Bon-Bon becomes worried that her marefriend is cheating on her with a stallion.
Bon-Bon notices that her marefriend, Lyra, has been spending a lot more time with a stallion named Noteworthy recently. Bon-Bon worries that Lyra is cheating on her and takes many measures to determine whether that is the case.
Bon-Bon was excited about tonight. It was a long week at work. It was up to Bon-Bon to ensure all the books were closed and to prepare all the schedules since the fiscal year ended last December at Barnyard Bargains, Such was the life of the lead senior accountant at Barnyard Bargains, she would have to deal the auditors from Manehattan the week after next week. Thankfully, Bon-Bon was confident that her organization was ready for the audit; Filthy Rich paid her good money for things like that. Bon-Bon was a valuable asset to Filthy Rich when it came to organizing the financial side of Barnyard Bargains.
Due to work, Bon-Bon didn't get to spend as much time with her marefriend, Lyra, as she would have liked. Bon-Bon was hoping to make up for it this weekend. She was already planning to take Lyra to the Ponyville Pet Fundraiser tonight. The Ponytones were singing at the fundraiser. Lyra was a big fan of acapella music and enjoyed attending all the Ponytones' performances. This seemed like the perfect place to take Lyra on a date. Additionally, Bon-Bon was an animal aficionado and was looking forward to seeing all the animals. It wouldn't be practical to get a pet, but Bon-Bon still loved playing with the animals.
"Lyra, are you almost ready", said the cream-colored earth pony with a hint of impatience.
"Bon-Bon, don't you see that I am trying to be fashionably late", responded the mint green-colored unicorn.
"If fashionably late means arriving at the fundraiser after the Ponytones' performance, then you seem to be heading there."
"Oh no", gasped Lyra, "what time is it?"
"You have five minutes if we want to make it to the fundraiser by 7:30."
"So, I have twenty minutes left. No need for us to arrive until 7:45."
"What else do you need to do?"
"These are the Ponytones, Bonnie! The most talented a-capella group in all of Ponyville. I need to make sure my mane is perfect and that my teeth are pearly white."
"I think you look beautiful right now."
"Aww, thanks Bon-Bon. You're too sweet."
The two mares kissed.
"I am looking forward to seeing all of the animals."
"Boring. Pets aren't sentient beings, like humans."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but how can an imaginary creature be sentient?"
"Well, I guess if you imagine the creature to be sentient and.. oh, hush hush. Humans are not imaginary and have all the intellectual capabilities of ponies and they have hands."
"Hands are lovely", said Bon-Bon with a deadpan expression.
"Say it like you mean it, Bonnie!"
Bon-Bon tugged on Lyra's tail with her teeth, which caused the unicorn to laugh loudly.
"Oh, Bon-Bon", said Lyra, "do you have a death wish? I got magic, you know."
"I pay 100% of the rent for the apartment. You need me for that."
"Aw shucks. I would have to find another sexy roommate then, nah, too much work."
The two of them liked to tease each other all the time. Witty banter was a must for the two mares.
Bon-Bon did agree to pay all the rent since she was earning a good salary and worked full-time. Bon-Bon was able to pay the monthly rent comfortably. Lyra made money solely from playing her lyre at concerts and impromptu performances at Ponyville. Bon-Bon's parents were actually worried that Lyra was simply a 'moocher', but Bon-Bon knew their relationship was much better than that. Lyra was pursuing a dream and that was something Bon-Bon really admired about her marefriend.
"Fine", said Lyra, "I guess I am ready to go."
"Perfect", said Bon-Bon with a smile.
It was comfortable outside and the sun was just beginning to set.
"It's such a beautiful night", exclaimed Lyra, "isn't it?"
Bon-Bon nodded.
"You're always taking me to nice places", continued Lyra, "where would I be without you?"
"Your pussy would be a lot more lonely."
"Ooh", said Lyra with a smirk, "I love when you talk dirty to me in public."
"I gotta be careful, don't want to make other ponies jealous."
"I don't care about that", said Lyra, "I want every pony to know that we are the hottest couple in Ponyville." Lyra began to bounce.
"Did Pinkie Pie teach you how to do that?"
"Yea, it's really neat. You should join me."
"No thanks, I am not much of a bouncer."
"Oh really? If you were a little more burly, you would make a great bouncer."
Bon-Bon smiled. She knew what Lyra was talking about.
"I suppose you're right. I would throw you out if you went to my bar."
"Why is that? Are you at the "No Sexy Allowed" bar?"
"To the contrary, I am at the "Sexy Only" bar."
The two mares kissed.
Lyra continued her bouncing. Bon-Bon briskly walked to keep up with her marefriend.
They made it to the fundraiser.
"All the cute animals!"
"The Ponytones!"
"Ponytones aren't on stage yet, Lyra", said Bon-Bon, "why don't we take a look at some of the pets?"
"Oh, alright."
A grey owl carrying roses with its beak flew towards the two mares and gave each one a rose.
"Aww, thank you", said Bon-Bon.
The owl hooted, bowed to the mares, and then flew away with the rest of the roses.
They waved to the owl.
"What a gentleowl", said Lyra letting out a loud laugh.
"More sentient than a human."
"I wonder if that was the training of Fluttershy."
"Likely, but wasn't that awesome. Props to Fluttershy then."
"OH HEY GUYS!!!"
"Hi, Pinkie Pie", said Bon-Bon.
"Yo, Pinks", said Lyra, "I bounced my way to the fundraiser."
"That is super duper coolio", said Pinkie, "WEEEEEE!!!!"
Bon-Bon couldn't help to notice that something seemed quite off about the pink pony. Pinkie was smiley, bouncy, and loud like usual. However, there was a different look in Pinkie's eye: one that seemed evil at worst and callous at best.
"So, Pinkie Pie", said Bon-Bon, "are you looking for a friend for Gummy?"
"Nah", said Pinkie, "Gummy is a retarded baby alligator. He doesn't need a friend. I am here to watch the sun set. I don't know if it's going to set or not!" Pinkie began to bounce up and down.
"Oh, Pinkie Pie", laughed Lyra, "you're such a riot!"
A balloon flew in the air.
"Ooh ooh ooh!! I must catch the balloon, okie dokie lokie, I a go-ie!"
Pinkie began to chase after the balloon.
There was definitely something wrong with Pinkie. Did the party pony snap?
"Did something seem off to you about Pinkie Pie?"
"Nothing out the ordinary. She is just zany and random."
"It seemed like her brain was off."
"Oh, Bonnie. Pinkie is just having fun, you need to chill."
Bon-Bon knew Pinkie too well. The two were close friends since Pinkie moved to Ponyville. Bon-Bon was actually the one to introduce Pinkie to the Cakes who let her stay at Sugarcube Corner. Bon-Bon knew there was definitely something wrong. She wasn't only acting stupid. She was acting mean. What would cause Pinkie to say bad things about Gummy behind his back for instance? However, Lyra was right. Bon-Bon needed to chill.
Suddenly, a beach ball landed on Bon-Bon's head. She instinctively bounced the ball off her head. She heard a high pitched bark. There was a seal. The seal caught the ball and bounced it back to Bon-Bon.
"So, you wanna play, huh?"
The seal responded by clapping his flippers.
Bon-Bon and the seal began bouncing the ball back and forth. They were both quite skilled at this game.
"You're better at this than any dog."
The seal smiled.
The two played some more, then the seal bounced the ball so high in the air that Bon-Bon wasn't able to catch it.
The seal laughed and then waddled towards Bon-Bon.
"You want to be pet, huh?"
The seal nodded.
Bon-Bon began to pet the seal and noticed his collar.
"So, your name is Seamore?"
The seal barked.
Bon-Bon wanted to take the seal home as a pet, but their apartment wouldn't be good living quarters for Seamore. He was probably better off with Fluttershy, more land and water for him, but Seamore was adorable.
"I want to take you home so badly", said Bon-Bon with a smile, "but I don't have much space."
Seamore shrugged and wrapped his flippers around Bon-Bon. He certainly could understand everything she was saying. Bon-Bon might just let Seamore live in her apartment.
Bon-Bon turned around and saw it with her own eyes. There was Lyra chatting with Noteworthy, a fellow musician, who had a little bird perched on his head. The two of them were laughing about something. Noteworthy then nuzzled Lyra's mane with his nose. Lyra smiled at Noteworthy and giggled. What was going on? Seamore must have sensed Bon-Bon's apprehension since he growled softly towards Noteworthy.
"It's okay, Seamore", said Bon-Bon, "I am sure Lyra is okay."
Seamore gave Bon-Bon a look of concern.
Bon-Bon saw that she was standing by Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Rainbow Dash.
"OOH OOH", shouted Pinkie Pie, "looks like Lyra is going to make out with that wimpy looking stallion over there!! OOH OOH!!!"
"Nonsense", said Bon-Bon, "Lyra and I are an item. Noteworthy knows that. If he tries anything, I will give him a nice punch to the jaw."
"You should do it now! DO IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!"
"Hush", said Twilight Sparkle, "the show is about to start."
"I am still scared about catching stage fright", said Pinkie Pie loudly, "is Fluttershy home sick with the stage fright?"
Twilight and Bon-Bon both facehoofed. Seamore face-flippered.
"Even the seal thinks you're a dumbass, Pinkie Pie", said Rainbow Dash.
"And plus you're acting like a total cunt", added Applejack.
"Ooh ooh", said Pinkie, "I am going to sing the cunt song! CUNT CUNT CUNT CUNT CUNT CUNT CUNT CUNT!!!"
"Shush", said Twilight clearly annoyed, "Pinkie, the Ponytones are going to sing any minute."
"Oh, right. Where's Fluttershy? I wanna see her sing again."
"After how you treated Fluttershy this morning, I would be pissed at you if I was her", grumbled Applejack.
"It was great seeing all of you", said Bon-Bon politely, "I should go join Lyra." What did Pinkie do to Fluttershy? Bon-Bon would have to have a one-on-one talk with Pinkie later.
Bon-Bon decided she would approach Lyra and Noteworthy. Seamore tagged along. Bon-Bon was nervous. Noteworthy and Lyra did hang out a lot and who knows how much time they spend together while Bon-Bon was slaving away at work. Whatever it was, Bon-Bon would get to the bottom of things.
Bon-Bon could hear Lyra's loud laughter. Lyra was so free-spirited and naïve. She probably had no clue what Noteworthy really wanted from her. Or was Bon-Bon being too naïve about Lyra, was her marefriend capable of infidelity? Ignorance on the matter was going to get the cream-colored earth pony nowhere.
Bon-Bon made her way closer to the front with Seamore. Ponies would have probably been normally pissed off by her pushing her way, but everypony was either too focused on the Ponytones setting up or smiled at Seamore. Having a seal for a companion did have its advantages.
Bon-Bon tapped Lyra's back. Lyra jumped slightly and turned around.
"Oh hey, Bon-Bon", said Lyra with a smile, "ooh, who is your new friend?"
"Oh him, this is Seamore."
Seamore barked and extended a flipper to Lyra. Lyra extended her forehoof in return and the two shook.
"This would be a lot easier if we had hands", commented Lyra.
Noteworthy laughed obnoxiously. He turned around.
"Hey Bon-Bon", said Noteworthy, "you gonna take that seal home with you?"
Seamore nodded.
"Woah", said Lyra, "we now have a pet seal, that's totally badass!"
"We would just have to figure out how to have Seamore adjust to our cozy apartment. He currently lives over by Fluttershy's cottage where he has a lot of space to roam around."
"Hmmmm, we won't have much space for Seamore. Where would he swim? The bathtub?"
Seamore shook his head and pointed to a small above-ground wading pool.
"It looks like Seamore already answered that for us. Good thing the landlord has a pets allowed policy."
"Pets can be messy though."
"I doubt Seamore is as messy as you, Lyra."
"Nonsense", said Noteworthy loudly, "Lyra is the neatest pony I know."
Bon-Bon rolled her eyes at the stallion. The bird perched on Noteworthy's head flew onto Bon-Bon's head.
"Oh, Noteworthy", giggled Lyra, "you scared the poor bird away."
"I didn't even put on my scary face", joked Noteworthy.
Lyra laughed but neither Bon-Bon, Seamore, nor the bird were amused.
"Animals like soft-spoken ponies best, that explains partially why Fluttershy does so well with them", said Bon-Bon. That could explain why Seamore and the bird felt more comfortable around her than Lyra and Noteworthy. Bon-Bon wasn't shy like Fluttershy, but she was more on the introverted side and had a soft voice.
"You could leave that boring number crunching job you have now and become an animal caretaker", said Lyra with a smile.
"True", said Bon-Bon, "but my salary would drop to a level where you would have to start paying rent too."
"Rent? What's a rent? I thought it was my magic that was keeping us at the apartment."
"What's a rent", repeated Noteworthy with laughter, "Lyrie, you're hilarious."
Lyrie? Lyra absolutely hated that nickname but the unicorn simply grinned at Noteworthy.
Okay, Bon-Bon was now officially worried, without a doubt.
For now, it was time to watch the Ponytones perform.
A white unicorn mare entered from behind the curtain and said, "Good evening, citizens of Ponyville! I want to thank you all for coming out tonight and generously supporting the Ponyville Pet Center! Thanks to your kindness, pets are finding loving homes, and we're sure to meet our fundraising goal!"
The audience cheered.
"The Ponytones are definitely my favorite a cappella group", said Lyra with a grin.
"Mine too", said Noteworthy.
Big McIntosh, Toe-Tapper, and Torch Song got on stage with the unicorn mare and then they began to sing.
"Trot outside and you see the sunshine Something's in the air today Sky is clear and you're feelin' so fine Everything's gonna be A-Okay
If you listen carefully On every corner there's a rhythm playing Then it happens suddenly The music takes you over and you'll
Find you've got the music Got the music in you Find you've got the music Got the music in you
Oh, o-o-oh Everypony's sayin' you should learn to express your voice But if talk doesn't seem like it's the answer
Luckily you have a choice When you find you've got the music Got the music in you Find you've got the music Got the music in you Got the music, got the music in you!"
Bon-Bon usually wasn't a big fan of a cappella, but she had to admit they were good. They were better than the a cappella groups she had seen when she was at Canterlot University. It made the earth pony wish she had a decent singing voice.
Everypony applauded, including Seamore who was very much impressed.
"Wow, I see why you like them", Bon-Bon said to Lyra, "but what's the unicorn's name? Having trouble recalling it."
"Oh her", said Lyra, "that is Rarity. Funny she's the one you didn't know, Rarity is probably the most famous of the four."
"Oh, but Big Mac is the most handsome of the group." The two of them would regularly talk about stallions who were hot and ones who were not despite being a lesbian couple. What would Lyra say with Noteworthy around?
"Yea, he is a hunk", responded Lyra, "but has no personality."
"He's got plenty of it", retorted Bon-Bon, "he's just a little shy."
"Ho ho", laughed Noteworthy, "I got much more personality than McIntosh, right Lyra?"
"Of course", responded Lyra with a smile, "you have more personality than no personality."
Lyra and Noteworthy laughed. Seamore growled at Noteworthy.
"Woah, little guy", said Noteworthy, "what's the matter?"
"Seamore is a fan of Big Mac too", said Bon-Bon petting Seamore.
"Eeyup", said Lyra.
Seamore must have sensed exactly what Bon-Bon sensed. There was something going on between the two of them. Bon-Bon was 100% confident that Noteworthy wanted to sleep with Lyra. However, what did Lyra want out of it? Bon-Bon needed to stay optimistic. She didn't initiate any flirting with the stallion yet. It was all the work of Noteworthy. The stallion had some balls to do that around Bon-Bon, or was he simply failing miserably at trying to be subtle?
"We should get going, Lyra. Want to figure out if Seamore can live with us, right!"
"Yea, we should."
Seamore clapped his flippers with excitement.
"Lyra and Bon-Bon, It was a pleasure seeing you both", said Noteworthy with a smile, "we certainly heard beautiful music tonight."
"Oh, yes we have, Noteworthy", responded Lyra.
No sense of romance between Lyra and Noteworthy during that interaction, however, she was there. If Lyra was cheating on Bon-Bon, Lyra certainly wouldn't make it obvious when she knew that Bon-Bon was around.
On their way out, Bon-Bon could hear Pinkie's voice: "Fluttershy, you were on the wrong side of the curtain! You totally missed the show!"
Bon-Bon could hear Rarity respond, "Uh, just like a true professional, Fluttershy was backstage making sure everything ran smoothly!"
It made Bon-Bon wonder. What did Pinkie do to Fluttershy that had Applejack so miffed with Pinkie? Bon-Bon wished she just asked. Applejack would have told the truth even with Pinkie right there. It couldn't be that Fluttershy had given Pinkie the silent treatement, right? Fluttershy was a quiet pony anyway. Rarity didn't seem like such a quiet pony.
Bon-Bon, Lyra, and Seamore arrived at the apartment. Lyra used her magic to levitate the wading pool for the walk home, which was good for Bon-Bon. Bon-Bon and Lyra kissed. Seamore clapped his flippers with approval. Seamore knows how things should be.
"Hey Bonnie, where should I put this pool?"
"Let's take it outside. I'll fill in the water and set up the filter."
"You're too kind", said Lyra with a smile on her face.
"I think we will make things work for Seamore. Right, buddy?"
Seamore nodded.
When the pool was placed outside, Bon-Bon got a hose and began to fill the pool up.
"Hey Bon-Bon. I must say this is the most fun idea you have ever had."
"Seamore now has a loving home, there is purpose to this idea."
"So, you think my ideas simply lack purpose?"
Lyra liked to catch Bon-Bon off guard. Bon-Bon grew nervous. She couldn't lose Lyra to that tool. She couldn't!!
"It's not that", said Bon-Bon with a sense of anxiety, "it's just that I.."
"Don't lie to me, Bon-Bon", interrupted Lyra.
"Please don't get mad for the truth, but you know acting like a human isn't going to bring humans here."
"Hey", said Lyra, "sitting right on my flank is the most comfortable position ever. It's got more purpose to me than humans. Noteworthy thinks it's cute."
Why bring up Noteworthy?
"That's somepony I think we should talk about right now."
"Noteworthy? He's just a friend, Bonnie."
"I believe that you just see him as a friend, but don't you think that Noteworthy seems too comfortable with you?"
"Noteworthy's just really friendly. Not all of us ponies are stuck-up and cold hearted like my terrifyingly sexy marefriend."
Stuck-up and cold hearted, but terrifyingly sexy? Bon-Bon smiled.
Bon-Bon could be all three of those things.
"C'mon Lyra, I need you to melt that cold heart of mine", said Bon-Bon with a wink.
"Let's roleplay", said Lyra, "I'm Noteworthy and you're me."
Bon-Bon laughed. This would be fun.
"Hey Lyra, I think your marefriend thinks I want to sleep with you", said Lyra in a deep voice.
"Of course you do, Notie-poo. I am the second sexiest pony to ever walk on this Earth. I am grateful to have found the sexiest pony ever."
"Oh thank you, Lyra. I am honored for the title."
"Not you, silly filly. You're probably like number one million on the list at best. I am talking about Bon-Bon. She is the smartest, sexiest, prettiest, and most perfect pony in all of Equestria. That's why I picked her and not you, buddy."
"What about a threesome? Heh heh."
"I can't have you soiling the sexy, Notie-poo."
This certainly lightened up the mood. It was what Bon-Bon loved about Lyra. However, Bon-Bon wasn't fully convinced that there was no affair.
The pool finished filling up with water. Seamore jumped in the pool causing water to splash on both Lyra and Bon-Bon.
The two mares laughed and seemed to have forgotten all of their troubles.
"Let's take a swim, Bonnie", said Lyra seductively.
"Don't do anything nuts in front of our baby!"
"Our baby?"
"Seamore."
"He's our baby now?"
"He's the cutest thing ever."
"Cuter than me, Bonnie?"
"Eeyup."
Bon-Bon and Lyra took off their 'clothes' and got into the pool, enjoying the night.
Bon-Bon wouldn't talk about Noteworthy again unless she saw some more evidence of an affair.
Bon-Bon woke up to a beautiful Saturday morning. Perhaps, everything was going to be a-ok for the cream colored earth pony. She had a fantastic marefriend and a pet seal. Lyra was still sound asleep and snoring. Oh Lyra! Even when she looked her least sexy, she was still sexy. Bon-Bon slowly got out of bed. She hoped that Seamore was alright.
Bon-Bon smiled when she saw that Seamore was sleeping in the basket with pillows she set up for him. She needed to get seal food for Seamore. Seals eat fish in their natural habitat. However, Ponyville was certainly not the natural habitat. Meat products were not served anywhere in Ponyville. Thankfully, seals have evolved somewhat with ponies and can eat non-meat products. Bon-Bon would have to experiment and see what Seamore liked to eat.
Bon-Bon put on her 'clothes' and went out to the village square. She knew who would know for sure, Fluttershy. The earth pony could always research the matter herself on the Internet, but Fluttershy would know what food Seamore specifically liked best while the Internet would only give an idea of what seals generally eat.
Bon-Bon took the walk over to Fluttershy's cottage. She could see that Fluttershy's animal friends were all hanging outside, but no sign of Fluttershy. Bon-Bon knocked softly on the door. Perhaps Fluttershy was still asleep. Bon-Bon didn't want to disturb Fluttershy at all. Suddenly, the door opened. There was a little white rabbit.
"Fluttershy", said Bon-Bon, "is he here?"
The rabbit shook his head. Animals always seemed to understand what ponies had to say. Lyra was wrong about animals not being sentient.
Odd though, Fluttershy wasn't at her cottage. She was always here on Saturday mornings. Did Pinkie do something terrible or was Fluttershy simply out having fun with her friends? Bon-Bon supposed it didn't matter. She would find seal food somewhere. Barnyard Bargains, of course!
Bon-Bon giggled to herself. She felt like she was in a "Barnyard Bargains" commercial. They had every product at a bargain. Bon-Bon walked briskly to the mega department store.
She saw a smiling elderly unicorn mare at the front.
"Hi, welcome to Barnyard Bargains! How can I help you today?"
"Know anything about seal food?"
"We have all sorts of pet food in Aisle 11. A pretty lady such as yourself should have no trouble finding what you need."
"Thanks."
Bon-Bon examined the food in Aisle 11. What would be perfect for Seamore? She wished that she asked the seal what he liked to eat.
Suddenly, Bon-Bon heard a loud gasp.
Pinkie Pie?
"OOH OOH!!! There is no cake for Gummy here! Barnyard Bargains doesn't know what pet food is", shouted Pinkie on the top of her lungs. Cake wasn't for pets, Pinkie was acting awfully stupid.
"Hi Pinkie", said Bon-Bon.
"Hey. I am going to bounce in place right now." Pinkie began doing such.
"Umm, Pinkie. Is everything alright?"
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"You're acting kind of different."
Pinkie gulped and darted out of the store. Bon-Bon guessed that Pinkie wouldn't be buying pet food for Gummy at Barnyard Bargains. What the hell was up with Pinkie anyway? She was clearly hiding something given her reaction to being told that she was acting "different".
Bon-Bon settled on a big bag of "Kibbles and Bits for Seals". It showed a happy seal on it. She recognized the logo on the top. It was of a pony and a dog. Mr. Trotter, an elderly and kind-hearted stallion, used to own a pet product shop in Ponyville. However, Trotter sold his business to Barnyard Bargains a few years ago. She hoped Barnyard Bargains didn't completely tank the quality of the food. She would find out.
Bon-Bon returned home with the Seal Kibbles and Bits. She saw that Seamore and Lyra were eating cake together and laughing. Bon-Bon smiled. She supposed cake could be for pets.
"Hey, Lyra and Seamore", said Bon-Bon, "Mommy is home with some delicious food for Seamore."
"Not as good as cake, I bet, right buddy?"
Seamore barked.
"This food is good and nutritious for growing seals."
"And cake isn't?"
Bon-Bon smiled. She hoped that he would at least try the seal food, but he was probably stuffed from too much cake. Bon-Bon would experiment with the kibbles and bits at dinner time.
"Weren't the Ponytones great, Bon-Bon"
"Yes, they were."
"The group must have been extra good last night. They scheduled a performance at Sugarcube Corner tonight, wanna go?"
"Sure. It's not like we have anything better to do, right?"
"Definitely not", said Lyra with a big grin, "I love the Ponytones!
"As much as you love humans?"
"Nah, the Ponytones are somewhere between humans and you in the love department."
Lyra kissed Bon-Bon on the forehead. Anytime Bon-Bon was kissed by Lyra, she felt like she was on cloud nine with happiness.
"Ponytones must be unbelievably and mind-numbingly sexy then", said Bon-Bon returning the kiss to Lyra.
Lyra smiled.
Bon-Bon knew that tonight could be one where she could figure some important things out: whether Noteworthy was going to be there and, if he was, what he would do to Lyra. The other not as important thing was to figure out what was going on with Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie would be harder to reach than Bon-Bon originally anticipated.
Bon-Bon could see that Seamore tore open the bag of Kibbles and Bits and began eating from it. Good, at least Seamore could be fed more than cake in this apartment. Thank Celestia!
Bon-Bon smiled at Seamore and the seal smiled back.
Bon-Bon was pleased that Seamore did like the seal food.
"Seamore", asked Bon-Bon, "would you want to go with us to Sugarcube Corner or stay in the apartment?"
The seal continued to munch happily.
"I guess that means you'll stay here."
"Do we really want to leave Seamore by himself", asked Lyra.
"Won't be a problem", said Bon-Bon, "I feel more comfortable leaving Seamore home alone than I do you."
Lyra rolled her eyes.
"At least Seamore won't try to conjure up a messy and pointless spell which involves turning half the kitchen appliances into hands", added Bon-Bon.
"He totally would if he had a unicorn horn."
"Not necessarily, I certainly wouldn't be inclined to do such a thing."
"That's because you're no fun", responded Lyra with a smile, "come on, Ponytones time!!"
"See you later, Seamore", said Bon-Bon.
Seamore turned away from the food towards Bon-Bon for a second to wave goodbye.
Bon-Bon and Lyra were waiting on line at Sugarcube Corner.
"You really think a seal is tidier and more responsible than me", asked Lyra.
"I don't think so, I know so", responded Bon-Bon with a smile.
"I will bet you fifty bits that the house is going to be a total mess when we get back. Seamore's an animal who doesn't know any better."
"You're on", said Bon-Bon, "I have never agreed to a bet with such confidence in my life.'
"You're so funny when you're sarcastic."
The two mares got to the entrance. There was Pinkie Pie at the front with a big grin.
"Ooh ooh", said Pinkie quickly and hyperactively while bouncing up and down, "what is sarcasmastic?"
Ugh, Pinkie, she's not supposed to be stupid.
"Pinkie, you're so silly", Lyra laughed.
"I am thinking of dumping my five loser friends to spend more time with you two", said Pinkie, "what do you mares think? Ooh, Lyra, I see you're not with that sexy hunk!! What happened?"
"You mean the pony you called the 'wimpy stallion'", asked Bon-Bon.
"Well, I guess.. but Lyra is here, so I have to call him a sexy hunk to make her smile!!"
"Noteworthy and I are just friends, Pinkie Pie", said Lyra, "Bon-Bon is my true love."
"What you say is one thing, but what I've seen you do with him is another matter."
Fuck you, Pinkie Pie, what the hell are you trying to do, thought Bon-Bon.
"Pinkie, you're not making me smile", said Bon-Bon.
"Oh, oopsies", said Pinkie, "I am trying to be more honest about the world." The pink pony sighed sadly. What was going on?
Bon-Bon looked Pinkie in the eye. She definitely wasn't herself. The twinkle in Pinkie's eyes almost seemed malicious. No, that wasn't Pinkie. That wasn't her at all. However, Bon-Bon definitely wasn't misinterpreting things. Bon-Bon already brought up to Pinkie that she "wasn't being herself" and she responded by running away. For now, she would play it like everything was normal.
Bon-Bon and Lyra went inside and found seats for the Ponytones show.
"Bon-Bon", whispered Lyra, "I think you might have been right about Pinkie. Something is definitely not right."
"Yes, I am more certain of it now than ever."
But what if Pinkie was right about Lyra and Noteworthy? Pinkie doesn't need to be her normal self to tell the truth. Who knows what Lyra and Noteworthy do while Bon-Bon was out at work?
"HEY LYRIE AND BONNIE"
Noteworthy... ugh. He was with two of his friends. Maybe they would keep the ass in line.
"Oh hi, Noteworthy", said Lyra with a smile, "hey Pokey Pierce and Thunderlane."
"We are here to see these wonderful Ponytones our friend was raving about last night", said Pokey.
"Like I said, they are gonna be da bomb", said Noteworthy, "right, Lyrie?"
"Of course, they are always the best", said Lyra.
"Your voice would be perfect for the Ponytones, it sounds like heaven to me."
Bon-Bon saw Thunderlane punch Noteworthy softly on the shoulder. Probably a reminder to not be such a creep towards Lyra.
"I agree", added Bon-Bon, "Lyra has the best voice in all of Ponyville. Why haven't you joined the Ponytones?"
"You know, Bonnie", responded Lyra, "playing the lyre, that's my style!"
"That is a rather noteworthy thing for you to say", said Noteworthy with a chuckle.
Oh Celestia, someone shut this guy up.
Lyra giggled like a little filly at the comment. Ugh, Lyra was always a sucker for cheesy humor.
"Mares and stallions, I would like to introduce our singing group, the Ponytones", said Rarity with a glow, "thank you everypony for showing up tonight."
Big Mac, Torch Song, and Toe-Tapper got on stage along with Rarity and the show began.
"PONYTONES, WOO HOO", cheered Noteworthy.
Thunderlane shushed Noteworthy.
A few minutes into the show, the curtain was knocked over falling right on the Ponytones. Bon-Bon could see that Fluttershy was flying around in the air while singing with a deep bass voice. It sounded so unlike Fluttershy, but it was a very good singing voice. Bon-Bon never knew Fluttershy was so talented in that regard.
This was definitely the Ponytones' best performance ever.
Poor Fluttershy felt humiliated though and ran away crying. Bon-Bon wished Fluttershy would have stayed long enough to hear how incredible she truly was from ponies individually. Bon-Bon knew that large crowds made Fluttershy nervous and irrational.
Pinkie Pie approached Bon-Bon and Lyra.
"Hey Bon-Bon and Lyra, great show, huh?"
"Yup", responded Bon-Bon.
"Shy ponies have no place in this world besides to either toughen up or be tortured by their less-shy peers", said Pinkie Pie with an eerie calm, "tonight, I will make that clear to Fluttershy. Perhaps I will tell her that I don't want to catch the stage fright. Perhaps I will make Fluttershy cry anytime she acts insecure. My father always said that was the best way to knock out the insecurity of any pony."
"Fluttershy certainly has fewer insecurities than you", responded Bon-Bon.
"Hey, Noteworthy", cheered Pinkie Pie, "you look like you would make a great coltfriend to Lyra over here."
This made Noteworthy grin goofy-like.
"Ugh", groaned Thunderlane, "sorry ladies, my friend, Noteworthy, seems to have an interest in Lyra."
"Lyra and Noteworthy", said Pinkie with a smile, "I can see it now. You two would make the cutest couple ever! I have seen it with my own two eyes."
"Pinkie", groaned Lyra, "this isn't funny at all."
Twilight Sparkle approached Pinkie.
"Come on, Pinkie! Let's go find Fluttershy", said Twilight Sparkle.
"Okie dokie lokie, I a go-ee!!" Pinkie Pie bounced away with Twilight. Poor Fluttershy. At least, a pony like Twilight would probably defend Fluttershy against what ever ploy Pinkie had in mind.
"What's up with Pinkie", asked Thunderlane, "she seems different somehow."
"Huh", said Noteworthy defensively, "are you just saying that because she suggested that Lyra and I would make a cute couple?"
Bon-Bon could tell that all of this was making Lyra feel incredibly awkward.
"We should go", said Pokey Pierce, "Noteworthy, you were right about one thing, the Ponytones were awesome!"
"Don't forget our music practice session Monday afternoon, Lyra", said Noteworthy.
"That's something I certainly could never forget", responded Lyra almost flirtatiously.
Oh crap. Was this affair happening and Bon-Bon was simply being made a fool? Lyra didn't seem particularly uncomfortable with any of Noteworthy's creepy advances, rather Lyra seemed uncomfortable at the prospect of having a 'relationship' between the two be public knowledge.
"Time for us to go", said Noteworthy, "however, good night to you, Lyra and Bon-Bon."
"Good night guys", said Lyra.
"Good night Pokey and Thunderlane", said Bon-Bon. She would not acknowledge Noteworthy under any circumstance at this point.
"Sorry about Noteworthy", said Lyra, "he has an interesting sense of humor. Don't take what he says seriously."
"I trust you, Lyra", said Bon-Bon.
This was a flat-out lie. Bon-Bon had reasons to be nervous. There was definitely something, even if there wasn't any physical intimacy between the two... there was some form of emotional intimacy, something that made Bon-Bon feel wary. Or perhaps Lyra was just too nice. If Noteworthy tried that shit on Bon-Bon, she would have whacked him silly unless she liked him back.
"You know that I love you, right?"
"Of course, Lyra. I certainly don't doubt that." Lyra and Bon-Bon kissed.
However, the fear was whether Lyra loved Noteworthy too.
The two mares left Sugarcube Corner together.
They ran into Pinkie. Jeez, she was everywhere these days.
"Ooh ooh", said Pinkie while bouncing in place, "I was super duper successful tonight. I made Fluttershy cry twice. A point to the normal and well-adjusted pony!!"
Normal and well-adjusted? That certainly wasn't Pinkie at this moment.
"Hey Pinkie", said Bon-Bon, "we really should talk. As one of your best friends, I am kind of concerned about you. You have never acted so cruelly and callously before."
"Fine", said Pinkie with that unusually calm tone, "we will talk, but I think Lyra should head back home. I wish to only speak to you and you alone."
Lyra looked concerned but Bon-Bon told her, "It's okay, I want to do this."
Lyra left.
"Let's go back to Sugarcube Corner", said Pinkie, "I'll explain everything there." Pinkie bounced her way to Sugarcube Corner and Bon-Bon followed.
Sugarcube Corner seemed very different than it did an hour ago. Previously, it was bustling and loud with hundreds of ponies inside. Now, it was just Bon-Bon and Pinkie Pie at the bakery.
Pinkie wasn't smiling at all. The two mares arrived at Pinkie's apartment. There was Gummy standing silently at the corner.
"You are a nosy mare, aren't you", said Pinkie with that unusually calm voice, "has any pony ever told you that you ask too many questions?"
Bon-Bon could only nod. She was beginning to grow afraid of the out-of-character pink pony.
"Relax", said Pinkie, "I don't want to hurt you."
"Who are you trying to hurt then? It is just.. these past few days.. you have been acting so strange."
"I would say that I am acting quite like myself actually. I have plans. You could say that they are plans which could change Ponyville forever."
"What in Celestia's name is the matter", asked Bon-Bon, "I may not be part of that element of harmony gang but we have known each other for so long. We used to be best friends."
"Don't try to emotionally manipulate me with the past", said Pinkie, "since I will let you know that I have no true recollection of the past beyond those few days."
"Huh?"
"Come on", said Pinkie slapping Bon-Bon on the back, "you're a smart mare. Figure out what even Twilight Sparkle hasn't figured out yet. Well, the difference between you two is that Twilight thinks I am an utter moron but you... you see me in a different light."
Bon-Bon worked on putting the pieces of together of what Pinkie said. She looked into the pink mare's eyes. It was almost like the real Pinkie Pie wasn't there..
That's it!
"You are not Pinkie Pie", responded Bon-Bon.
"Yippee, you are super duper smart", said 'Pinkie' with a grin, "when I first arrived at Ponyville, I knew that I would rather be friends with you and Lyra than the Mane Six."
"You're no friend of mine", growled Bon-Bon, "where the hell is Pinkie Pie?"
"Ponyville will perhaps be more amazed by that story than anything else", said 'Pinkie', "but first, I shall show you my true form."
Light burst out of 'Pinkie Pie' and in her place was a Changeling, a black large bug-like creature with a horn and wings.
"Pleased to finally meet you in my true form", said the Changeling, "I am Plot Convenience."
Bon-Bon stared at the Changeling. Things finally made sense. It was Plot Convenience.
"I have been around Ponyville for a long time now", said Plot with a slight smile, "I used to hang around Canterlot but I managed to sneak my way onto a hot air balloon Ms. Twilight Sparkle was travelling in to Ponyville. I have been taking on forms of ponies here since I arrived. I have taken on your form a few times actually. Remember the second to last Winter Wrap Up?"
"Yes, ponies were confused about my whereabouts even though I was working on the same field the whole time."
"Double the Bon-Bon, double the fun. I have also taken on Lyra's form more than once. The first time I screwed up though and made her an earth pony rather than a unicorn. Some idiots were asking me, "Lyra, where's your horn?", and I was like, "Fuck off, I'm not Lyra LOL!!". I also took on Applejack's form half the time during Season Two. She was acting like a background pony anyway."
"You're sounding like a nutcase", Bon-Bon was terrified inside but was determined not to show that to the Changeling.
"The fun has just begun", said Plot, "I have now become Pinkie Pie. The true story, whether you believe me or not, is that Pinkie Pie wanted to get away from Ponyville and travel the world. Cheese Sandwich had inspired her in that regard. Hell, I think the two of them are going to sleep together and Pinkie will come back with a child or something like that. Pinkie is the only pony to have known about my existence and she actually sought out my services. She didn't want to disappoint her friends by leaving so I took her form."
"Admittedly, that story does make sense to me. It is a Pinkie Pie thing to do. But you're a clever little bitch and you could have just made up a perfectly plausible story about Pinkie's whereabouts and have her locked up somewhere."
"Why would I do that? I am just a sweet little changeling that doesn't want to harm any pony."
"Why are you making Pinkie so obnoxious, so shrill, so callous, and such a bitch?"
"It is all part of the plan", said Plot, "I do hate the status quo right now in Ponyville. A pony like Pinkie Pie earns a lot of respect because she smiles and bounces and throws some parties?!?! I am here to completely destroy Pinkie's character. I think I am beginning to create the drift between myself and the five elements of harmony. Applejack can't help herself but be brutally honest about my personality flaws being magnified to an extreme. Rainbow Dash has become more of a bully to me and openly mocks my intelligence/judgment. Rarity is haughty with me for making Fluttershy cry three times over the course of two days. Fluttershy just smiles and says, "It's okay, I forgive you", anytime I hurt her. She's hilarious. I can do anything to her and she will still be nice to me. Twilight is kind of like you.. trying to get me to talk about my problems with her so she can help, what a perfect Mary Sue she is, huh. I'm surprised that Twilight hasn't figured me out yet. Unlike you, she has some magic spell which can detect changelings if she chooses to activate it. I know Twilight hasn't done it yet. A Changeling always knows when that is happening."
"Twilight trusts you", said Bon-Bon, "that's why she hasn't figured it out yet. She also hasn't known you as long as I have known you."
"Twilight thinks the real Pinkie Pie is an idiot", said Plot, "that is perhaps my greatest advantage. All of these little slip-ups in my character seem in-character to her."
"Even if Twilight hasn't figured it out yet", said Bon-Bon, "how can you be certain that her other friends haven't yet?"
"They don't have special magic which can detect changelings and I have no plans to tell any of them.. hey.. I am a changeling."
"What's going to stop me from telling them who you really are?"
"Those things I blabbed out about Noteworthy and Lyra are half-true."
"Half-true?"
"Yes", said Plot, "it is clear to me that Noteworthy is head-over-heels in love with Lyra. He is actively trying to sleep with Lyra. I haven't seen any outright reciprocation from Lyra yet, but she hasn't rejected him either."
"Lyra is kind of naïve", responded Bon-Bon, "she legitimately thinks that Noteworthy just wants to be her friend."
"That is my assessment as well, but Noteworthy has been trying to think of ways to get Lyra away from you. I even overheard him talking with his friends about wanting to find some dirt on you which would make it seem like that you are cheating on Lyra thus getting Lyra to go to him. There is one thing I ask of you, let me do what I need to do", said Plot Convenience, "and I will ensure that Noteworthy is not bothering Lyra anymore. I, as Plot Convenience, only wish to see you and Lyra happy and together."
Bon-Bon needed a minute to think about how she should respond. She didn't trust the changeling, but what if the changeling could get Noteworthy to go away? Was that worth it? Chances were good that Pinkie was happily off in some distant land with Cheese Sandwich anyway.
Bon-Bon had to think carefully about how to approach the situation with the changeling in front of her.
"Bon-Bon", said Plot, "I think I have made a perfectly reasonable deal with you. Why do you hesitate?"
"It is a deal which allows you to destroy Pinkie Pie's reputation."
"Why should that matter so much to you? A Ponyville without Pinkie Pie can't honestly change that much for you or Lyra!"
"Yes, it would and it breaks my heart that you are turning the town against her. Pinkie trusted you to make the ponies around her smile."
"It is the fault of Pinkie to trust me", said Plot while waving a claw.
"As it would be my own damn fault if I take this deal with you, how do I even know you will keep your end of the bargain?"
"I was wrong about you."
"In what sort of way", asked Bon-Bon with a roll of the eyes.
"I thought you would pick the most rational decision for yourself without any sort of hesitation."
"We ponies care too much for the others around us to always let logic be the sole factor of decision-making."
"So is your final decision to not help me?"
"Twilight Sparkle is going to find out about your plan eventually. When she does, the town will rally around her to get your pathetic changeling ass out of town."
"You really think I would let something that stupid occur."
"Yes, I do."
Plot shrieked and convulsed.
"Did I break you, Plot Convenience?"
Plot continued her odd convulsing. Bon-Bon was afraid that Plot was going to kill her right then and now.
"You clearly have no clue what I'm capable of", snarled Plot, "you think you're so goddamn awesome, I bet. What's so special about you anyway? You don't even have wings or a horn for magic."
Bon-Bon smirked at Plot.
"You're getting me so goddamn close to ensuring that Lyra will never love you again. I can transform into any pony anywhere and at any time. I was the star student at Changeling School and have 100% confidence that I can make myself an evil Bon-Bon who will torture and harass Lyra to no end - she may not run to Noteworthy but she would run far far away from you."
"Says the Changeling who transformed into a Lyra without a horn."
Bon-Bon's mood had gotten much better. She felt like she was hitting at Plot's weak points quite nicely - the changeling was still a dangerous foe, but Bon-Bon needed to keep agitating the changeling and undermining her sense of confidence.
"You will regret not following through with my plan, Bon-Bon."
"What? Are you going to lock me up like you probably did with Pinkie Pie?"
"I already told you what Pinkie did."
"We already established that I am having trouble believing anything that you say."
"Believe this, Bon-Bon. I have fallen in love with both you and Lyra and I want you two to be happy together."
"Are you trying to set up a threesome", asked Bon-Bon, "Lyra isn't exactly the kinky type."
"How can you be so cold, you lectured me on the feelings of others, but perhaps I should be lecturing you on such matters instead." Plot began to cry loudly.
Plot seemed to be at her weakest. She wouldn't stop crying and curled up in a ball.
Bon-Bon felt awkward. She couldn't tell if Plot was really distraught or trying to manipulate Bon-Bon.
"Plot, I am sorry for being insensitive", said Bon-Bon giving Plot a soft pat.
"I..I...uh...uh...love", said Plot with a stutter and then began to laugh hysterically.
"Oh, Bonnie", said Plot calmly, "you underestimate me so. Don't you want to know why Twilight, Celestia's most prized student, hasn't figured out I am a goddamn changeling? Let's say that even though you don't like me much, I do have friends."
Shit. Bon-Bon tried to run but everything went dark.
Bon-Bon woke up on the stone ground. She couldn't see a thing. It was so cold. What the hell did Plot do to her? Bon-Bon was able to move around. She just needed to know exactly where she was.
She walked around in the dark and heard a breathing sound. This caused Bon-Bon to shriek.
"Another pony? Thank goodness", said a voice.
It did sound like Twilight.
"Twilight Sparkle, is that you?"
"Yes it is. Bon-Bon, now you're a pony I never expected to get stuck in all of this."
"Pinkie and I have been good friends for a long time. I knew something was up right away."
"Me too. I was able to detect that Pinkie was a changeling and foolishly tried to confront her on it. The changeling ran to Sugarcube Corner. I cornered her but the changeling knocked me out and I ended up here. We aren't far. This is just the basement of Sugarcube Corner. But I haven't seen Pinkie Pie anywhere.. I hope that Pinkie is alright, this changeling has a vendetta against Pinkie and will stop at absolutely nothing to . I also wanted to say that your actions were admirable."
"Huh?"
"I heard you and Plot talking. Your refusal to help Plot in her plan to sabotage Pinkie, that means something. I know it was probably hard for you to not let Plot help keep your relationship with Lyra secure."
"It's okay", said Bon-Bon with a smile, "I don't think I could have lived with myself if I was responsible for the down fall of Pinkie Pie."
"I hope we can stop it before it's too late. From listening to you two, it sounds like that the others in my group of friends are already suspicious. However, none of them can detect changelings."
"Some pony else might confront her though. I did."
"I could see Applejack and Rainbow Dash tag-teaming Pinkie trying to figure out what's up", Twilight chuckled.
"Yea, you're right", said Bon-Bon, "but I think this changeling has an odd obsession with me and Lyra. Plot really wanted me to join forces with her and when I refused, Plot almost lost it.. or seemed to lost it.. it probably was Plot's attempt to manipulate me emotionally."
"That's all it is, Bon-Bon", said Twilight, "Plot seemed creepily obsessed with me and the other elements of harmony. Plot's motivations and desires are insane and irrational. However, Plot is not a stupid changeling. I have learned that from her conversations with who I presume is another changeling."
"Were you at the Ponyville Pet Fundraiser last night?"
"I wasn't."
"You were at the fundraiser. The other changeling is pretending to be you."
"Oh Celestia", chuckled Twilight, "I hope the changeling isn't making me out-of-character."
"Nothing I have seen, except.. I dunno.. I didn't get to talk to your fake much, but I got the impression that she thought Pinkie was acting normally. Have you thought about how to get out of here yet?"
"The walls of this basement have conveniently cancelled out my magic, so no, I haven't."
"Yes, quite convenient."
"I wish I could see in here, it's so goddamn dark."
"I am so hurt", said Bon-Bon with a giggle, "Plot said she loved me so much but she locks me in this basement. I guess it is one of her kinks. She wants to have a threesome with me and Lyra. Watch out, Twilight, you might be taking Lyra's place."
"Oh Bon-Bon", said Twilight, "I see why you and Pinkie are such good friends."
"Pinkie wants a threesome?"
Twilight laughed sincerely but clearly wasn't the kind of pony who would be talking about threesomes herself.
"Twilight, we need to get out of here somehow. I know you don't have your magic to help you out, but certainly there has to be a way."
"I have been trying and trying. We would need to break the fourth wall like Pinkie Pie for any chance to get out."
"Break the fourth wall", shouted Bon-Bon with glee, "that's it! This is Pinkie's basement after all. There has to be some way or method we can pull a Pinkie Pie and get out of here."
"Bonnie, that is ridiculous. I certainly can't do that."
"Hmmm, we probably can't. You're right, but we could break one of the four walls here. Pinkie showed me around this basement when we were fillies. There is a secret tunnel somewhere. We have to crack the fourth wall to get to the tunnel. It isn't hard, just a scrape will do it. These walls are very sensitive."
"Fantastically convenient for us."
"Yes. We just need less plot and more convenience."
"You're a punster too? Celestia help me."
Bon-Bon searched around the room looking for tools she could use to crack the wall but no luck.
"Twilight, have you found anything?"
"Nope. Bon-Bon, I hate to say it...but... we might be stuck here."
"We just have to think outside the box! I could try breaking the wall myself but my hooves aren't strong enough to make a break. However, I know something that is."
"Oh Celestia, I know what you're thinking. Ummm, it's going to be painful for me."
"Plot will probably bring a lot more pain to you if you stay here."
"I know you're right."
It was too dark to see anything but Bon-Bon could hear a chiseling sound. Twilight was using her horn to try to break the wall. Bon-Bon could hear the groans coming from Twilight. This better work or Bon-Bon owed Twilight big time.
Suddenly, there was a crumbling sound.
"Bon-Bon, it's working!! The wall is opening. Oh my, you are a genius, thank you! Let's get out of here, huh?"
"Yup."
It was a crazy idea, but it worked. Bon-Bon smiled to herself for thinking like the real Pinkie Pie would. Bon-Bon and Twilight entered the secret tunnel. The dark tunnel suddenly became right. Bon-Bon could see a smile on Twilight's face. Her magic was working again.
Bon-Bon and Twilight Sparkle walked briskly through the tunnel. At this point, anything was better than being locked up by Plot Convenience.
Despite Twilight's "flashlight", the tunnel was still dark. Bon-Bon went into one of the tunnels when she was a filly with Pinkie Pie. However, the pink pony was so familiar with the tunnel that she knew exactly where she was going. Neither Bon-Bon nor Twilight had that advantage.
"I wonder where this tunnel is going to lead us", said Twilight, "hopefully, above ground."
"Did Pinkie ever talk to you about the tunnels", asked Bon-Bon.
"No, she hasn't", responded Twilight, "until you brought it up, I honestly never knew these tunnels existed. Where is Pinkie anyway?"
"I don't know for sure, for Pinkie's sake, I hope that Plot isn't lying to us about Pinkie's whereabouts."
"I can't believe that Pinkie Pie would just take off like that", said Twilight with disappointment, "and leave that thing in her place."
"I do believe though that Pinkie wouldn't want to disappoint her friends. If she felt the need to leave for some reason, finding a substitute would be a Pinkie Pie-esque solution."
"I suppose", said Twilight, "oh Celestia, this explains so much. I just hope Pinkie is alright."
"Me too, Twilight."
The two mares continued their trek in the tunnel. Bon-Bon felt more apprehensive. There seemed to be no end in sight.
"Twi, do you have any spells which can detect an exit?"
"That would be too convenient", said Twilight with a smile, "so, probably not."
"Damn it, Twilight", responded Bon-Bon with a chuckle, "oh well, I guess we're stuck here forever."
"This tunnel isn't so bad."
"Too bad that jackass changeling is going to ruin Ponyville, then I would have wanted to stay here forever."
"Bon-Bon, I respect your judgment. Tell me, how would you propose fighting Plot Convenience?"
Bon-Bon admired the fact that the princess was interested in what Bon-Bon had to say. She didn't want to look stupid in front of Twilight. However, Bon-Bon did have some thoughts on what to do.
"I think one thing which will affect our strategy greatly is the size of Plot's army. We know that there are at least two changelings..Plot and the one who was imponyating you."
"How likely do you think that there could be many changelings involved?"
"My feeling is there can't be. Plot seems like a loser who doesn't have many friends. She must have given some male changeling a bj in order to get him to join her."
"Regardless, we should prepare for that possibility. If a changeling is still imponyating me, we can catch them off guard. Ponyville will see that there are two Twilights."
"You kicked some changeling ass before, you can do it again, right?"
"Of course, Bon-Bon. What about you?"
"Of course, her plot is going to get handed on a silver platter."
"I see what you did there, you're going to screw them up if you keep talking like that."
"How do you know that would work?"
"I can barely take those puns as it is, Bonnie", Twilight laughed, "if Celestia heard you say stuff like that, she would send you to the moon."
"What", responded Bon-Bon, "Plot is a plot and has a plot, right?"
"You're a pain in the plot."
"You want to join me on the moon?"
"I am an alicorn. I'd outlast you."
"Oh right, the immortal thing. So, Celestia plans to punish you by having you spend the rest of your days with my dead body."
"A dead Bon-Bon can't make puns, so I guess that would be an okay punishment."
Bon-Bon and Twilight noticed a stone wall in front of them. Was this the end of the tunnel? No, it couldn't be. They needed to get out. There was obviously something beneath the wall, but what?
"How the hell are we going to get out of here", asked Bon-Bon.
"It's magic."
"Huh?.... Oh Celestia! Twilight, you are much worse than me."
"It will get us out of here. I am sure of it..", said Twilight while scanning the wall, "there should be some spell that will break the wall. It isn't normal stone though."
"It is a product of Pinkie Pie's world", responded Bon-Bon, "expect it to be bizarre."
"The wall appears to be made of the same mineral as the wall in the basement." Twilight tried spell after spell but the wall was unmovable. This went on for about ten to fifteen minutes. Bon-Bon had a feeling of what needed to be done but Twilight wouldn't like it.
"Hey, Twilight."
"What? You're just going to stand there eating bonbons watching me toil?"
Oh Celestia, Twilight was much worse.
"Nope, I actually had an idea."
"Yea?"
"Remember how we got out of the basement?"
"No shit.. oh, there has to be a better way."
"We don't have time to think of a better way, Twilight! Give it a try."
"But.. my horn still aches.."
"Do you want to stay in this tunnel?"
"Fine." Twilight scowled at Bon-Bon and began scraping the wall with her horn.
"That looks like fun, I wish I could do that."
"Loads of fun, Bon-Bon. Loads of fun.. owww...."
The wall began to open. It almost seemed pleased by Twilight using her horn.
"You were right, Twilight. It took magic to open the wall."
"Oww.. how does Lyra put up with you?"
"You've met Lyra, right?"
"Oh right. You two were made for each other."
The wall finished opening. There was a staircase.
Bon-Bon walked up the staircase. Twilight flew up to the top.
"Hey, Bonnie", shouted Twilight, "you're so slow!"
"I would fly faster than you if I had wings."
"Yea, you would be part of the Wonderbolts."
"I would love to wear the spandex they wear when flying. All the ponies would want to sleep with me."
"Doesn't a Wonderbolt need to be physically attractive in order for that to happen?"
"Screw you, I'm almost there."
"C'mon, a tortoise could do it faster than you."
Bon-Bon was going up the stairs as fast as she could. Twilight was giving her a hard time for understandably good reasons. Twilight's horn must have been in pain after having to open two stone walls. Bon-Bon got to the top and saw that Twilight was examining the low ceiling.
"Oh, damn it", muttered Twilight, "I think I know how we can get out of here...."
Bon-Bon felt bad for Twilight, but this would hopefully all be worth it.
Twilight began scraping the ceiling with her horn. A minute or two later, the ceiling opened and the moon light shined on the two mares. It felt good to be so close to outside. Luckily, all Bon-Bon had to do was jump and she was out.
"Good teamwork", said Bon-Bon with a smile.
"Yea", responded Twilight with a sigh of relief, "thanks for helping me out. My horn will be okay."
"Now, we have to figure out where those changelings are."
They were so close to completely destroying Plot's plan.. so close...what was Plot going to do? There was no way she was going to be able to capture them again.. no damn way... Twilight was able to detect changelings, which was convenient.
Bon-Bon and Twilight arrived at Bon-Bon's apartment.
"Hopefully, a changeling hasn't taken my form", said Bon-Bon.
"She would be prettier than you", responded Twilight.
Bon-Bon rolled her eyes at the snarky alicorn.
Bon-Bon opened the door to her apartment. There was Lyra and she looked angry. "Lyra, I have so much to tell you...", began Bon-Bon.
"You have some nerve coming back here with Twilight Sparkle! I saw what you two were up to in open daylight. Making out with each other like goddamn animals!"
"Lyra.. I can explain."
"Explain what I saw?"
Oh shit. Those motherfucking changelings.. that's what they were doing while Bon-Bon and Twilight were locked up in the basement. Bon-Bon hated their pathetic ploy to break up her and Lyra.. all because Bon-Bon wouldn't cooperate with Plot and her plan.
"Lyra", said Twilight calmly, "those ponies weren't us. They were changelings. We can explain everything to you, but please listen to us. I swear, by Celestia, that Bon-Bon and I never kissed one another."
"Changelings", said Lyra with skepticism, "that is a convenient excuse."
Bon-Bon felt so hurt. She wanted to cry.
"Please, Lyra", said Bon-Bon with tears in her eyes, "you have to believe us. Why would I break your heart like that?"
"I dunno", responded Lyra, "you thought I would never find out. You think I'm sleeping with Noteworthy and you decided to retaliate by being with Perfect Princess Sparkle here."
Bon-Bon was getting irritated. Why was Lyra doing this?
"Don't be stupid, Lyra", said Bon-Bon, "I love you. You know that."
Suddenly out of nowhere, Twilight tackled Lyra. Who would have thought Twilight would be offended by the "Princess Perfect Sparkle" insult?
However, it was all explained when Bon-Bon saw that Lyra wasn't Lyra at all. Twilight used a spell which turned the mint green unicorn into a changeling. The changeling wasn't Plot Convenience, but one of her partners in crime. Twilight must have known as soon as she saw "Lyra" that she was a changeling, simply waiting to catch it off guard.
"I don't know", said the changeling with a smarmy smile.
Bon-Bon was pissed at the changeling. She wanted to kill him right there and then.
"You better tell me where Lyra is or I will fucking kill you", growled Bon-Bon.
"A little harsh, don't you think." This bastard was treating all of this like it was a goddamn game.
"At least tell me, is Lyra OK?"
"How can I know that answer when I don't know where she is."
That was it. Bon-Bon grabbed the changeling by the neck and snarled, "I want answers." The look of confidence on the changeling's face instantly evaporated. He wasn't expecting Bon-Bon to do that.
"Chill out, lady", said the changeling nervously, "I..uh..seriously..um...I can't or Plot Convenience is going to kill me instead."
Bon-Bon sighed and said, "I'm not actually going to kill you. It's just that as I am sure Plot told you, Lyra is a pony very important to me. I have also met Plot and she strikes me as the kind of changeling eager to cause harm to other ponies."
"I regret not listening to my fellow changelings", whined the changeling, "they kept telling me, 'hey bro, she's a crazy psycho bitch', but she gave me the most awesome bj and I thought that was good enough for me. She wouldn't get me in any trouble."
Hmmm, so the changelings don't think highly of Plot either.
"I was right about you", said Bon-Bon with a smile.
"Huh?"
"When Twilight and I figured out there was another changeling involved, I was pretty sure that the only way a changeling would follow Plot is if she sucked his dick. So.. does this mean you can help us?"
"Yes, I am considering it. I need something from you, Bon-Bon, to know that you are worthy of my trust."
"What is that?"
"I want you to kiss me."
"Umm, okay.. transform back to Lyra and I can.."
"No! I must know that you can kiss me in my real form."
"But... I am a pony and you are a changeling."
"And I am always a changeling, looking like Lyra won't change that. I need this kiss from you and I will tell you everything you need to know."
Twilight laughed out loud.
"Isn't there another way?"
"I don't think you understand your situation fully", said the changeling, "I want out of this shindig with Plot, but that doesn't guarantee I will join forces with you. This little thing will help me decide whether I want to or not."
"I'm a bad kisser."
"I know that's a lie", said the changeling with a smile.
Huh? Oh... did he.. ewwwww... seriously. She probably had kissed him at some point in the past. Fucking pervert.. but it was this perv who had the tools to save Ponyville.
"It's okay if you don't trust him", whispered Twilight, "there's always another way."
"I shall do it", whispered Bon-Bon back, "we can kick his ass if he tries to pull a trick on us."
"Ready for your kiss", asked Bon-Bon to the changeling.
"Of course."
Bon-Bon walked over to the changeling and looked him in the eye. He was an ugly creature. All the changelings were ugly. In this look-obsessed pony world, it was practically how the changelings survived living on this planet. Bon-Bon felt bad for him. He didn't choose to be born a changeling.
Bon-Bon moved her lips towards the changeling's lips. He wrapped his arms around Bon-Bon and the two engaged in a tongue to tongue kiss. The changeling's tongue felt slimy and wet, much more slime than a pony's tongue. Bon-Bon felt grossed out. However, for better or worse, the changeling seemed pleased with Bon-Bon. He held Bon-Bon tightly with his bug-like arms. Bon-Bon couldn't get out of it even if she tried.
After some time, the kiss finally ended.
"Thank you", said the changeling with tears in his eyes, "you don't know how much that meant to me."
"It was interesting."
"It's okay that you didn't like it", said the changeling, "as promised, I can help you with everything."
"Where's Lyra?"
"I should have known that would be your first question. She is out with Noteworthy."
"Out with Noteworthy?", unfortunately, Bon-Bon wasn't too surprised.
"Yes... Plot told me to wait out by your apartment until Lyra was gone. I saw her leave with Noteworthy."
"Do you know where they went?"
"Lyra was sad because she saw you and Twilight kissing over by Sugarcube Corner. Noteworthy invited Lyra to his place."
"So you changeling fucks actually are trying to ruin our relationship now."
"Plot was pissed you wouldn't go through with her plan. She decided to plant some seeds to break you two up."
"I'm going to destroy that bitch."
"After that kiss", said the changeling with a grin, "I will help you destroy her."
"How many other changelings are with you and Plot?"
"It's only the two of us. I know.. it makes things tougher.. but nobody likes Plot."
If he was telling the truth, Bon-Bon had the advantage.
"What's your name by the way?"
"Cliché."
"Cliché, I want to know exactly what roles you and Plot have had so far."
"When the project officially started, I left the Changeling Hive to join Plot in Ponyville. I was told to sit tight in Sugarcube Corner and that I would probably take on Twilight's form. Plot trotted around town as Pinkie Pie, who went on vacation. Plot captured Twilight and I took her form. It was supposed to be that simple. Pinkie's reputation would be destroyed and there were no ponies around who could detect changelings. You and Plot both made things more complicated. You got too damn nosy and Plot thought she could get you aboard. That's why Plot even told you who she was in the first place. When that didn't work out, it became a "Let's break up Bon-Bon and Lyra" game too. Plot grabbed me as "Bon-Bon" and forcibly kissed me in front of Lyra. The next part of the plan was to drive you out of Ponyville by having me as Lyra break up with you and hate you. "
"But.. what if Lyra actually does hate me now? You said that she actually saw you two kiss and now she is with Noteworthy..."
"I promise to fix that up for you. I will apologize personally to Lyra for what I did."
"Thank you... but what if she... decides... she likes Noteworthy better than me."
"Noteworthy has a weakness."
"What is that?"
"I know for the fact that he is poorly endowed."
"That sort of stuff matters less to Lyra than you might think... she looks for what is on the 'inside' and Noteworthy seems like a really sweet guy to her and I must seem like a rotten bitch."
Cliché looked at Bon-Bon with a sad look and said, "Like I said, I will do anything I can to keep it Lyra/Bon-Bon rather than Lyra/Noteworthy. Plot would have probably been the better changeling to deal with.. she would have killed Noteworthy for you... but I can't do that. I don't have the guts to kill someone else."
"Don't think of it like that, Cliché. You're too good of a changeling to kill somebody else. No matter what happens, I appreciate your desire to help. You have already helped us a lot. So, there is only Plot."
"Yes and at this point of time, she is going to keep on as Pinkie Pie. Plot's primary goal is to completely shatter the pink pony's reputation. It has already worked among the Elements of Harmony. "Twilight" is her only friend of the group now. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were the first to break ties with Pinkie. They noticed differences in her behavior and of course.. Plot as Pinkie has shown no signs of remorse. Rarity was fed up with Pinkie after all the times Pinkie made Fluttershy cry. Fluttershy is too kind to be outright mean to Pinkie, but she has given her the silent treatment. Plot is pleased about what she has done."
"Why is Plot doing this?"
"I have no clue."
"I suppose it doesn't matter. We are going to beat the shit out of that bug."
"We're more pony than bug."
"So, what's the plan?"
"I was thinking that I would return to Plot in the form of Twilight, then you and the real Twilight would ambush both of us.. revealing what we really are.. scum of Equestria."
Cliché said "scum of Equestria" with a sad tone. Bon-Bon knew that he wished changelings were given more respect. That was perhaps the main reason why ponies had so many problems with them. It probably was the prime motivator of Plot's hatred for ponies. It did seem like a good plan if Cliché was truly on their side. Cliché offered to go undercover for Bon-Bon, but what if Cliché was just going undercover for Plot? It was something for which Bon-Bon needed to be prepared.
"Seems good to me. I just hope Plot doesn't see that coming."
"You guys would need to come in quickly."
Cliché transformed into Twilight and said, "Stay close behind but out of sight."
Bon-Bon and Twilight followed Cliché outside.
They could see Pinkie bouncing around screaming on the top of her lungs, "HEY EVERYPONY!! I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT SUGARCUBE CORNER HAS REALLY BAD SWEETS!! IT IS PROBABLY THE WORST BAKERY I HAVE EVER BEEN TO. THE CAKES ARE THE WORST BAKERS EVER!!"
"Hey everypony, if Pinkie is talking crap about Sugarcube Corner, she is lying. Pinkie, for whatever reason, is content on spreading misery to Ponyville. Don't trust a word she says", said Rainbow Dash in response.
"DUH!! I AM PINKIE PIE!! YOU MUST TRUST ME! I A GO EE!!! LA LA LOO LOO LA LA!!!"
"Don't make me beat you up", said Rainbow, "you are acting far too different than your normal self. Pinks, why are you doing all of this? Was it something we did to you?"
"Relax", said Cliché, "I am sure we can resolve things through a nice little chat. Right, Pinkie Pie."
"I am just being my normal self", responded Plot, "resolving things will involve changing my identity. That doesn't seem very nice, Twilight."
"I don't understand myself why ponies are so mad at you, but that seems to be the case."
"Ponies are just being cranky pantsy! I am best pony and everypony knows that!!"
Bon-Bon and Twilight hid behind a large tree. It was almost time to strike.
Bon-Bon and Twilight watched the two changelings interact with Rainbow Dash from their hiding spot.
"Twilight", groaned Rainbow Dash, "we already tried talking to Pinkie Pie but she doesn't listen to us!"
"Pinkie is probably going through some deep personal problems and we don't want to be too harsh with her."
"Nopie nope nope", said Plot with a grin, "not me, I'm just being myself - Pinkie Pie! Who wants a party? Just as long as it's not in that icky Sugarcube Corner, ugh!"
"You love Sugarcube Corner, what happened?"
"I quit living there. Now I live in the outside with all the animals, whee!!!"
"See what I mean", said Rainbow Dash to 'Twilight', "this doesn't seem like Pinkie Pie at all."
"We should probably strike soon", whispered Bon-Bon to Twilight.
"I know", whispered Twilight back, "this is painful to watch."
"Now is probably the best time."
"Okay.. three... two... one."
Bon-Bon pounced out from behind and tackled Plot and Twilight tackled Cliché.
"Stop, you changeling scum", growled Bon-Bon.
"This is what you get for impersonating me", said Twilight punching Cliché in the face.
"What's going on here", asked Rainbow Dash clearly confused, "two Twilights? I think I know who the real one is."
"Which one", asked Cliché.
"The one that just punched you in the face", responded Rainbow with a grin, "so, this Pinkie Pie is a changeling?"
"N-n-n-n-no", responded Plot, "I'm not a changeling, I'm Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash, you know me, right? How can I be one of those changie-lingies."
"You have been acting awfully out of character", responded Rainbow, "this explains a lot actually."
"How the hell", said Plot, "hmmmmmmm, I think I know what happened here."
Plot suddenly slammed Cliché into a tree and snarled, "I should have known you would betray me. I should have fucking known."
"Huh", said Cliché, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You were supposed to be in Bon-Bon's apartment as Lyra making Bon-Bon's life a living hell.. not prancing around as Twilight."
"I thought we were friends", said Bon-Bon with a smirk.
"We weren't friends since you fucked me over.. you should have let me be as Pinkie Pie. However, the damage has already been done", said Plot while keeping Cliché pinned to the tree.
"Your plan has already been foiled", said Twilight, "too many ponies know about your ploy."
"Not if I kill all four of you", said Plot while staring at Cliché.
Rainbow laughed hysterically and said, "I would like to see you try, chump."
"You dare underestimate me", growled Plot, "I was #1 in my class - Queen Chrysalis' star student. Kind of like how Twilight is to Princess Celestia. As the #1 changeling, I can transform into anything.. get ready to die, bitches."
Bon-Bon gasped as Plot transformed from Pinkie Pie into a gigantic stone dragon. She grew into a tremendous size and was as big as a house.
"Try to beat this", said Plot, "the stones are impervious to magic. It is simple. The four of you die in a freak accident with a giant dragon and Pinkie Pie's reputation is still destroyed. You fools.. two of the elements of harmony shall die today, a pervy changeling, and some loser background pony no one gives a flying fuck about, you think that you could stop me. Well, you are wrong."
"Shut your trap", shouted Rainbow Dash. She flew right into Plot but she caught Rainbow by her wing and threw her onto the ground.
"Owww.. I think my wing is broken", moaned Rainbow Dash.
"As foolish as I expected", said Plot, "trying to play hero, but you cannot beat a pony as powerful and genius-esque as me."
"You're a goddamn psycho", shouted Cliché.
"Why don't you turn into a giant stone dragon and fight me? Oh wait, you are not a good enough changeling to do that. Only the most elite of changelings can change size."
Plot took a swipe at Cliché with her tail, catapulting him at least 20 yards.
Bon-Bon could see a glow from far away. She knew that meant Cliché had transformed back into his changeling self.
"Twilight, you take care of Rainbow Dash", said Bon-Bon, "I want to check on Cliché."
"Ho ho ho", chuckled Plot, "I suppose it is good that I am breaking you and Lyra up. You and Cliché can live happily together dead."
Bon-Bon spat at Plot and rushed to Cliché. He was knocked unconscious but was still breathing. He wasn't dead.
"Oh no", said Bon-Bon sadly, "we need to take Cliché to the hospital."
"Fat chance", said Plot, "I am going to crush him like the bug he is." Plot walked slowly over to Cliché ready to stomp him for dead. As a stone dragon, Plot was conveniently sluggish. Plot finally made it towards Bon-Bon and Cliché.
"How cute", cooed Plot, "I will kill two losers at the same time, mwaa ha ha ha ha ha!! It was nice knowing you both, but too bad you could not be as awesome as me, Plot Convenience, the most powerful changeling in all of..."
Suddenly, Bon-Bon could hear a growl and a scream from Plot. Seamore?
Seamore was right on Plot's snout and slapping her silly with his flippers. Plot tried to use her arms to get Seamore off but she was too slow despite her power. Seamore jumped from Plot's snout onto her head. Suddenly, Seamore pulled out a sword, jumped up in the air, and drove the sword right into Plot's skull.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH", moaned Plot, "NOT LIKE THIS!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" The giant stone dragon changed back into the changeling. Seamore, still holding the sword, slashed Plot's throat. And Plot was dead, just like that.
"Seamore" shouted Bon-Bon with glee.
Seamore waddled over to Bon-Bon to hug her.
"How did you do that? Where was the sword from?"
Seamore chuckled.
"Seamore, I need your help with bringing Cliché here to the hospital."
"Same thing with Rainbow Dash", added Twilight.
"Woah", said Rainbow Dash with a smile, "that was totally awesome, Seamore! Where did you learn how to do that?"
"Fluttershy", responded Twilight.
"I never knew that Flutters could do that.. but um... I think it's time for me to go to the hospital. oww..."
They arrived at the hospital.
Bon-Bon was worried about Cliché. He was a hero alright. Not quite as badass as Seamore, but Cliché has a good heart.
Cliché still hadn't woken up. Bon-Bon never thought she would be so emotionally invested in a changeling.
"Hey, Bon-Bon."
Lyra.
"Lyra, it feels like forever", said Bon-Bon giving Lyra a big hug.
"I heard about everything", said Lyra, "oh my gosh, I feel so awful." Lyra broke down into tears.
"Everything is going to be okay, Lyra." Bon-Bon hoped that Cliché would make it. Plot intended for Cliché to die.
"Is that the changeling", asked Lyra.
"It's the good changeling", responded Bon-Bon, "he helped save us."
"The bad changeling is dead, right?"
"Yes, she is dead. Where did Seamore get a sword?"
"He must have brought it with him."
"Yes. Poor Cliché."
"That's his name?"
"It's a changeling sort of name."
"Oh, Bon-Bon. I am so sorry, so sorry."
"What do you have to be sorry about?"
"I...I...kind of overreacted.... when I saw the changeling Bon-Bon and the changeling Twilight kissing in the middle of Ponyville like that, I was so mad. Noteworthy was there to comfort me when you weren't... and we.... oh my gosh... it just happened, I'm so sorry, Bon-Bon."
"Lyra", said Bon-Bon angrily, "you should have known that Noteworthy was trying to fuck you and not be a supportive friend or anything like that."
"Can't a pony want to do both for someone else? What about you, Bon-Bon? Or do you just care about the sex? That's what Noteworthy was trying to tell me."
"Noteworthy would have said anything to get in bed with you and away from me."
"I have another confession to make. Do you want to know how Seamore got the sword?"
"I knew you knew."
"It was Noteworthy. When we found out that there was a giant stone dragon rampaging through Ponyville and you were in trouble. Noteworthy took one of his collection swords. He was too scared to use it himself, but he found an eager fighter in Seamore."
Bon-Bon laughed. Noteworthy was too much of a pussy to fight himself, but at least he was able to find someone who could.
"This doesn't mean Noteworthy cares about me."
"It does mean that Noteworthy knows I care about you. When we found out you were in danger, I was so distraught. Then I heard the word changeling and I realized that I was wrong about you and Twilight.. it was the changelings putting on a show. I am so stupid, Bon-Bon. I should have put it all together when you didn't come back after following that out-of-character Pinkie Pie. Where is Pinkie anyway?"
"She is apparently on vacation. That's what Plot said."
"You believe that?"
"I don't know what to believe. Maybe Cliché can tell us the whole truth once he returns to consciousness."
"Cliché played a role in the dirty work. Can you trust him?"
"He's a guy. Plot sucked his dick and he went along with her."
Lyra chuckled.
"He made me kiss him to help", added Bon-Bon.
"At this point, I guess Cliché has no good reason to stay loyal to Plot and all the reasons to be loyal to you. He's probably a much better match for you than me."
"Nonsense", said Bon-Bon, "you thought I was trashing our relationship and that's the only reason why you slept with Noteworthy."
"Yes, it was but...oh, Celestia, why does love have to be so hard?"
Bon-Bon looked at Lyra with a sad look. Bon-Bon's fears were confirmed. Lyra had feelings for Noteworthy.
"I better check up on Cliché."
"I am sorry, Bon-Bon. I really am. You know I love you."
"Yes, but clearly you love Noteworthy too. Lyra, you can't have both of us. I don't want to force a decision upon you, but you either only have me or you don't have me at all."
"I guess.. I will see you back at the apartment."
"Yes.. I will."
Lyra left the hospital room. Bon-Bon could hear Lyra's crying. She wanted to hate Plot for causing this trouble, but as Bon-Bon suspected the trouble had already begun some time ago.
Bon-Bon walked over to Cliché's hospital bed. She could see one of his arms move. He was waking up!
"Cliché", whispered Bon-Bon.
"Bon-Bon", croaked Cliché, "I am surprised to see you here - after all the trouble I put you through."
Cliché was going to be alright.
"Where's Plot", asked Cliché.
"Plot died in battle."
"Oh praise the Queen, Plot won't be causing any more trouble for the Changeling hive or Ponyville."
"Just remember, Cliché", said Bon-Bon, "if some chick sucks on your genitals willingly, it often means she wants something from you."
Cliché sighed and said, "I know, I just wish someone out there could love me.. look at me, I am hideous even by changeling standards."
"Don't say that, Cliché. You'll find that special someone. I know you will. You are a kind changeling and you did the right thing."
"I just feel so bad. How is Lyra?"
"She is a little shocked by all of this. It also turned out that Lyra reacted to seeing you and Plot making out by sleeping with Noteworthy."
"Oh no."
"I can't blame her for that... but what bothers me is...."
"What is it that bothers you?"
Bon-Bon began to cry.
"What bothers me is that I know for certain that Lyra has feelings for Noteworthy too. I don't know what to do. I should have been a better marefriend to Lyra and none of this would have happened."
"I am sorry. If I could take all the things I did back, I would. You know that, right?"
"I know so, Cliché. I absolutely know so."
Bon-Bon and Cliché stared at each other.
"Bon-Bon, you should go talk to Lyra."
"I..I..am scared.. what if it turns out she doesn't love me at all?"
"Have that heart-to-heart talk with Lyra, I promise you will be okay and you will feel better no matter what happens."
"But Cliché, what about you?"
"Me? I will be fine. I've been through a lot worse. I can tell you some interesting stories sometime, but for now... go to Lyra!! She needs you."
Thank you, Cliché. It means a lot that you have faith in me."
Bon-Bon kissed Cliché on the forehead and headed to her apartment. Hopefully, Lyra would be there.
Why talk to Lyra anyway, thought Bon-Bon. If Lyra was in love with Noteworthy, wouldn't it better just to let Lyra be with him? Wouldn't that be the right thing to do?
Their relationship had gotten fucked up in just two days.
Bon-Bon paid all of the rent, so where would Lyra live? Oh right, live with Noteworthy. The cream-colored earth pony sighed. Things seemed hopeless.
Bon-Bon couldn't stay away from her own apartment forever though. She had to talk to Lyra and figure out where things would go between them.
Plot Convenience really screwed things up in so many ways. Could Ponyville ever be the same again? Where was Pinkie Pie anyway?
Bon-Bon passed her apartment. She was tempted to walk past it, but where else was she going to sleep anyway? She turned the doorknob. It was pitch black inside. Perhaps, Lyra didn't come home. However, Bon-Bon could hear the crying. Lyra was most certainly home.
"Lyra", whispered Bon-Bon in the dark, "I forgive you. I just hope you can forgive me." No response, only crying.
It was all that piece of shit, Noteworthy.. Bon-Bon was going to give him a piece of her mind. She left the apartment.
Ponyville was a quaint village where ponies knew where everypony lived. This would be to Bon-Bon's advantage. She was going to destroy Noteworthy - feeling the same sense of rage that Plot likely felt for Pinkie. Bon-Bon kept her head up high. She didn't want to make her plans known to any pony.
She approached Noteworthy's apartment and knocked on the door angrily. Hmmm... he didn't seem to be home or was the little coward hiding. Bon-Bon hid behind a bush. Noteworthy would return and Bon-Bon would jump him for what he did to Lyra. She curled up and could feel the tears coming down her eyes. That little disgusting perv won't know what was coming.
Bon-Bon heard a bounce. It was a very familiar bounce. Could it be? Bon-Bon shook her head. It did sound like Pinkie Pie. However, it was probably a changeling pretending to be Pinkie - the best possibility being Cliché out of the hospital and the worst possibility being Plot's resurrection.
Bon-Bon heard the voice. It sounded like Pinkie.
"Oh hi, Noteworthy!!"
"Oh, hi.."
"Why are you not smiling?"
"I hurt a good friend of mine.. I don't know what I was thinking."
"You're such a sweetheart, Noteworthy. I am sure you didn't do anything too bad."
"I can't help it, Pinkie. I am in love."
"Oh, with Lyra, I know."
"I am so glad you're back, Pinkie."
"Me too. I am so sorry for turning Ponyville upside down by leaving."
"It's okay. You couldn't have known that Plot was looking to sabotage you."
"So, the changelings played a nasty trick on Lyra?"
"Yea.. they pretended to be Bon-Bon and Twilight. Lyra thought Bon-Bon was cheating on her... and.. I was there and.. we..."
"Did Lyra like it?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes, it does."
"I saw it in her eyes. She was thrilled. I don't know why either. I am such a loser compared to Bon-Bon."
"You're both great ponies. You know that if Bon-Bon finds out... well, I wouldn't want to be the pony who double-crossed her, let's put it that way."
Bon-Bon smiled to herself. That's right. She was more clever and tougher than most ponies... she could completely destroy Noteworthy if she wanted to.
"I am sorry for being so damn selfish.. I never wanted to hurt Bon-Bon.. I never did.. it was just that I filled that void while Bon-Bon was out at work."
At work making a high salary that the musical slacker, Noteworthy, could never make.
"Oh, Notie", said Pinkie, "I know, it's hard, but perhaps you should let Lyra go. Assuming that Bon-Bon stays with Lyra."
"Bon-Bon might get so angry when she finds out that she dumps Lyra."
"I bet you wish that, huh?"
"I know what I saw, Pinkie. She may love Bon-Bon, but I think she loves me too."
"My bet is that you just confused the poor girl and made things super duper awkward."
"You're always so optimistic, why not now?"
"I am being optimistic. You see.. some relationships are meant to be. It's like.. er... take Carrot Cake and Cup Cake for example. They both love baking and each other.. the Cakes are soulmates. That relationship is meant to be. It is the same with Bon-Bon and Lyra. They are meant to be. I know it. I am sure your special somepony is somewhere, Noteworthy, but I don't think it's Lyra."
"Bon-Bon thinks that Lyra is stupid, scatterbrained, and impractical. I don't think those things about her at all."
"I doubt Bon-Bon thinks those things."
"I can just see it."
"How?"
"She is always so dismissive of Lyra's ideas, not willing to use her imagination to share with Lyra. It makes Lyra sad.. I don't do that to her though."
"Oh, Notie", said Pinkie while laughing, "don't you get it? That's part of what makes them soulmates. Lyra makes Bon-Bon's life exciting and Bon-Bon keeps Lyra down-to-earth. Relationships aren't 100% happiness, but you can't forget all the good times between the two of them. Ever since they were little fillies, they have been inseparable. Lyra and Bon-Bon did everything together! You couldn't have one without the other - kind of like cupcakes and sprinkles."
Bon-Bon felt like crying. She couldn't do it. She couldn't hurt Noteworthy. Noteworthy and Bon-Bon weren't so different. They both were in love with Lyra. Bon-Bon had been the winner for so long... but now... was it time for Noteworthy to be with Lyra? Were those two meant to be together? Bon-Bon loved Lyra, but Noteworthy seemed to view Lyra as this infallible goddess from the heavens. Despite what Pinkie said, maybe Bon-Bon should let Lyra go if she was in love with Noteworthy.
Noteworthy sighed, "I guess you're right. I was being far too selfish. I just hope Lyra isn't angry with me."
"And Bon-Bon?"
"Yes, and Bon-Bon."
Bon-Bon slowly got up from the bush and said quietly, "I can't be angry with you, Noteworthy. Perhaps, you deserve Lyra more than me."
Noteworthy didn't have a goofy grin like Bon-Bon expected and simply looked at her with sympathy.
"Bon-Bon", began Pinkie, "I am so so so so so sorry for leaving Ponyville like I did.. I didn't know that Plot was going to be duper nasty like that. I really didn't.. oh, I heard about how you were locked in the basement."
"It's okay", said Bon-Bon, "you have no reason to apologize. Plot was a plotter."
Pinkie shook her head, disapproving of Bon-Bon's pun.
"I.. uh...", began Noteworthy, "I... think you deserve Lyra much more than I do... I couldn't even think about her best interests... I just wanted to be with her and that was it.."
"You and I have something important in common, a love for Lyra", said Bon-Bon with a smile.
"Ooh", said Pinkie, "now only if affairs could end on that happy note more often!"
"Noteworthy, you and Lyra both thought I was a good-for-nothing cheat. I think I understand why what happened.. it just makes me sad that......"
Bon-Bon paused but neither Pinkie nor Noteworthy chimed in.
".... I do think Lyra has fallen in love with you too."
Bon-Bon didn't know what was going on inside Noteworthy's head. He was perhaps closer to getting Lyra than he ever was before, why wasn't he grinning like a doofus? Perhaps, the stallion was more decent than Bon-Bon would have liked to admit. Bon-Bon was awful at hiding the hurt she was feeling. She began to cry. Pinkie put her arm around Bon-Bon.
"Everything is going to be okay", whispered Pinkie, "let's take you back home."
"But..but..Lyra is there and she was crying.."
"Like I said", responded Pinkie, "everything is going to be okay."
Bon-Bon smiled. This was definitely the real Pinkie Pie.
The three ponies trotted slowly to Bon-Bon's apartment. Ponyville had suffered from too much heartache. It all needed to end. Pinkie had a look of determination. She wanted to keep Bon-Bon's relationship with Lyra strong, this made Bon-Bon happy.. Pinkie always had that magic in knowing what any pony needed or wanted. That was the trait Plot lacked and what made her so unlike Pinkie even though Plot looked exactly like Pinkie and acted like her in a superficial manner.
When they arrived, Lyra was neither heard nor seen. Bon-Bon noticed a neatly written letter on the floor. She began to read it.
Dear Bon-Bon, my love, I am moving away from Ponyville. I have hurt you in the worst way possible. I am a fool. The truth of the matter is that I love you and Noteworthy. You both are ponies I love dearly. I can't choose between you two. That makes me realize how bad of a mare I am. I should be choosing you and only you, but I can't... I am sorry, Bon-Bon. The heart is a strange thing. I am a monster: a selfish and greedy monster whose judgment is easily shrouded by lust. I must go. I hope I can have the strength to return to Ponyville someday, but for now I just need to be alone.
Love,
Lyra
Bon-Bon never felt so lost in her life. Lyra was gone and left no trace of where she was hiding. She looked behind and saw that both Noteworthy and Pinkie were tearing up. What was Lyra doing with herself and where would she go? Bon-Bon needed to find Lyra and help her!
Bon-Bon felt distraught. What if she never saw Lyra again? She broke down and let the tears flow. Where would Lyra go anyway?
"I promise", said Pinkie to Bon-Bon, "that I will do everything I can to find Lyra."
"I must have been an awful marefriend for this to happen", cried Bon-Bon.
"If there is any pony here who has been bad, it's me", said Noteworthy, "I haven't done anything good."
"Didn't you give Seamore one of your swords to save us?"
"The truth is", said Noteworthy nervously, "it was Lyra's idea.. I didn't want my sword to get dirty.. it's a collectible- not something meant to be stained with changeling blood. I really didn't want to do it.. it was Lyra who gave the sword to Seamore."
"She told me it was your idea."
"She so desperately wanted you to stop hating me..."
"I know you care for Lyra. I do.... now, neither of us will have her."
"Don't be such a downer", said Pinkie, "let's think about where Lyra might have gone."
"She could have gone to Canterlot", responded Bon-Bon, "most of her family lives there."
"Hmmm.. my Pinkie sense tells me something different."
"Your Pinkie Sense? What is it saying?"
"I think we should go to Sugarcube Corner", said Pinkie.
"But.. Lyra wrote that she was leaving Ponyville."
"Perhaps, she had a change of heart!"
"You two go", said Noteworthy, "it's probably for the best that I don't tag along. I caused enough trouble already."
Bon-Bon agreed, but felt bad for the stallion.
"It's not all you", said Bon-Bon, "things weren't 100% perfect before you started hitting on Lyra.."
"You're just saying that to make me feel better, I like that about you."
"You're really not as bad as I thought you were."
"Same here", said Noteworthy with a smile.
Bon-Bon and Noteworthy hugged.
Bon-Bon and Pinkie arrived at Sugarcube Corner.
"I know Lyra has to be here", said Pinkie, "Pinkie sense is 20% stronger than average."
"So much for hiding", said Bon-Bon, "Sugarcube Corner is not exactly a secluded building.. unless you're locked up in the basement."
"Perhaps something or someone stopped Lyra from hiding."
"Let's find out."
They opened the door and saw something quite present.
At Sugarcube Corner, there was Cliché, in his changeling form, with Lyra. They were baking an apple pie. Lyra actually looked content. Bon-Bon gasped happily and shouted, "LYRA!!!!"
"Bon-Bon?"
Lyra rushed over to Bon-Bon and kissed her on the lips.
"I am so glad that I didn't leave", whispered Lyra.
"Me too."
"This was all thanks to the changeling over there."
"You know you really wanted to stay in Ponyville", said Cliché, "it was simply the heat of the moment that got to you."
Lyra laughed and smiled at Bon-Bon.
"Cliché is a fantastic baker by the way", said Lyra.
"He is? Would have never thought that about him."
"It's always been a hobby of mine", said Cliché, "we Changelings don't have cutie marks, but I suppose you could call it my special talent."
"You're talented at a lot more than baking", said Bon-Bon, "I can tell."
"Oh", said Cliché modestly, "all of that was nothing.. I still feel bad about going along with Plot."
"You're a guy", chuckled Bon-Bon, "easy to seduce."
"Oh, the pie! I think it is time we put it in the oven", said Cliché.
It was one of the best apple pies ever. Bon-Bon, Lyra, and Pinkie were all very pleased. Surely, even though the apples from the Apple farm helped.. it was the pie itself which really made it something special.
"I suppose it is time for me to return to the Changeling hive", said Cliché sadly. It was clearly something that he didn't want to do.
"Cliché", said Pinkie Pie, "how would you like to help me out at Sugarcube Corner? That is.. if you um... would rather do that than go back to the hive?"
"Hmmm... such a tough decision", said Cliché with a hint of sarcasm, "would I rather be baking delicious treats for my friends in Ponyville or return to a hive with a bunch of self-loathing changelings ruled under a ruthless tyrant? It is tough. I will need to think about it. I can get back to you by next Wednesday."
Pinkie Pie giggled and said, "I'll take that as a yes."
"Definitely", responded Cliché with a grin.
"One thing though.."
"What?"
"I want you to remain in your changeling form", said Pinkie Pie, "I want Ponyville to see the real you - which is someone great."
"You really think that", asked Cliché with tears in his eyes.
"Of course", said Pinkie, "you are 100% likeable to me!"
Cliché and Pinkie hugged. Admittedly, Bon-Bon knew it would take time for ponies to tolerate a changeling among them. However, Cliché was nothing like the bad which was associated with changelings. Unless Ponyville comprised of idiots (which admittedly it might), Cliché would be loved and tolerated by the ponies pretty quickly.
"Thank you", said Cliché, "this is the nicest things any pony has ever done for me."
"Aw shucks", responded Pinkie, "it's no problem at all. You're a hero.. and.. you healed so quickly."
"It's the nice thing about being a changeling. Bon-Bon was all worried about me after my accident, but like I said, I've gone through a lot worse."
"You won't have to worry about that anymore now that I, Pinkie Pie, am here!"
Pinkie and Cliché smiled at each other. It was either the beginning of a beautiful friendship or something more...
Bon-Bon and Lyra returned to the apartment. Lyra smiled at Bon-Bon and said, "I definitely love you, Bon-Bon... most definitely without a doubt... but there's something about Noteworthy I like too."
"It's okay.. I know you love me. I had a nice little chat with Noteworthy."
"Do I have to visit him in the hospital?"
"Nah, he's okay. We actually have more in common than I would like to admit."
"Here are fifty bits."
"What's that for?"
"Don't you remember?"
Oh right.. Seamore.
"I told you that Seamore wasn't as messy as you, Lyra!"
"I know! I was surprised too.. I was like.. oh Seamore is an animal, he wouldn't clean up after himself but..."
"Even though he's an animal, he does a better job than you."
"That's why you clean all the dishes!"
Bon-Bon playfully glared at Lyra and said, "I guess I have some dish washing to do."
Noteworthy knew he did the right thing. He knew it in his heart. Why did it hurt the stallion so much?
Bon-Bon and Lyra were always meant to be. This was clear. Lyra might have had some feelings for him, but what Lyra felt about Bon-Bon was much deeper and longer lasting. Noteworthy hoped he could meet a pony like that someday.
Noteworthy trotted to the town square to pick up some quills. He needed to get his mind off of Lyra. Perhaps, working on writing his next song would help channel his emotions properly.
There was Lyra! Noteworthy wasn't sure that he was ever going to see hr again.
"Hey", said Lyra, "I hope you didn't forget our music practice today."
"Only a changeling raising havoc on Ponyville could do that to me", responded Noteworthy with a laugh.
"I don't want us to grow apart", said Lyra.
"Me neither", responded Noteworthy, "but I just cause trouble."
"No you don't", laughed Lyra, "you are one of the best friends a mare can have. I also cannot deny that what we shared that night was truly special."
Noteworthy shyly smiled. He loved that aspect of Lyra's personality. She was completely unfiltered.
"I am so sorry about everything", said Lyra, "I feel like a lot of this was my fault. I was just so confused about everything. Bon-Bon is so wrapped up in her work and I felt like something was missing, and I refuse to let you out of my life, even though we can't be lovers..."
"I understand completely", said Noteworthy. He felt happy. He knew he had a shot some point in the future... but perhaps Lyra needed someone like Bon-Bon to keep Lyra grounded. Noteworthy wasn't exactly the most grounded pony either. They might be better at friendship than romance.
"I've been thinking about you more than I should have", said Lyra, "in fact, I have a friend who I think would love to go out on a date with you."
"I don't know.. I honestly don't think I'm ready.."
"Come on", said Lyra with a loud and unabashed laugh, "it will be fun! She's cute, smart, kind of edgy and loves music."
Noteworthy was admittedly intrigued.
"Lyra, I would love to meet your friend."
"Fantastic!!". Lyra began bouncing up and down, kind of like Pinkie Pie.. how do either of them do that?
Lyra told Noteworthy to meet his blind date by Sugarcube Corner.
Noteworthy couldn't believe that Lyra was doing this for him: a blind date? What sort of mare would be interested in meeting him under such circumstances? He felt pessimistic.. this mare would probably not be as pretty as Lyra or would have an incompatible personality... if all of Lyra's friends were as cynical and uptight as Bon-Bon, it wouldn't work out with any of them.
She was a cream-colored unicorn with blue hair and two bridged eighth notes as her cutie mark. The unicorn smiled at Noteworthy. Good, she was already not like Bon-Bon.
"Hey, Noteworthy", called out the unicorn, "it's so nice to finally to meet you! Lyra always raves about you."
"It's great to meet you too, what's your name?"
"Vinyl Scratch. I'm a DJ pony, the job is a'ight."
Noteworthy and Vinyl Scratch looked into each other's eyes.
Noteworthy smiled. This could be the beginning of something wonderful.
