still wish I was at home, playing the lyre, chilling out, with a nice cup of coffee. I hate walking." Bon Bon just stares. "No, really! I wish everypony had a form of transport that didn't required any raw power from us. Works itself like clockwork." "Well, we're here at the dentist anyway," Bon Bon says, gesturing to something on my left. I turn and see it. A modest building which looks like a converted cottage, with a crudely scribbled sign that says "Colgate's Dentistry of Brushie Brushie" written in blue marker on a white backing. I didn't even notice Bon Bon leave my side.
This Is... Unexpected... This Is... Unexpected... MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ This Is... Unexpected... So then... It's that time in my life... The time where I face my greatest of fears... "Alone I stand against the greatest of enemies, the strongest of opponents, the most powerful of foes. Alone, I shall fight through the hordes of minions it imposes against me, one by one, bit by bit - it wont be long until they are all gone. This is it. The final battle; a battle of heroes, a battle for the ages. Forgotten by others, unknown to most. The fire in my heart will - " "Ahem, can I see a Miss Heartstrings, please?" says an unfamiliar voice, breaking me out of my great speech. I might save it for another day. "Oh yes, uh, that's me!" I stutter out of my mouth. It feels dry. I frown. I hate it when that happens. "If you'd like to follow me," she says again. Blue coat, white and blue mane and tail. Cutie mark of an hourglass. Blue eyes. Unicorn. "This wont take long." So this must be Colgate. I exit the all-white and bland waiting room - my image of what a dentist is like still holds strong! - tailing after her. Straight to the point with this one? Cool. The room I've been dreading for as long as I can remember - which is about an hour now - is not as expected. Only half is white, as if she ran out of that dreaded paint, and the other half is brown. There is one of those chairs, some stuff that only hardcore dentists will know about, a sofa, a bed, and a few other trinkets found in a family home. Meh, sounds pretty routine to me. Nothing out of the ordinary. I'm just glad I'm using my fear like Bonnie said to. I feel like I can do this! Yeah! How hard can it be? Nothing can stop Lyra Heartstrings! "If you would sit in the chair, please, I'd be thankful!" I stroll past the bed and into the chair, plopping - do ponies still say that? - my flanks onto the padded seat. I stroll past the bed... The bed... Bed... "Bed?!" I say, dramatically loud. I could win awards, but I'm not acting... I think. It's now I notice Miss Colgate staring at me. "Oh, sorry. Um, yeah, I sorta share my living space with my working space. I'm not made of money; I used to live in Canterlot and moved here after some rich snob opened up a 'high-end' business on my turf and took all my business with his fancy methods! So I have to start again with nothing, just a dentistry and one friend to my name!" Colgate yelled. It beats my shout... by a long shot. Someone give this pony an award! "Oh, so sorry. Now, are you ready to begin?" So she speaks formally sometimes and then speaks like a true working-class mare at others. Also, she lived in Canterlot. Just like me. I'm confused. I'm confused enough to forget my fear and slowly work my mouth. "Yes I am." "Good. Now, I need you to sign here," she pulls out a clipboard with a lot of small print and a dotted line at the bottom. "This is an agreement that states you will allow me to complete the operations by any means necessary... and a few other things which are a moot point." I sigh. It'll get me out of here quicker. "Sure," I say before being handed a quill. I write my name in the least-fancy hoofwriting ever. "Thank you, now, this wont even take a second. I hope." She leans down and her horn ignites into a bright blue. Sparks shoot off and into the air, before forming into a small bubble of light sparks hitting each other. It expands and envelopes the room, cutting me off from the outside, and us from them too. It's all eerie and gives me mad creep-out vibes. I can see where this is going and I want out! "What are you doing?! I swear if this is any funny business..." "Nggh, ugh, it isn't... funny... this... is... time warping... nearly... done..." I turn around in surprise. "Time warping?" It keeps expanding until it reaches even the furthest reaches of the room and beyond. The colour solidifies. Her horn stops glowing but the bubble stays. She's sweating but has a dumb grin on her face. "It worked! Yes yes yes! Now, onto the operation. I'll knock you out with this," she injects me with something. I feel a small jab and I jump up into the air. "And we'll be done in a second..." This is unexpected. Still, the darkness is cool. Hmm. Colgate seems cool too. But if she'd explain things it just might be better!
Time Warps Are Cool!MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Time Warps Are Cool! "Hey, Miss Heartstrings? Wakey-wakey!" says a soothing voice. I come out of my forcefully-applied trance slowly. Ugh, what happened? Time warps, ponies, magic, bubbles... muffins? No scratch that last bit... dentists, I remember that. And Bon Bon telling me to go get my teeth cleaned. Ha, no chance! It must've been a dream! So I must've been a bit heavy on the chocolate cake last night! Bonnie! I thought you'd make sure I'd not have more than half of that cakes now! I raise a hoof to my eyes and rub them slowly, smiling. A weird dream, but pleasant enough and I feel rested! I stretch my legs and prepare to talk to my lyre like I do every morning in secret. Ponies would think I am crazy if they caught me doing it. I left my head, eyes firmly shut, ready to embrace whatever time of day it is. I open my eyes in a snap. I must've fallen asleep downstairs. I see a few new trinkets though that I don't remember being there. Redecorating again, My Little Bon Bon? "Bon Bon!" I shout. "Why'd you leave me to sleep on the floor again! You know I hate it," I frown. I hear stifled giggling from behind me. "This isn't funny!" I get up off the floor and try to maintain my facade of anger but ultimately fail. Okay, maybe it is a little bit funny! "I swear, I will tickle you to the ground when I catch you!" More laughter. I turn and see a strange blue mare, white-washed walls and dentist equipment and - Oh wait. Damn. It wasn't a dream. I blush violently, humiliated. "Um, sorry, Miss... Colgate?" She giggles again, takes my hoof and leads me to the door. "It's okay, Miss Heartstrings. I hear the time warps do tend to slightly disorientate patients. it only makes the recent past seem like a dream though, buuuuut to err on the side of caution I need to have permission to use it." "Time warps!" I gasp and grin excitedly! This is so awesome! "What about them?" she says, eyebrow raised but a dumb smile on her face. She knows I am interested. "Explain! They sound so awesome and strange and cool and a million other words I can't remember! That form of magic is so rare it's - " She stops me with a raised hoof. "I suppose I can, Miss Heartstrings. Could you, um, wait a while? Go home if you wish. I need to attend other patients you see, but I'd be happy to explain!" "Oh, of course! Can I meet you at the Town Hall then?" "Yes, of course! How does seven pm sound?" she says. "Sounds good! I'll meet you there!" I turn and walk through the door. "I can't wait, Miss Heartstrings!" "Please, just call me Lyra!" I quickly add. I am certain she says, "That mare is crazier than when I used laughing gas on Pinkie Pie..." I walk out into the morning air before dancing my way home on my rearlegs, attracting a few odds stares. I don't mind. Behind the party pony I am the most hyperactive mare around! I arrive home soon enough and see it is empty. Ah, yes, Bon Bon is out teaching fillies her trade. How nice! I have so much time to get ready and prepare questions! I'm excitable and may go over the top but it got me an A+ throughout school life so who cares? Happily, I trot into our living room and take a seat on the couch. But for the first time in months I do not reach for the remote to turn on the TV. No, instead I grab Bonnie's notebook and rip a page out - I'm sure she wont mind, and if she does I'll tickle her - and then rest it in my lap. I use my magic to grab a quill from a shelf above the TV and think. What would be a good thing to ask? Ooh! I'll start basic! What is a time warp? I stare at my sheet. And stare. And stare. I yawn. What time is it? I observe the clock menacingly, whispering, "Don't lie to me this time!" It says. Yeah... this is going to be a long couple of hours. But it'll be worth it when I ask Colgate all my questions about her little talent! If she's into music I could finally express myself to somepony! Gosh, this'll be so awesome! Now I just need some more questions...
Candy, Lyre's, Cool Time Warps, Weather Issues and SuchMinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Candy, Lyre's, Cool Time Warps, Weather Issues and Such The weather can be just mean sometimes! This morning it was... okay, I suppose. Not like a perfect Summer's day, yet anypony could step outside, take a deep breath, and get real high on the almost beautiful morning. But now we've reached... whatever time it is, it's started raining, it's cold, and worst of all - I've lost my coat! I sigh and continue trudging through the muddy paths of Ponyville, taking cover under a tree or maybe even dive into a bush to try and warm myself up. This is the point I need somepony to say "Totally worth it!" to me as I cannot say it myself. If anything, I need to keep this inside, and learn how to hide my feelings! Currently I am sat under a tree, blowing my nose on a piece of tissue paper a stranger gave to me. Another plus point about living here is that it's oh-so friendly. I hardly ever see any quarrels in this little town, and I've only been part of one or two in the few years I've lived here. I sigh contently, which gives me a vague form of motivation to carry on. I'm almost at my destination anyway. If I hurried along I could be there without feeling the need to duck under cover again! Grinning, I begin a slow jog, taking the driest route along the muddy paths - this made me have to keep swerving from side to side but hey, it's not like anypony will be out in this weather. I pass a few stores along the way and pick up something to eat - what, everypony has priorities! - and put my head down to keep it dry. There is no way I'll let this muffin get drenched. After another few minutes of what can be laughingly called a run, I arrive! I reckon the best part of meeting up here at the Town Hall is not the fact it's easily recognized and even a new arrival like Colgate will know of its whereabouts, but because you can just walk inside, sit down and chat with no real business there. I slow down and in an attempt to regain some composure, and stroll in as if I hadn't just had a battle with the Elements of Weather-mony. "Hey, Lyrie!" a laughing voice says behind me. "Ahaha, just kidding." I turn and see Bon Bon looking at me smugly. Wait... what?! Does she have a tracking device on me or something? I gasp inwardly at the thought. I want to get angry but I can't help but laugh! "Hey," I reply simply. "What's going on?" "Not much," I say, before going off to find Colgate. "Be right back." My quest didn't take too long as I found Colgate sitting right behind Bon Bon on the benches. "Hi, Colgate!" I say happily. "How are you? "Oh, hello! I'm fine, thank you for asking. But, um, are you okay? You look a bit..." She stops. Uh, hmm... what can... Oh dammit. I facehoof! I forgot I still look like I've been to the tropics and back! I stand back away from anypony and cover myself in a light magic bubble before shaking myself. The water droplets all collect in the bubble, and I disperse them slowly. I drop the field and smile. I'm proud of myself. Colgate claps. "Well done! Good idea for a quick dry up," she says in awe. I smile. "Thank you. But I have to try really hard." "How much do you try?" "All the time in this institution." She raises an eyebrow and I do too. We must both be thinking, What? "Well, in any case," she begins, coughing slightly to get my attention. "What was it you wanted to know? I can explain as much as I can but most of what I do is... natural, to say the least." "Natural, hey? Even cooler! I'd expect the amount of concentration required to be immense!" She blushes. "It's nothing, really! It can't be as good as your music!" she gestures to my cutie mark. "Oh, well," I pause. "That really is nothing. I can never find anypony who appreciates my style anymore. Like I said to Bon Bon, all the current generation listen to is wub wub wub!" I put on my best mock-despair face. She giggles. "True. Sad, but true," she looks past me for a few moments. "Personally I'm into more classical tunes, rather than the new age of music." I smile, "I guess we have at least one thing in common." "It sure does. You two will be friends in no time," Bon Bon's voice says from behind me, theatrically loud. I jump out of my chair. "Bon Bon!" "Oops," she replies with a smile. "Silly me." I turn red. "Bon Bon! I thought you had places to be!" "The whole thing was cancelled, Lyrie. I was compensated for it, though, so instead of selling sweeties I came here to unwind, relax, maybe talk to a few ponies." She grins. "It just so happens you came here too! Isn't this wonderful?" Before I can give Bon Bon an earful, Colgate cuts in. "It certainly is, Miss Bon Bon. Would you like to sit with us?" She gestures to a seat next to me. "I'd be delighted to!" she slaps her backside on the seat next to me and leans back. I decide to get things moving again. "So, Colgate, can you explain the basics of your special talent?" "Oh of course," she takes a deep breath and prepares herself. "Basically, I remove a certain area and everything within it from time itself, which then warps it for those within. What feels like days within the field I choose, is only mere minutes within the time stream. How do I do this? I don't know, it comes naturally to me. It's like any of those weird quirks ponies have." I gasp. "So you're the only pony with this talent?" Bon Bon shoves her nose in. "No, there's a Doctor up in Manehattan with the same talent." "Exactly the same?" I say in surprise. "Bon Bon speaks the truth," Colgate says. "But, unlike me, Doctor Whooves is trying to work out what exactly we do and how we do it, because right now all we can say is we do this and that and then say 'Hey! What's going on??" This is more awesome than I could've hoped for! I have a feeling Colgate and I will become best friends, soon. But right now I need to talk to Bon Bon. What's her problem? Why is she following me and why is she so curious about Colgate - almost as much as I am - even though they've only just met? Ugh, I need to sleep. I'll have a cold soon, no doubt.
Thoughts And Feelings (aka the author is lazy)MinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Thoughts And Feelings (aka the author is lazy) You know that feeling when you're just constantly thinking "oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!" over and over? No? You haven't lived, then. Ahaha! Just joking, but I'm serious, it's wonderfully amazingly awesome! It's like that feeling of anxiety, but turned upside down into a good feeling. But not motivation. Just... I don't know. I'll ask Bon Bon. She knows feelings pretty well. I need to ask her about a lot of things actually. Eh, I guess it'll be a simple matter of seeing here; it's not like I can go five minutes without seeing her signature mane colour scheme and the odd cutie mark some mistake for ribbons. I mean, come on, they're not the best representation of sweeties but ribbons?! Far from it, you silly ponies. I'm surprised someone hasn't strolled up to me and casually said "so you play the harp?". Anywho, the whole meeting with this Minuette pony was awesome! Despite Bon Bon being there - but, secretly, I'm glad she was - it went well. If only I had the time to ask her in-depth questions on her opinions about music, the direction it is heading, who will have the most influence over the next generation, all of that. It's rare I can get Bon Bon to talk to me about the musical side to life, even if she enjoys listening to my performances throughout the day. Whether they be forceful and loud or quiet and soothing, Bon Bon will always be my one-pony audience. I do not want the high life in music, not anymore, which is why i'm here in Ponyville. Quiet, routine, and laid back. I'm just glad she stayed here despite my family and I moving away all those years ago. We were good friends throughout childhood, us two. That bond has stuck by us even through the many days, weeks, months, and years of separation. I suppose you could relate friendships like that to magic; it never fades, it never drains, and even after permanent separation it lives on. All this philosophical thinking is making my head hurt. What time is it? I'm lying on the couch - which feels more like my couch as Bonnie never really uses it, instead opting for that silly old creaky chair in the corner, which by the way does not represent her! - and I really can't be bothered getting up. I was right, and I have a cold. People talk about coltflu, yeah? Well I have mareflu, a new and rare mutation of coltflu, the only difference being it affects mares! Hmm, maybe Bon Bon is home? "Bon Bon?" I call out. No answer. If she was home, she wasn't playing the part of worried friend for me. "Hey, Bonnie, you there?" ... I'll just sleep again. Sleep is good. Sleep is magic. And I am not lazy!
Comfort Food And, Er... StuffMinuetteAndMe By TheMadPaperHatter ________________________________________________________________________________ Comfort Food And, Er... Stuff "Mmmm," I say aloud, still half-asleep, vivid images of a dream gone-by still fresh in my mind. The sights, the sounds, the things I felt both physically and emotionally, and the smells all seemed real, so real in fact that in my sleepy state I can feel them faintly, briefly. Like a disturbing but comforting breath on your neck, until you realise it isn't somepony breathing and it's actually a fan somepony left on, position perfectly behind you. Or something. I don't know! I'm tired... The dream. Ah yes, the dream! It was so awesome, awesome enough to make me hold onto it as the rest of my stupid brain struggled to regain full control. I was in a room, okay? And in that room there was a bee. Bon Bon was there, feeding it ridiculously oversized treats - don't argue with dream logic, by the way, otherwise you'll end up like Ditzy! - before Minuette burst in and used a time spell to rewrite evolutionary history. She made the bee big enough to swallow the treats whole! It was like watching a cloud engulf an airship, just less elegant with a frightening buzz coming from it. I slowly open my eyes, letting the dim light of my signature 'thumbs-up' lava lamp setting in. I'm not crazy. But a thumbs-up seems like a brilliant way to say "Yeah, that is cool, my friend!" without words. I can't do it with hooves, though! I mock a sad face at this. Maybe someday? I'm not crazy! Now that I can finally see I sit up and immediately find out why I am awake. That smell... I sniff at the air a few times, trying to work out exactly what that smell is... it's making me smile. Like a comforting warmth, or your favourite thing ever appearing. Ohohoho! It is! I can smell... pizza! I jump up and run, knocking over a few things. Pff, who cares? Easily replaced, no doubt, and probably aren't broken anyway. I skid to a halt at the kitchen archway and trot in elegantly, knowing exactly what to expect. I also need to keep up appearances; if Bon Bon thinks pizza is the way to get me up, she'll use it against me. And I can't fight pizza... have you ever tried to do that? No? Don't. Please! Save yourself from the pain of separation! Bonnie hears my gentle hoofsteps and looks up from her place at the small table. She smiles - not the cheeky grin I'm used to, but a sincere smile - and gestures for me to sit. "Hi, Lyrie," she says. Ugh, still saying that name? "I want to, er, apologize for getting in the way of you and that Minuette pony. But you know us two, best friends forever for a reason!" "Hehe, that reason is because we never fall out no matter what... despite your shortcomings," I say jokingly. I stick my tongue out to add that extra bit of 'oompf' to what I just said. Oh no you didn't! is what she must be thinking. "I have a clean smile and sells sweeties to everypony who needs cheering up. I think I'm good. Unlike you," she retorts. I walk over to Bon Bon and hug her tight before sitting down. "You're the best friend ever! So let me guess, this is apology food?" "But of course!" "You didn't have to, you know," I frown. We're the best of friends, I don't need big apologetic gestures and she didn't do much wrong anyway. Emphasis on much. She shrugs. "I felt like it, bad breath." "Are jokes about my dental hygiene going to become frequent now?" "Sure is," she replies. "Eat up and get ready, Heartstrings. We're going out on the town." "At this hour?" I begin eating regardless. Mine! "Certainly," she grins. "It's going to be a blast!" I'm scared as to what Bon Bon means by "a blast" but this pizza is too good! Who knows, maybe Minuette is out too? I really want to ask her so much more... but it can wait, I suppose. Bon Bon and I occasionally go out together, and it's almost like reliving childhood. Oh yeah, get ready for some totally grown-up action. Which it isn't going to be and never will!
Flash Forward - A Small Look to the Future! (Merry Christmas Bonus Chapter)You never know what lurks around the corner, guys and gals! For all you know, there'll be a bee, or two bees, or a swarm of bees! But either way, sometimes it's best to stop, breathe, and think before you do. Now, if only I had said this to myself a few minutes ago... maybe I wouldn't be stuck in Ponyville Hospital with bee stings. Thankfully Bon Bon had stood by me, like any good friend would. If there was any sign of jealously at my new-found friendship with Minuette, she wasn't showing it - not that I'm saying there was before, anyway. She dragged me by the tail halfway across town. It took most of the journey for me to realize I could help the process along by lifting myself off the ground a little. Better late than never! "Shwomtwimes I wohnder if it'sh pwoshible to do shomethwing with you, withowt shomethwing gowing wrong," Bon Bon had said, voice muffled and distorted into sounding like a text-speakers dream! It very nearly made me giggle, and I would have if it wasn't for the sting on my tongue. "I knew this day was going too well," I mutter. And what is it with me and bloody bees?! Looking up, I decided to past the time waiting for the doctor to discharge me looking around the room. They tried, of course, to make the hospital more friendly - spacious windows and little comforts like pictures on the wall and books to read! But I still hate it - I hate hospitals. Why was I here again? So many questions, so little answers. At least one good thing came out of all this... "Oh, don't you worry Lyra! There's still plenty of time to make it better, yes?" Minuette smiles at my comfortingly. I grin in response, the only thing I could think to do - my mind was hazy and I wasn't sure why she was here, but it must have been for a reason! With Minuette and Bon Bon and around, I don't think it's possible to feel down. Despite pain. And misfortune. And cold. Hunger, too - can't forget your tummy! "Plenty of things to do, as well," chimes in Bonnie, her formerly annoyed attitude gone at, presumably, the sight of me being fine. I simply stare back, mind blanking. Oh Celestia, had I forgotten her birthday again?! I mean, okay, I do this every year - but last time I had an excuse! Honest! She prods me with a hoof. "It's Hearth's Warming, silly!" And just like that, my mind clears with the realisation I had forgotten something - again. "Ah, well... can we go out shopping?" It didn't take long for us to reach Ponyville Market. We'd split from each other upon arrival to go about our business at my insistence - whilst they surely had already got their gifts for everyone else, I hadn't. I had to think of an excuse to get them off my back somehow! Ponyville always has its odd quirks; in other towns like Appleloosa, and even in big cities like Manehatten, having a full-blown market going on during the night of Hearth's Warming is odd even for our little town. I love the place regardless. It makes me beam. "Now to find a gift for all my friends - Carrot Top first, maybe Amethyst and Sea Swirl afterwards - oh, and Cheerilee! Can't forget about her." As I begin my trudge through the icy yet pleasant Ponyville evening, something cold and wet lands on my back. I look up and see the dim sky, cloudy yet majestic in all its glory. A few pegasi dotted the underside of the clouds, adding the finishing touches to the winter downfall - snow. Beautiful snow flakes hit the ground and form small mounds. I close my eyes and breathe in deep - today was going to be great. "Enjoy your gift?" "Yeah, Lyrie, I love it!" a smooth voice hits my ears. Glad you like it, I think. Very glad indeed.
