//------------------------------// // 5: Ode to a Pony In Orange [Comedy] // Story: Party Every Day // by Esle Ynopemos //------------------------------// ((Prompt: Once upon a rhyme. Special rule: No mention of Zecora or Zebras.)) “Hey Twilight, come in here! You're gonna want in on this bet!” Twilight Sparkle's ears perked up as Rainbow Dash leaned out a window of Sugarcube Corner and yelled across the street at her. The pegasus beckoned her inside and disappeared back into the window. Curious, Twilight trotted across and pushed open the door. All of her friends were gathered around a table atop which stood Pinkie Pie. Pinkie was busy stretching her jaw muscles out while the others dug into their bitpurses and placed wagers. A small sigh escaped Twilight's lips. “Please tell me nopony dared her to eat some unhealthy amount of cheese or something.” Pinkie grinned and shook her head. “Nopers! We all learned our lesson the last time that happened!” Rainbow flapped her wings. “Pinkie says she can rhyme the word 'orange.'” Twilight raised her eyebrow. “Pinkie, you know there's no rhyme for orange.” Pinkie frowned. Then she grinned. Then frowned again. “Sorry Twilight,” she said, shaking her lips out. “I can't hear you over the sound of you all being about to be flabbergasted!” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Rarity and I each bet her twenty bits she couldn't do it. Applejack's putting her bits on Pinkie, either because she can't spell or because she doesn't like money, I'm not sure which.” “Hey!” Applejack barked at her. “I put a bit down on both sides,” Fluttershy said, raising a hoof. “I didn't want anypony to feel left out.” Twilight looked at them all. “This is juvenile, girls, placing bets like this. Don't you all have better things to do?” The mares grew quiet for a moment and looked at one another. Then as one they all burst out laughing. Rainbow wiped a mirthful tear from her eye. “So, how much are you putting down, Twi?” Twilight shot a glance up to Pinkie Pie. “Made-up words don't count, Pinkie.” “Every word was made up sometime or another,” Pinkie replied. “Well, it has to be in the Equestrian Dictionary or you can't use it.” Twilight said. After a moment's thought, she added, “And you can't scribble it into the margins.” “'Kay.” Twilight sighed and dug out her bitpurse. “Put me down for five on 'can't.'” “Only five, darling?” Rarity asked. “This is easy money, dear.” “I already have a feeling I'm going to regret betting against Pinkie Pie,” Twilight responded, burying her face in her hooves. Pinkie bounced on the table, making the bits at her hooves clatter and wobble. “All right, is everypony ready?” “Let's hear it, Pinkie.” Applejack clapped her hooves together. “Ahem.” Pinkie Pie cleared her throat. “This is entitled, 'Ode to a Pony in Orange.' In fruit-bucking circles they speak of a farm-filly who is far, far from meek. This pony in orange can go and buck more in j- -ust a day than most can in a week!”