//------------------------------// // Prompt #451-How Did This Happen? // Story: Ponywatching // by ThunderTempest //------------------------------// “Oh, Hi Rarity!” Pinkie Pie called across the marketplace as she spotted the white unicorn leaving the Ponyville Train Station, and rushed over to greet the designer with a flying tackle of a hug. “Did you have fun up in Canterlot for the weekend?” Rarity casually sidestepped the blur of pink and as the party pony approached again at a much slower pace, Rarity answered. “Why yes, I did. There were several events that I greatly enjoyed, and I do believe I shall have to have a talk with Twilight.” “Ooh, you heard as well?” “I didn’t just hear, Pinkie. I saw the two of them together. I will admit, they do make a rather interesting couple.” “I know, right? Twilight Sparkle and Lyra. Who’da thunk it?” Rarity frowned in confusion. “Lyra? As in Lyra Heartstrings? That odd mare who writes the Season Turning Songs? Are you sure, Pinkie?” “Yepperooni! I saw the two of them discussing magic in the library last night, and then they kissed, and then...,” Rarity stuck her hoof in Pinkie Pie’s mouth to cut her off. “I get the idea, dear. But I was referring to Octavia.” “That fancy earth pony cellist? I had no idea that Twilight liked classical music.” “What’s this ‘bout Twilight dating Octavia now?” “Ah, Applejack,” said Rarity, giving the farmer a gentle hug, “I trust that Farmer’s Convention in Manehatten went well?” “It shore did, but didja say that you saw Octavia and Twilight? Our Twi?” “Indeed I did. The two of them were sitting in one of the most up-scale restaurants in all of Canterlot. Romantic dinner, candles, everything. I didn’t wish to disturb them, of course, so I didn’t linger.” “That’s mighty strange, Rare.” “I know! Twilight’s with Lyra!” “Hokay. That’s even stranger, Pinkie, ‘cause I saw Twi with Bon Bon.” “What in the wide world of Equestria was Bon Bon doing in Manehatten? Wait, let me backtrack for a moment there,” said Rarity, placing her bags down on the ground, “Are you sure it was actually Bon Bon? You know that pony has goodness knows how many sisters and cousins who look almost identical.” “It was Bon Bon, or mah name isn’t Applejack,” stated the farmer, “And she usually turns up to any food or produce convention to get an idea for what candies she can make with upcoming harvests and such. We actually went together, to save on train fare, this year. But Ah saw her and Twi, sharin’ a nice little moment at Manehatten’s docks, lookin’ out over the water as the sun set behind them. Never would’a pegged Twi for the romantic type.” “Hey guys!” called Rainbow Dash, as she soared down from the sky, “Did you hear? Twilight and Ditzy got together last night up in Cloudsdale!” Rainbow was greeted with incredulous stares from her three other friends. “What? Was it something I said?” “Alright, I must put my hoof down. This is clearly a very elaborate practical joke. Well done, Pinkie, Rainbow, or whoever set this up. You may stop now,” said Rarity, her voice flat. [Time] “But...I was telling the truth,” muttered Pinkie Pie. “Rare, have y’all known me to lie this well, ever?” “Hey, what’s going on?” cried Rainbow, “Can somepony please explain it?” “My dear, each of you is under the impression that you saw Twilight Sparkle with a different mare last night. Pinkie saw Twilight in the library with Lyra, Applejack spotted her with Bon Bon in Manehatten, you apparently saw her in Cloudsdale with Derp, I mean, Ditzy Doo, and I saw her in Canterlot, having a romantic dinner with Octavia. Next thing, Fluttershy will be telling us that she saw Twilight with yet another mare!” cried Rarity, ready to go into full histrionic mode. “Oh, no I didn’t,” came the quiet reply from behind Rainbow, who stepped aside to reveal the other pegasus. “Thank Celestia for small mercies, then,” muttered Rarity, “Now, we just need to-,” “I saw her with Time Turner,” said Fluttershy. The world froze, and the four mares all turned to look at Fluttershy, who proceeded to try and hide behind her mane. “What in tarnation is happening?” said Applejack, “Twi has never even looked at a mare, or a stallion like that before. Heck, ah saw her give a book bedroom eyes once, but never another pony.” Just then, Twilight walked past, casually chatting with Vinyl Scratch, and had one of her wings casually draped over the white DJ’s side. Spotting her group of friends, Twilight waved, and began to make her way over to them. “Twilight, dear,” began Rarity once Twilight was close enough, “Are you dating any or all of the following: Lyra, Octavia, Bon Bon, Ditzy Doo, Time Turner or Vinyl Scratch?” Twilight barely needed a second to think about it. “In order, Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.” “Best polyamourous relationship ever!” crowed Vinyl, as she and Twilight walked away. The five other Elements of Harmony stared at each other for a few minutes in complete silence, before Rarity broke it. “Applejack?” “Yes, Sugarcube?” “How much of that hard cider do you have left?” Applejack thought for a minute. “Enough to give forgettin’ this a darn good try.” “Excellent. Lead on.”