//------------------------------// // Bonus #1: The 6th // Story: Thunder & Lightning // by Jetto //------------------------------// Tuesday afternoon, the stallion six gathered together at Sugarcube Corner together, using their honestly earned free coupons for baked goods and hayshakes to celebrate one of their members new achievements. A life changing landmark, new "not quite yet but getting there" marefriend and, most importantly, free food. Or at least they would, if one of them wasn't... "Excuse me I'm late, fair plebeian friends! Your Prince of Bluebloods has arrived!" Announced the unicorn, as he dramatically entered the establishment. Even the wind agreed with him on this, as it blew itself out of nowhere, just to make sure his recently nourished, silky hair was flowing for everypony else to envy and enjoy, complimented by his smooth, silky and almost sparkling coat. "What took you so long?" Asked Thunderlane, only partially amazed by his friend's impeccable presence. "We've been waiting for half an hour!" "Alas, patience is a virtue not attributed equally to the common folk, I see. Fear not, I will not blame you for being born lower than yours truly, as I appreciate and cherish your company nonetheless." The five stallions blinked, them immediately turned away and huddled together in a circle. "Why is he talking like that?" Soarin asked the others. "Reminds me of the Yinyang Panacea from back when." mentioned Doctor. "Eeyup!" Shining Armor shook his head. "Nah, he's always like that when he's back from the spa. It'll pass in a moment." The group blinked at Shining Armor, then raised their heads to take a sneak peak at Blueblood's condition. He was being greeted by Pinkie Pie in their usual fashion, answering in a similar, dramatic way as he did to them earlier, mentioning to her the splendor of today’s sunny afternoon. Pinkie left him with bittersweet expression. On one hoof, she was happy for sharing his enthusiasm. At the same time she lamented over the fact that the fabulous white unicorn was so against using her first name, even when politely (and repeatedly) asked. She did found being called "Fair Lady Pie" to be flattering. "Well, somepony sure is enjoying his free spa visits." Soarin mentioned to Blueblood, now sitting at their table. Blue scoffed at that comment. "Free? Bah, a noble such as I frowns upon taking charity from those who require it." The group blinked again. Thunderlane turned to Doctor. "What did he say?" "I think he means he's paying for his visits." "Indeed is my friend of Academically Ambiguous Doctorate correct in his assessment. What seems like a fortune to you lot, is but a spare change for those of my stature." This time it was Shining Armors time to explain. "Princess Celestia sent him an increased allowance after she found out how much he gave for charity.” The group nodded in unison, finally solving the short and easy mystery. Which still left one question unanswered. "Wait, so you didn't win the free spa visit?" Thunderlane asked. "Why would I hide my good fortune from my friends? I would gladly pass it to any of you dirty peasants, if it would make you more presentable." Thunderlane blinked and opened his mouth, struggling with his next sentence. "I... I am not sure if I should be offended by that sentence or not." He thought for a moment, and then shook his head. "Wait, if you didn't get it, then...?" He looked over his friends, but one after the other he only found shrugs, head shooks and one big 'eeynnnoope'. "Now that I remember it," Doctor put a hoof to his chin and hummed "there are only five of us who were voting... but there were six tickets sold. Who got the sixth one?" Just an hour ago, she would've scoffed at the idea of paying (insert number she was too afraid to say) for anything that wasn't furniture. But that was then and now was now. And now she was sitting in a giant tub of boiling hot, mineralized water, right after a hooficure, relaxing mud bath, few minutes in sauna and a very thorough massage performed by true artists at their craft. Raindrops was melting. And contrary to what she always told herself, that was a good feeling to have. The only shame was that this would be probably the last time, unless she gets a raise and gets promoted to a manager position (considering how many of her co-workers will be joining Wonderbolts, it wasn't that far from possibility). And she had to thank for all that her best friend, soaking right there with her. "I really needed this. Thanks again for inviting me, Blossom." The white coated mare didn't respond. She was staring at the windows, at the sunny good weather outside, though not concentrated on any of it, merely lost in her own thoughts. Blossom lowered herself until only her head was sticking out of the steamy tub. "Idiot..." She muttered. "Come again?" Raindrops looked at the mare, whose face became even redder and she put herself even lower. "N-nothing. Just... talking to myself..." Raindrops looked at her friend for a moment, before she shrugged and left her alone to her own thoughts.