Starlight Chronicles

by WanderingPhysicist

Lemony Diamond Pie

Main Characters: Pinkie, Diamond Tiara, Lemon Sorbet, Razzly
Cameos: Rei, Scootaloo, Starlight, Apple Bloom, Satsuma
Original Start Date: October 16, 2012

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A yellow unicorn with a bright blue bow tied in her yellow-orange mane trots through the streets of Ponyville. Carrying a small saddlebag with a few personal belongings. She levitates her mobile in front of her to check her directions. She arrives at a multi-story building designed to look like a carousel. Lemon Sorbet takes a deep breath, puts her mobile away and enters.

‘How can you be so reckless with your budget!’

‘It is not reckless! It is investing in the future!’

Two pink earth ponies stand in the middle of the lobby growling at each other. Lemon gets out her mobile and checks to make sure she has the right location.

With her foal on the way, the Cakes convinced Pinkie it was time to move on and find her own path. Though she was sad to leave, Pinkie set out to start her own party planning business. At the same time, Diamond Tiara was looking for help purchasing the former Carousel Boutique so she could start her own financial consulting business. The two ponies formed an unlikely alliance to purchase the building and run both of their businesses from it. Unfortunately, neither pony can agree on an amicable way to share their new home and place of business. Their clashing business styles do not help any.

‘It just doesn’t make sense to hold a “I have a new party business” party! That just eats into your available capital!’ Diamond Tiara shouts.

‘It makes perfect sense,’ Pinkie argues. ‘It shows off my new business, and we have lots of fun!’

‘But what about the overhead! Who is going to pay for everything?’

‘I have already worked out deals with all of my regular suppliers. They get a little free advertising, and I get their help with the event. It all works out.’

‘Of all the most idiotic ideas... I am taking over your finances from here on! I am not losing my first home because you screwed up your books.’

‘Everything will turn out fine. Hmpf!’ Pinkie turns away from her new roommate and finally notices their visitor. ‘Oh. Hello. Can we help you?’

Diamond Tiara looks over. ‘Oh! I am terribly sorry.’

‘Yeah, uh, you had an ad looking for an assistant,’ Lemon explains.

‘Right!’ Pinkie chimes. ‘I’m going to have a beautiful baby foal, and I’m going to need somepony to help me.’

‘More importantly, I need somepony to help me with scheduling and keeping my guests entertained when I am with a client,’ Diamond Tiara adds.

‘Parties!’

‘Clients!’

‘Uh... I think I can help with both,’ Lemon interrupts. ‘I used to work summers with my dad, but my special talent is making ice cream.’

Pinkie stares at the guest. She leaps in the air and gasps. ‘Little Lemon!’

‘You know her?’ Diamond Tiara asks.

‘How could I forget Stormy’s cute little sister? How have you been?’

‘Oh, I’m okay. Just out seeing the world. I didn’t want to be cooped up any more.’

‘Aw. Just like your brother. What brings you here?’

‘Well... I’ve been looking for a place to really apply my talent. Stormy always talked about how great it was living here. When I saw your job offer, I knew I had to check it out.’

‘I would need to see some qualifications before we hire you,’ Diamond Tiara states.

‘She is Stormy’s sister. That is all we need.’

‘I am not cutting a paycheque to somepony who cannot read a market report.’

Lemon sighs. ‘Is that your tablet? Can I assume it has at least version 4.1.3 on it?’

Diamond Tiara looks confused. ‘Uh... Of course.’

‘Can I see it?’

Diamond Tiara loans her tablet to Lemon. The unicorn taps several buttons in quick succession and levitates it back.

‘Using the projection feature and rearranging your investments a little, you can be making 3.2% a day instead of 2.9%.’ Diamond Tiara stares back in shock. ‘Do I qualify yet?’

‘I... guess so.’

‘Oh, phew,’ Lemon sighs. ‘Uh, the ad said I would get a room. Mind if I go there to unwind a bit?’

‘Of course!’ Pinkie cheers. ‘It is Sweetie Belle’s old room. It is right upstairs next to my showcase room.’

‘Um, excuse me,’ Diamond Tiara interrupts. ‘Your room? Your room is is back there.’

‘I’m the one with foal,’ Pinkie reminds. ‘I deserve the biggest room. Besides, I need Rarity’s old workroom to show off my party ideas.’

‘You can do that in the storeroom down here. I need that space for entertaining clients.’

‘I need it!’

‘Me!’

The two mares butt heads again and growl. Lemon tries backing away, but they turn their gaze to her.

‘Who do you think should get it?’ Diamond Tiara asks.

‘You’re as smart as your brother, right, Lemon?’

‘Uh... Maybe I am not the right pony to ask. There has to be somepony better qualified than me.’

The two mares look at each other and snort.

‘I know just who to ask,’ Pinkie says.

‘Me, too,’ Diamond Tiara retorts.

‘Will you still have your giant bed?’ Scootaloo asks.

‘Duh,’ Diamond Tiara scoffs.

‘Then wherever is good enough for me.’

Pinkie sticks out her tongue at her younger partner. Rei giggles.

‘Good thing you two agreed to live on opposite ends of the house then,’ the older pegasus snickers. ‘You don’t want Scoots keeping you up all night.’

‘What does that mean!’ Scootaloo shouts, her wings flaring in anger.

‘It means, the couple times you had Diamond Tiara over, Inkie and I could hear you all night.’

The orange pegasus’ cheeks go red with embarrassment. She quickly gallops out of the shop and up to her room. Pinkie fails at holding back a snortle at her business partner.

Diamond Tiara closes her eyes and holds back her anger. ‘Thanks a lot, Rei.’

‘No problem! Always happy to help.’

‘How about answering for me?’ Pinkie asks. ‘I came here to ask you anyway.’

‘Hmm...’ Rei thinks. ‘Pinkie should have the big room.’

‘YES!’

‘WHAT!’

‘I am going to be a big sister again, and I wouldn’t want my little sister or brother to be uncomfortable.’

Pinkie sticks her tongue out again. Diamond Tiara stomps out of the shop.

‘I’m asking somepony else.’

Apple Bloom stares at her friend in confusion. ‘Can’t y’all jus’ share the room?’

‘No, no,’ Starlight interrupts. ‘It is all a mind game. Brilliant.’

The mares look at the stallion.

‘Think about it. It is all social engineering. By having a more confined space in the old dressing rooms, Diamond Tiara can use the environment to manipulate her clients into making hastier purchases. Same goes for Pinkie. A lighter, more airy room would make a better environment for presenting party plans. With am more relaxed environment, maybe a plate of cookies, clients would be more willing to get excited and go all out for their next bash. More sells for both of you. More money. Win-win-win.’

‘Where’s the third win come from?’ Apple Bloom asks.

‘Ten percent consultant fee.’ Starlight grins. ‘For both of us.’

Pinkie and Diamond Tiara groan and leave the library.

Satsuma looks up from his book. ‘Why the hell are you asking me for?’

‘We’re asking all the smart ponies,’ Pinkie replies.

‘More specifically, she is asking all of her lover’s children to take her side.’

‘I really couldn’t care less,’ Satsuma scoffs as he lifts his book.

The two mares snort and and turn away. Satsuma looks up again and adjusts his glasses.

‘Are you sure you two really need an outside opinion? I think you two have it worked out.’

The mares look back.

‘Think about it. Your two different personalities are making you blow up over stuff that you both already agree on, if you haven’t vocalized it yet. You’re both scared of the change and feeling each other out. This whole workspace issue is about who gets to be the bigger mare. Diamond, you don’t need that much space and are happy just laying on your bed with your tablet to do all of your business. Pinkie, we all know you are pregnant. You had that giant announcement party with the princesses and everything. You don’t have to bring it up with everypony still. You’re both acting like a pair of fillies fighting over a colt.’

The two mares frown and slink away. Satsuma snorts and turns a page in his book.

‘Finally some quiet time to figure out how to convince Razzly to go out with me and not Pound.’

Pinkie and Diamond Tiara silently trot up to their new home. They stop just outside.

‘So about this whole workspace thing...’ Pinkie starts.

‘If you really think you can handle stairs in your condition, by all means,’ Diamond offers. ‘Besides, you’re the one putting a bigger down payment on the place than I am.’

‘Thanks. Sorry about rubbing the whole pregnancy thing in your face.’

‘No. You have a right to be excited. Just tone it down a bit.’

‘Heh, heh. Sorry.’

‘Once the remodeling is done, it won’t even matter who has the biggest room.’

‘Remodeling?’

‘I just want to make the workshops downstairs more business friendly.’

‘Oh. Good idea. We should have them make Lemon’s room a bit bigger, too. I don’t need all that space.’

Diamond Tiara grimaces. ‘I forgot about her. I wonder how she is doing.’

The two mares enter the building. Lemon is sitting at a counter, calmly playing with her mobile.

‘Oh. Welcome back,’ Lemon greets.

‘Sorry we were gone so long,’ Pinkie apologizes.

‘Don’t worry. Everything is worked out,’ Diamond Tiara states.

‘Great,’ Lemon states. ‘Because you have a meeting Thursday with a potential client.’ She points to Pinkie. ‘I arranged for the afternoon so you have time to get ready. And you,’ -- she levitates two business cards to Diamond Tiara -- ‘have a couple meetings tomorrow.’

Both mares stare in shock.

‘It isn’t all bad,’ Lemon assures. ‘I made a batch of fudge ripple, but it won’t be done until the morning. Sorry.’

The other mares start giggling.

‘It is perfectly fine,’ Diamond Tiara replies.

‘Yeah. No worries.’

The bell over the door rings, and the three mares look to see a light purple unicorn filly enters.

‘Is the party planning pupil position still open?’ Razzly asks.

Pinkie giggles at the alliteration.

‘Razzly!’ Lemon calls from the counter.

‘Aunt Lemon!’

The two unicorns gallop to each other and hug.

‘It is so good to see you,’ Lemon greets.

‘You too. When did you get in?’

‘Just a few hours ago. I think we are both going for the same job.’

‘Oh. Then it should go to somepony more grown-up. I was just looking for something to do when I don’t have magic lessons.’

‘I don’t mind the extra help,’ Pinkie says. ‘Beside, there might be some days when Lemon needs to help Diamond more and cannot help me.’

‘Great. Another employee,’ Diamond Tiara groans.

‘I don’t mind working for free,’ Razzly retorts. ‘I just want a chance to work on my baking and tricks more so mommy and daddy will be impressed.’

‘You know they would be happy with anything you do,’ Lemon comforts.

‘Ooo! Ooo! You know what this calls for?’ Pinkie grins.

‘It isn’t in the budget!’ Diamond Tiara snaps.

‘There is always room for a party!’

The two mare growl and butt heads. The unicorns roll their eyes and sigh at the behaviour of their employers.

Author's Note:

Story Timeline: Lemon moves to Ponyville. Pinkie and Diamond buy the old Carousel Boutique to run their businesses. Pinkie is confirmed to be pregnant. (Obviously, it is James'.)

Story Event: The title shares similarities to Sweet Sorbet, Lemon's first appearance.

Comments

[VedaQuila]

No wonder Twilight took a fit from all the mares on her stallion. If you get this, you are a true Wanderer (fan of TWP or the 'home of shipping' as I like to call it. )

[WanderingPhysicist]

2861590

And we haven't even begun to scratch the surface on all the SCS love triangles

[VedaQuila]

2863660
If you touch Apple Bloom's relationship with Starlight...

[WanderingPhysicist]

2864185

I'm not saying anything I'm just saying that James has two sons and at least one single daughter (Del). Who knows what fun they can have?

[VedaQuila]

2864200
Del had been innocent in my mind till now. Thanks, thanks a lot...

[WanderingPhysicist]

2864206

Don't worry. I haven't planned to touch on her love life for another 18 chapters and her first date isn't for another 31 chapters. Oh. That one was so fun to write. Nobody will see who she goes out with coming.

(Not to mention her last name is Wanderer...)

[VedaQuila]

2864213
Which reminds me. How many chapters till the next Del chapter? Cameo or otherwise.

[VedaQuila]

2802404
Right. Responding to your comment from before, click this thingy above ^^^^^.

Del is a wanderer!

[VedaQuila]

2864213
And one last thing. I'm always the first to comment on the Starlight chronicles!

[WanderingPhysicist]

2864224

Three chapters (cameo in 11), so two weeks from saturday (US Pacific time) with another two weeks later (13), but then she doesn't have another appearance until 20. She is pretty regular after that.

Also, if you can, please try to keep comments relevant to the chapter/story, such as questions, insights, favorite moments, glaring flaws, etc. There is a lot less clutter that way. Thank you

[VedaQuila]

2864251
Sure. I'll just edit those.