//------------------------------// // Chapter 87 -Even in our free time, we all like to talk. // Story: The normal life of Nitpick Bittersweet // by Ryusun //------------------------------// It’s been a while since I enjoyed myself. After an embarrassing display of weakness during a call of duty on school, I found myself in the comfort of a warm bed. It was nine in the evening and by the Truth that rules all, how do I missed playing Demon’s Dogma non-stop. But there was something that was out of place… well, five to be exact. One, I was still weakened by all the medicine they gave me in the hospital and my skills were affected for it. Two, I wasn’t using my PC but a lent console. Three, that was because I wasn’t in my room. Four, I wasn’t used to gigantic beds. And five, Reem and the rest of the gang were farming with me in their favorite medium of choice. “Does someone have an Exalted Platinum ingot to spare?” “I have like fifteen of those, Bittersweet.” Sugarcoat gave me one through the Guild’s mail. “Well… this is it. After three years of crappy RNG and various trades, I finally have forged the Grey Bastard Sword, the third best two-handed sword in the game. I have the whole Guardian Set now.” “Glad I could help, but you still sound weak. I hope there isn’t a brain damage in your medical inspection. I heard your fall was pretty epic.” “Very funny, little troll.” “I hope that… Who I’m kidding? I’m not in the mood. Those bastards of CHS are worthless. Not even their school is stupid-proof from the inside.” “Let us forget about the pettiness of that community for today and focus on what really matters. His health, my intellectual friend. Perhaps we should just watch some movies instead of playing.” Reem suggested. “That would be a better idea.” Said Blueblood. “After all, hunting for materials has become pointless now since we acquired the equipment we sought for so long but we still need a mage.” “You are right, Blueblood. This material hunting is pointless now.” Sugarcoat logged out and used Musical to browse on the web. “According to the GameTitan forums, even with our current equipment, we at least need a Shadow Mage to maximize our DPS and have a better chance to overcome the raid. War Mage would be ideal but the quest to get the class is the second hardest of all the game and the average player isn’t patient enough to complete it. Only one percent in the community has got the class so far.” Gilda came back from the kitchen followed by Reem's maid. “Nit, here.” “No… No! I don’t want that!” “You heard the doc. Eat it.” “You know I hate sandwiches. Especially if they don’t have meat in it.” “Do not forget about your medicinal drink to accompany it, Lord Bittersweet.” Rosaline came with a pot of tea with a little glass filled with honey, pills of the so tasteless medicament at its side. “And I hate tea.” “I did it myself, My Lord.” White roses almost appeared around her tender face. “That pretty face of yours won’t-!” She forced her way and made me drank the tea. At least it was a bit sweet. We watched some movies until around eleven o’clock. …. The beds of royalty were strangely uncomfortable. They were comfy, warm, and they have a feeling of quality that a common man like me would appreciate right away. I that once slept on the floor during my childhood didn’t imagine that I would experience this kind of commodity. If my four year old self was told that he would end up sleeping in one of these when his high school years started, he would be dreamy. That’s why it was uncomfortable. “Nit.” Not to mention that I was sharing my bed with Gilda again. Our backs were almost glued. “Yeah?” I didn’t mind... I was still feeling… shivers… “I’m mad at you for not telling me.” “I thought I was just having a small fever. I didn’t think I would end up falling to the ground like that.” “You made me worried. Don’t do that again…” “No promises but it wasn’t intentional… sorry.” “It’s okay… I still owe you three.” “Heh… I wasn’t going to ask for repayment.” “I know...” She sighed. “CHS scum…” “Hey, not all of them are that bad.” “Well… that Soarin is nice and Lyra is funny to have around. Sparkle is becoming alright, I guess. Don’t tell Sug.” “Do you really care about that?” “She is still mad with Zap, you know? But I’ll eventually tell her about my encounter with Sparkle.” “I still don’t buy that she was able to overwhelm you for a moment. Perhaps you were just weakened from your training.” “Even so, she has potential. I plan to strengthen it if I have the chance.” “…Thanks.” “Try to not get in trouble for now.” “More?” I chuckled. “I have a lot to work on Monday. Whatever happened today I will know with better detail next week. No way I’ll work tomorrow.” “Tomorrow is Sunday, so no struggles for you.” “And no homework… Want to hang out somewhere?” “Sorry, I’ll be busy with Sug and the others doing Champion stuff. And since we don’t want you to think about work...” “You know that I can manage after I-!” “Not this time, Nit… Just rest.” “Oh, come on.” I felt her subtle movements as she turned around. “Just do as I say.” Our faces met. “I can aid you just fine. Don’t ditch me out like this.” “Not until you recover. On Thursday for sure.” She gave me a warm stare. “Oh, I get it. But alright, I’ll tell Shimmer that I will change my free day for Thursday. She owes me big time for leaving me behind with the Mayor and Raven.” “Great, I want it to be in The Dazzles.” “You are ignoring me.” “No, I just choose to avoid school topics.” “But I worked my ass on it.” “You better buy me a big ass hamburger with tons of fries. I’ll make extra effort to train and lose some weight, just to get it back that day.” “I saved all year for that. You’ll have your meal… and a present.” “Great!” “Now…” My eyes were closing. “Let’s sleep.” “Yeah…” Being with someone you trust when you were sick puts you at ease. This pleasant sensation couldn’t possibly be ruined… “Is that all!?” Both of us sat down on the bed. We adjusted our eyesight to the darkness and quickly spotted something obnoxious. We stood up and walked with grumpiness to our immobile target. How the hell she managed to make her presence almost imperceptible when she wanted was beyond me. We both opened the almost-closed closet, raised her up from the arms and removed her silly black ninja mask. Her vibrant blue-aquamarine eyes that not even the night could obscure, and her wide smile of natural reddish lips that was the envy of countless celebrities, got into our nerves as we desired only to sleep in peace. “Did I interrupted your tale of the birds and the bees, my irreplaceable friends? You can resume your vigor-!” Opening the door of her bedroom on the same second floor as our dormitory, Gilda kicked her in the butt towards the bed. Sugarcoat was sleeping there and raged for her rude awakening. Blueblood rushed to us with his fencing sword and drool on his face, nearly swinging them with killing motions. We ended up watching the last movie of Pirate Moon VS Knight Seiyamus to appease the little troll. …. It was too long since I had a dreamy night. I felt almost restored… sort of. After leaving Sugarcoat and Gilda at their places, at eleven in the morning I was back home. Seriously, if I had a car and the money to use the Union Highway all the time, I would do it. The Diamond Avenue where Reem and Blueblood lives… well, is not that far away from the town or the city, but the highway makes you drive in the fastest roads free of traffic on the region. Still, it was another remainder that I was a middle-class citizen. As Rosaline Star escorted me in an unnecessary fashion to my door, she reminded me of the doctor’s recommendations, “Don’t skip meals and rest thoroughly for a few days. Perform the minimum effort during school hours and be sure to do activities that include basic, undemanding exercises like soft stretching.” “You don’t trust my memory, do you?” “Of course not, young Lord. You and Lord Heavensbane tend to be reckless when angered, and now adding to the list, you alone are prone to be sick under mental pressure.” “It just happened once.” “And it could happen again. I have confirmed that your mental fortitude has dramatically decreased since transferring to CHS. Perhaps your pride and sense of confidence was more damaged by that unfortunate event than we anticipated. In any case, My Lady wishes that you enjoy your free time at the fullest today.” “I need to ask about what happened on sch-!” In a flash she pointed at me the real version of the M1 Maran. “My Lady demands that you enjoy your free time today, young Lord!” Her eyes and voice became deadly as she released the safe mechanism of the weapon of legend. “DON’T POINT THAT SHIT AT ME!!!” The gun was sheathed back to its broom disguise, not before arming the safety catch again. “My Lady’s concerns are my concerns, so try to have a peaceful day, my Lord! Don’t forget to intake your medicine before you sleep at night.” She performed a curtsey and went back to her master’s domain in the limo. Why the prettiest are the weirdest? Cursed be the eccentricities of the rich people and followers. …. Boredom in just twenty minutes. In the confines of my room, the pace of time was slowing its flow as my reluctance to find something stimulating increased. What was supposed to be a day of gaming, reading manga, and other things that usually put me on a better mood, it transformed into a reflection of my own incapability to amuse myself. Time, the measurement that mortal beings invented to give worth to our limited lifespan in the world of the living. We are but cosmic dust, forever damned to fade away in the eternal river of existence. Time is just an excuse we gave ourselves to measure how much we achieved. An incoming phone call deprived me once again of my eccentric philosophy, and I was too bored to ignore whatever sense of possible entertainment could appear before me. “Good morning, my friend!” “Oh, Lyra. What a surprise.” “You sound weary… say, are you feeling better now? We were dead worried for you!” “Considering what happened, yeah. The dizziness has disappeared a bit.” “Are you good enough to hang out with me?” “Excuse me?” “I suppose you already know about Thunderbass’ love quest, right?” “…Right.” I totally forgot about that. “Great! Will you make me company in doing a favor to a friend in need?” “Well… I don’t have anything to do right now.” And if it’s you, nothing wrong could happen. “Ok, I’m in!” “Then get ready! I’ll be in your home in a few minutes! Don’t worry, Bon Bon and Dancer mentioned to me where you live!” “My home!? Lyra wait!” She hung up the call. “BON BON!!!” …. My body ached at first, but walking to Ponyville’s plaza besides Lyra proved to be a bliss to the soul. Not only her grace, acted silliness, and spot-on sense of humor was charming, she was a kind of a smart talker in an educated way, and not to mention that she was undeniably pretty. Her perfume smelled nice, and her silken hair wildly brushed was hypnotizing. Her golden, joyful eyes were an anti-thesis to Bon Bon’s cold but dainty ones. It was an harmonious polarity. I was about to sit in the bench when- “DON’T SIT THERE!” “What!?” “Nonono! I’m sorry-sorry-sorry! It’s just an old habit I have with Bon Bon, Nit-Nit!” “Nit-Nit?” “It sounds better than calling you Nitpick, or Bittersweet, or Boss. I’m kinda good with cute names, you know!” “Besides Gilda’s, that’s the best diminutive of my name I have heard so far!” “Come and sit with me then!” She patted the bench and I sat at a safe distance from her. She made a soft movement and got closer to me. I moved a little to the left again and she followed. It came to a point where I was going to fall to the grass if I made another motion. “What will it be? Appear like a couple in love while sharing a bench or you falling to the ground?” She chuckled sweetly. “I don’t want people to get the wrong idea. You know what happened the other time with Twilight.” “Twi-Twi and you didn’t deserve that… but I guess is the way of CHS now.” She rested her head on my arm. “Hmph! At least everything is fine again with our activities at school.” “What do you mean?” “You’ll know on Monday! For now, let’s practice our love acting so Thunderbass’ love interest can have a better chance dealing with him!” “This is a terrible idea! And shouldn’t that be the other way around?” “I need it to do it this so she can quickly get in the mood. The start of a meeting is important!” “Care to explain?” “You’ll find soon enough on your own. You are a perceptive guy!" “Speaking of perceptive, where is Bon?” “Oh, she is training her spirit in the mountains with her grandma! When I first joined them, I thought it was some kind of silly Nipponese tradition… Her training ended up being horribly painful.” She looked a bit defeated. “Ah…” “Nevermind that! Say Nit-Nit, have you ever fallen in love for real?” My Sixth Sense! “I’m available if you want to start a real relationship with me!” WHY DID I SAY THAT!? She moved violently as her laughter reached a new meaning of loud. Burying her head in my chest and moving it in a motion that resembled Bon Bon’s back then, I realized that certain quirks were shared between the two. Both of them quickly could get into my nerves with sheer easiness. At least her motives were different. As she calmed down, teary eyes brimming with amusement looked at me with a new light. “You made my whole day! I could get used to your sense of humor, Nit-Nit!” She patted my back while winking at me with a wide smile. I was totally rejected. “I’m happy that you are happy.” I said sarcastically. “Why did you ask that?” “Because you intrigue me! Everyone at school has a sense of friendship with at least one of the Idol Six or both Twilights! Every single guy has at least a crush on one of them but you are immune to their charms! Not even Pinkie hangs around with you more than necessary!” “With the exception of Twilight as my friend since I don’t know the other one, the more I know about them, the less I want to be involved. But one way or another, I’m always dragged to their claws and toyed like a damn rag doll. Especially Rarity.” Oh, how do I hate her. “Once I’m done with the competition, I’ll step down as a representative. Working with Shimmer is a pain in the ass-AAAAHHH!” Her pinching fingers were like lobsters devouring their prey. “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?” “I don’t like vulgar speech!” “You too!? I have said a lot of shit-!” Another pinch of hell bended my skin. “Stop it!” “We are alone, so I don’t need to hold back my deadly Pinchy-Pinches!” “What a stupid-Nonononono! It’s a great name, a great name! And I don’t think all the guys have a crush on them. I had one on Shimmer but it died since the Mayor’s business started. Such a waste of time!” I have nothing to offer to someone like her, but I don’t give a damn about what she wants. “You think so!?” “YES! And besides, Thunderbass is all over Melody! And I think other guys are in the same boat! Only a fool would keep unrequited feelings for one of those women for so long!” “Then there is hope for me!” Something felt off when she said that. “Anyway, there is this restaurant where we’re gonna have a meal together and I want you to sit at my left so Tav-Tav can sit between Thunderbass and me!” “I’m assuming Tav-Tav is Melody. What if she chooses to sit in another position?” “That’s why we won’t give her the chance to do so! Trust in me! I have helped nurturing the hopes and dreams of many hopeless romantic interests in a graceful manner!” She bumped her fist on her chest with an unparalleled pride. “Look, here she comes! Operation: First Appearance initiated!” She hugged me rather… You are too soft, and you smell nice. Get away from me, Heartstrings. “Hehehe! You look so artificial with him, Lyra!” Said Octavia with an unexpected smile. “I know, right? More the reason to step aside and give you a seat!” She quickly separated from my side, leaving me a little room to maneuver and sit properly. There was enough space between me and Lyra now, making Octavia sit in the middle. I see… Such perfect control of her social environments. “Tav-Tav, you look cute!” “Really? The only change I did to my attire was just using jeans and a long shirt.” “Anything you use, anything you rock, Tav-Tav!” She blushed a little and brushed her hair. “I thank you for the compliment. Nevertheless, are you sure you should be here, Bittersweet?” “If you want me to go away, you only have to say so.” I hissed. “Forgive my rudeness. I was just worried that you were still sick. I mean, your eye bags are still visible.” “I’m fine. I survived the Apple Fair and I will get through this. Where is Thunderbass?” My own question was answered with the roar of a flashy car quickly coming at us. The driver slid down his window and made us a gesture to get in. I took the co-pilot’s seat and the ladies took the backseats. He just smiled and put groovy but soft synthwave music. …. I hate crowds. “This wasn’t my idea of something relaxing and fun.” “Are you kidding, Bittersweet? This place has a lot of stores and recreational centers that we can enjoy!” Said Thunderbass with a thumb up. It’s been a while since I visited the Maximus Plaza. Even on week days, the place was always infested with crowds. Lousy, arrogant, and abundant crowds. The Chocoratte Plaza was but a puny building compared to the majestic infrastructure of eight floors of stores, restaurants and silly recreational businesses. With more than six entrances, a dedicated security team walking on the sidelines with qualified training to protect the civilians, and several reinforced ATM stands, this place was really safe. But I hated this place because of said crowds, and giving a little glance at my companions, Octavia wasn’t that comfortable here either. Lyra guided us to a little restaurant that had accessible prices on the menu stand. Considering that Crystal State’s attractions were far more expensive than Ponyville’s, it was a compliment for the place. It didn’t have the charm that The Dazzles had, but it was serviceable and the aromas of food was nice. We trusted in our guide’s instincts and we allowed her to ask for the meal of the day for the four of us to enjoy. Just as Lyra predicted, we sat in the order she thought it was best. It seemed that Melody didn’t care about the order of the people. “So, how is it going with your band’s practice?” “Well, is not an official band, Lyra.” Thunderbass blushed. “We just banded together to make reality Octavia’s performance.” “And I thank you for that, Thunderbass… and especially you, Bittersweet. I thought that the Rainbooms would choose what to do for our activities... again.” “It’s a shame we didn’t get the pianist.” I did what I could, bastard. Don’t need to look troubled at me. “I don’t mind that since our music is getting better. Thank you again for this opportunity.” “It was nothing. Besides, as long as the guys at school and you give the best you got, I can keep speaking in a good light to the Principal. I need results to keep backing up your performances.” “I will play with my best efforts!” “Me too!” “You can count on me, Nit-Nit!” Thunderbass almost spilled the water he drank. “He gets one and I don’t? I have more rights than him!” “I can’t think of a cute nickname for you!” “Bass-Bass?” “Say Bon Bon at a normal speed.” “Bon Bon. But that’s her name!” “I know but let’s keep going! Say Tav-Tav.” “Tav-Tav.” “Say Twi-Twi.” “Twi-Twi.” “Say Nit-Nit.” “Nit-Nit.” “Say Bass-Bass.” “Bass-Bass… wait, it sounds out of place!” “See? It may sound good at first but it doesn’t fit. Just like Fluttershy’s Shy-Shy or Lightbulb’s Bulb-Bulb, they sound too strong when they must feel cute instead. But something like Pie-Pie for Pinkie could work.” “I see! That sounds harmonious, Lyra!” Octavia praised. “No wonder you do nicely with the Piano!” “If I wasn’t doing my part on the competition, Bon Bon and I would play the piano with you!” “Don’t worry! I know how much you wanted to do a little dancing musical since middle school! Do you play another kind of instrument?” “I can play the lyre too, but… an old friend from my childhood encouraged me to play the piano more frequently.” “Do we know her?” “Yes… but it seems she doesn’t remember me now. We spent the kindergarten together and I think she just moved on. She goes to CHS but I don’t want to force old memories on her. It’s better to do new ones!” Lyra said it with a glimmering tone, but the others... “Oh, I see…” Octavia became reflective. “Move on, huh…” Thunderbass was swollen in thought. “Ah… Anyway! I hope you love the food I chose for us! I don’t know about you but good-old lord, I’m starving! If you don’t eat fast, I’ll grab them fast!” Lyra quickly killed the depressing mood to everyone’s favor. “Why some people are meddling with the food like that?” Octavia gave a curious glance to another table. “Ah, Genius Creations is a peculiar restaurant! The dishes here are made in a way that lets you create your own recipes! For example, if you don’t like the way they made your burritos, the plate gives you an array of tools and ingredients to modify it! That is the reason why the prices are a bit more expensive than in Ponyville’s best diners. But as long as you eat everything you ordered, you are good to go! Bon Bon and I come here at least once a month!” “Oh… it sounds messy.” Said Octavia a little reluctant. “I don’t think I could ever do that in public.” “Anyway, what did you order for us?” “Look for yourself, Nit-Nit!” My smelling sense detected a peculiar aroma. Something was wrong in that plate that the waitress brought to us. The jar of lemonade was fine… but inside the big plate there were a pile of elegantly arranged- “SANDWICHES!?” My own stupefaction was increased as I heard Octavia’s soft voice dance with mine. She had a face I have never expected from her. “What’s wrong, you two?” “I don’t like sandwiches…” I hissed. “What? But everyone loves sandwiches! What did you do to the one that Bon Bon gave you last time?” “I reluctantly ate it… but the juice was nice.” “Well… since someone is being honest, I suppose…” She sighed. “Lyra, I don’t like sandwiches either.” Said Octavia in an educated manner. “WHAT!? Why not!?” “Well…” I better talk straightforward to inspire on her some confidence. “When I was a child, my parents didn’t have the economical blessings that they have today. So, to help in the expenses, Mother would always give me sandwiches for lunch, because you know, it’s cheap. Every single day during elementary school would be the same sad two slices of bread, mayonnaise, tomatoes, lettuce, and a slice of ham in the middle sandwich. Sandwich-sandwich-sandwich-sandwich! I hate the stuff!” Those were sad years. “I have a similar background like him. As you know, my parents are retired, renowned musical artists, and the most common food of the aristocrats and high-class musicians are sandwiches and caviar. That little, squared-like, obnoxious meal. You would think that I would eventually get accustomed to the food… but as the years passed, my distaste for the thing only increased. Every single day of socialite would be the same sad two slices of bread, mayonnaise, tomatoes, lettuce, and a slice of ham in the middle sandwich. Sandwich-sandwich-sandwich-sandwich! So common and unsophisticated! An artisanal sandwich and a homemade one, at the end of the day-” “Are the same thing!” We said together, but I used shit instead of thing. “I hate the excessive mayonnaise used on the stuff.” “I for one dislike the meltdown of flavors from the lettuce and ham. When I eat on my own on a nice and clean diner in the suburbs, I have seen people who think that adding ketchup and mustard on the tomato is a fantastic idea! Yugh! Who could enjoy such explosion of unrefined taste?” I could sense the embarrassment from Lyra and Thunderbass, but I quickly ignored them as I got back to the conversation. “Well, it seems that there are side ingredients on the plate. And since this is a peculiar restaurant, perhaps we could modify the meals to something more original.” Octavia concealed her laughter with her hand. “I used to do something similar in my childhood. I would grab a mixture of dishes from the plates and smash it together to create something else below a table. I was lucky that I never got caught!” “We could make a roll of ham with the stuff and use the bread and cheese as some kind of cheap filler!” “Thunderbass, could you allow me to sit beside him?” “Uh, sure!” It was awkwardness at its finest what we were doing. Where the other clients reinvented their food like a glamorous dish, Melody and I were like little children playing chefs as we reconstructed the meals to our image. We made several super ham rolls filled with cheese, bread and smashed potato. I never imagined that I would find someone who could be as skillful and imaginative as me when it came to petty food arts. Octavia’s cheeks were reddened with a mix of shame and undeniable entertainment as we enjoyed our creations. She used the utensils to eat them. I used my hands. She was refined. I was just enjoying the meal. As we complained about the sandwiches and other overrated foods like pork, Thunderbass and Lyra were looking around with embarrassment, making sure that nobody admired our childish behavior. The coast was clear. …. After that surreal meal, we went straight to the arcades. We tried multiple games but in the end we just settled in one. Melody was quickly replaced by Thunderbass in a match of Extreme Ping-Pong. It seems that the guy was a fierce competitor in that particular game and couldn’t resist the urges to challenge Lyra for supremacy. She was merciful with Octavia. She crushed me without remorse or regret. I sat down in the visitors’ chairs and Octavia joined me. I was reluctant at first, but I invited her some of my chips and juice I bought for appetizer. She took her sweet time in making a decision. When I was about to withdraw the snacks from her side, she took a single chip and drank the juice from my straw. “It looks like they’re having fun.” “I fail to see where is the ‘extreme’ on this game of Ping-Pong.” “If you look at the table, it was modified to be a little smaller than the traditional size. You could say that it forces you to be more aggressive.” “Then I can see why both of them would enjoy such competition. Especially Lyra since she is so gifted at numerous activities.” “And are you not?” “I can’t dance nor make sculptures with clay within seconds. And I barely know how to turn on the oven, that’s why I didn’t participate in the games.” “But didn’t Derpy Muffins and Sandalwood competed? In academics, they are… lackluster.” “There is something that Principal Cinch said during the games that was a hard truth for the school to accept… The competitors were indeed chosen for popularity reasons.” "You think you should have competed?” “Of course not. I think Soarin, Scribble Dee and or Ringo would have been better competitors than some of the others. But is not that I dislike the ones who participated. As a matter of fact, I’m quite fond of Muffins. She… always says the nicest things from the bottom of her heart.” “In any case, you have real talent too.” “False compliments are not necessary.” “You play the cello like no other person I have heard so far. I don’t think any of the music club from the academy could match your prowess.” “From what I heard, each student there knows how to play at least three instruments gracefully. I barely play two.” “Well… that is true if you are student since middle school. I learned an array of stuff there, but I just know the basics. And only the music club fulfills the three instrument capability… Although if I must be honest, they can’t make me feel their passion as you do.” Did I just said weird shit? “…Thank you for your sincerity.” She looked at the floor, mellow and with reddened cheeks. “Not even Vinyl has told me something like that.” “Vinyl Scratch?” “Yes.” “Friend, right?” “…You could say that.” “Where is she? Perhaps the guys wouldn’t mind if we invite her.” “She is about to witness another victory from Rainbow Dash’s acrobatics on the Inter Tournament with the rest of the Rainbooms. I believe the match will start soon.” Octavia clenched her hands with a bit of frustration. …Strange. “…I hope Soarin manages to win the match with his team.” “I hope so too… he always works so hard for the team in general. He should have competed in the Friendship Games instead of her.” My instincts felt a change of mood from Melody. She looked… rosy. I rethought her words again and again, arising in me a little suspicion. “Anyway… since those two will clearly take their sweet time, would you like to play something with me?” “And what do you suggest? We tried all games here.” “Not at all. There is only one game that could introduce you to the world of arcades.” It didn’t take too long to stood in front of the machine. “Whack-the-mole? It sounds barbaric.” “Trust me, just grab the hammer and hit the mole as hard as you can!” “It is truly a savage game.” Let’s see if my instincts were correct. “Just imagine that the mole is something you hate! For example, I hate Shimmer’s super righteous nature!” The game started and I hit the mole with brutality. What a beautiful stress relief. “I’m not sure…!” Melody was doubtful, her hand refusing to raise the hammer of vengeance. “Give it a shot or I’ll win! If you lose, I’ll force you to date me in a -!” Her moles were shot down in a rush. “That’s more like it!” Although it hurt a little. “Wooooh! This is more fun than I thought!” Brusque sounds echoed inside the structure. Both of us were releasing unspoken words through our acts of innocent violence. Silent whispers kept deep inside us, refusing to go out to the world, fearful of feeling guilt. The terror of rejection. The apathy of death. “BEGONE, RAINBOW DASH!” Octavia crushed the last little mole. Such a shame that she started later the game. She could have… wait. “Did you say what I think you said!?” Her smile of self-approval suddenly distorted to a gloomy, unexpressive face. “I got carried away…” “It’s… okay. Dash can be a pain in the ass when she wants to.” “Yeah… but she is still the heroine in the tale.” I considered changing topics and go back with the others. My mind was forming as fast as it could to choose the right words needed to get back to a state of distraction and healthy fun. But… “Say, Bittersweet… Have you ever liked somebody?” DEJA-VU! I pinched my leg to keep my focus. “I admit that I had several crushes before. But they didn't work because I was either too coward to give it try or that it was obvious that it wouldn't work. Why did you ask that?” “I don’t know… Bon Bon said that I could trust you with something that is conscripting my throat for months now. To be honest… not even Vinyl knows of this.” WHAT DOES THAT WOMAN TELLS TO ALL THE PEOPLE ABOUT ME!? “Why do you think that I could help you?” “Because I know she is right now. You are honest, surprisingly kind and... you are a hopeless loser in love, just like me!” She smiled innocently, deprived of malice or mockery. I’ll kill her… the three of them. “Ahahaha… aha… Is he from CHS?” “Yes.” “Do I know him?” “Yes.” “Is he close to me?” She looked to the side with deep embarrassment. “I believe he could become your friend. I have seen how you two interact in the counted times you have worked together, and you both seem at peace with each other.” Someone who has become closer to- “Soarin!” I said discreetly. “You like Soarin!” “You are as perceptive as she said…” “Since when?” “…When I was in middle school, during the reign of terror of Sunset Shimmer, I didn’t have a lot of friends. Thanks to her meddling, Vinyl and I became separated for a time, making my second year a time of solitude… But Soarin didn’t bought the lies that Sunset spread about the people. As you know, he is so nice and attentive, and eventually I developed… these feelings.” She looked at the mole, gripping the hammer firmly. “He loves to play the flute, and we played several times together. He likes simpler stuff and does things for the sake of better himself and help his friends. But everything changed when Rainbow Dash and Spitfire forced him to do as they said! Worse of all… Sunset was the one who incited them.” She pummeled it back to the hole through sheer force. “You hate her?” Her trembling body was giving birth in me an empathetic feeling for her. Soon, she looked at me with a calm expression. “Oh, Bittersweet….” So it was true what Thunderbass said back then. “It’s okay, I won’t say anything about this…” “Sometimes I feel off… unsynchronized. I thought that everything would be back to normal once Shimmer was ‘reformed’ but new things came to happen later. And now… I even have to convince myself that I could go out with other… people.” “Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think Vinyl has ditched you for Rainbow Dash. Or that I what I want to believe...” “Ha... So pathetic I am that I became so transparent?” “I didn’t mean it like that.” “I know… forgive me for putting more troubles in your mind.” …Forgive me, cool guy number two! “Let’s talk about something else to cheer you up! Like how to make Soarin fall for you, for example!” “Oh, please… I don’t think I have the traits he seeks in a girl. This is just a fool’s crush.” “You never know… I could ask him if he is available. Besides, even if you don’t get him, I’m sure there are guys as nice as him that will gladly become a lover for you, and only you.” “I don’t think that is true. There is a reason why nobody comes close to me. It seems that I always say the wrong things at the right time. People don’t like that.” “Well, that’s because most people are delicate ladies who can’t take harsh truth in the face.” We looked at each, and within a few moments of silence, we laughed. “Let’s make a change of approach!” “What do you mean by that?” “Try to be there in the things he enjoys! Let’s get out of here and cheer Soarin. If what you say is true, we can see them on the second half of the game!” “Ah…” Her face brightened a bit. “Yes!” As we joined the others, we were surprised, and at the same time, perturbed, that both of them were still struggling in the match. Lyra’s golden eyes changed to a vibrant tone almost similar to Gilda’s, releasing a competitive aura from them. Thunderbass on the other hand… Uh… hang in there, cool guy number two. …. We arrived on time and witnessed the second half from the start. Midnight was on the other side of the stadium with the rest of her friends. It seems that there was blonde girl sitting with them, and although she was a far from me, I was damn sure that she was sporting the plainest green outfit I have ever seen so far. Rarity’s idea of fashion failure, I must assume. The score was tied with two points each. The rival school of this match was Burlington High School, a fairly powerful institution from Crystal State. I noticed something pretty similar with both of their game styles, and it was nearly the same repetition that CHS made from the last ‘friendly’ match that they had with the academy. Both schools focused most of their tactics on a handful of teammates, leaving the others like a kind of reserves within the fields. It seems that Spitfire didn’t learn anything from the last time… at least in team effort. Even if subtle, the skills of the Wondercolts increased individually, making the time response quicker for Dash and Spitfire to try and score a goal. Burlington’s team wouldn’t allow that, assuming a more defensive formation. A wise decision… I think. I wished that I had someone like Soarin at my side who could explain to me the plays but he seems to be giving his best on the field. Good luck, Soarin. “Maybe they should change to a more aggressive formation to break their defenses.” “What did you say, Tav-Tav?” “Soarin would say something like that. Pressuring a solid formation that refuses to attack fills the minds of the adversaries with stressful thoughts, opening a window of opportunity. Since Rainbow Dash can make the best of such possible opening with her unmatched speed, she could score another goal.” “Wow! I didn’t know that you were into soccer!” “He shares his insight with me from time to time… I wish he had more influence to make his tactics a reality.” Thunderbass’ face took a pensive expression. The match came to an end, both schools were tied. They went to extra time, penalty shoot-out, and CHS won by a miraculous kick from Dash. The community cheered the victory. Lyra and Melody rushed to celebrate with them, but I stayed behind with the guy. I had some mixed feelings on the matter. Normally, I wouldn’t indulge in the relationships of people who weren’t close to me. I didn’t have the right nor the voice to give them any kind of advice. But Octavia Melody changed my mindset for a moment. She was nice and charming, even if her kind of attitude didn’t match with mine… or so I thought. After she confessed to me her genuine feelings, I was now stuck in the dilemma of supporting her. The fact that Thunderbass could end up being a heart broken worried me too… He isn’t my friend and I’m worrying about him… That is bad… Even so… “Hey… Octavia likes-!” “GUYS! WILL YOU COME HERE OR WHAT!?” Lyra waved her hands several times to make us come down. I didn’t want to join them, the soccer team and some people there would annoy me to hell. I thought that Thunderbass would convince me to step down and go and celebrate with them. Have another reason to get close to her… but he simple shook his head in negation with a smile and looked at me rather… dry. Our journey to our homes began. I didn’t tell him anything about her feelings… like it should be. …. I was back at home early at night after buying some quick groceries. Cool guy number two was kind enough to leave me in Mareson’s bucket before it closed. It seemed that good karma was on my side today. I managed to buy two boxes of Fruity Marshmallows, and I could swear that I saw Raven leaving the store with several boxes as well. Damn her. After I had my dinner and took my medicine, I was about to hit the bed when Lyra sent me a message. -Lyra has sent you a picture. -Lyra: I had so much fun with you so let’s do it again sometime! I’ll make sure Bon Bon, Flash, Soarin, Vinyl, Lightbulb, Dancer and Twi-Twi join us in the fun as well! I’m sure that’ll make you smile next time! [▪‿▪] It was a photo of us before leaving the arcades. We… I looked like a guy mismatched with the wrong social guys... but… I won’t deny that I enjoyed their company… just a bit.