SAAiE: Day Twenty Six, Part Two: ALMPerspective

DAY TWENTY-SIX, PART TWO: A LITTLE MORE PERSPECTIVE.

 

(Twenty-eight minutes prior to Fluttershy’s segment.)

(Lyra)

Another slow evening playing outside of Hazel Macchi’s coffee shop . *sigh* Raking in the bits hasn’t been as easy as it was in the past. Sure, street music isn’t a real profession, but I remember not too long ago, I could make plenty of bits easily. I’d even get hired for parties and fancy occasions, but now and days, those kind of jobs are going to “actual groups” or “disk jockies”. The music I’m improving is way more upbeat than I am right now, that’s for sure.

Suddenly, I notice that human thing walking up towards me. He’s coming up really slowly, trying not to startle me. I continue playing, but my attention is dead set on the human right now. Once next to me, he extends his paw, and drops five bits into my lyre case.

Myself: Uh, thanks?

Human: You play real good filly.

M: Thanks. I’m Lyra by the way.

H: Anon.

M: Nice to meet you.

Anon: Likewise.

I’ve actually seen him several times, I even waved at him once. I don’t think he noticed me though, up until this point.

        With the only stool available being the one I brought from home, Anon sits on the ground at the table I’m at, and listens until I finish. He may or may not be bad for business, but honestly, I don’t care. It feels good to have somepony new who actually appreciates my work. I eventually conclude my cheerful song, and he applauds me. This is such a good feeling. I speak with modesty.

Myself: Thank you.

Anon: Absolutely wonderful. You play one heck of a lyre.

Did he just say lyre!?

M: Usually ponies mistake this thing for a harp.

A: Well they just don’t have musical culture.

I scoff at his statement, and raise my brow inquisitively.

M: What? And you do?

A: Yeah. Not to brag, but I myself can do a little somethin’ somethin’ with a “gee-tar”. My old roommate Trip taught me back in college on Earth.

M: Ooh, I don’t even think I know a pony who’s gone to one of those before. How was it?

A: I didn’t learn anything.

Anon gets up.

A: Well, I better head of to Fluttershy’s. It was nice meeting you.

He begins to walk off, but I stop him before he can do so.

M: Wait.

He turns.

A: Yes?

Time to put all of my social attraction to use.

M: You’re okay in my book Anon.

I point to my home, in visible sight left to the coffee shop.

M: I’m going to stop in about an hour and head back home for the rest of the day. Feel free to drop on by if you like. We could talk about…music.

He pauses for a moment before giving an answer,-

M: Okay then. I guess I’ll see ya in an hour.

-and he walks off without another word. I pump my hoof victoriously.

M: Nailed it!

 

(DUAL PERSPECTIVE: ANON AND LYRA)

(Anon)

        After taking a much needed shower, and changing into my good clothing, I head off back into Ponyville, to see Lyra. It’s a bummer I won’t be able to go to Fluttershy’s picnic with the beavers, but she seems okay with it, so I guess it’s not a problem. I’ve never visited someone only to speak with them, so this is kind of daunting to me. At least it’s a pony who actually likes humans. In fact…no, that’s not canon. I make it to her house, and notice that there’s a handle attached to a bell. Nifty, it’s a doorbell.

 

(Lyra)

        Why did I possibly invite Anon to my house! I’m so stupid! I don’t know anything about humans! What if I say something embarrassing? What if I accidentally mess something up!? I’m stressing out like crazy. I just need to stay calm. A ring comes from the door’s bell. DEAR CELESTIA HE’S HERE!

 

(Anon)

Lyra slowly opens the door. For some reason she’s looking really tense.

Lyra: Good evening Anon.

Myself: Evening.

Lyra motions for me to enter, and I slowly walk into the house. Her home is surprisingly un-stylized. It looks very average, and seems like the kind of living room the most casual of family would have. What draws my attention most, is her big green couch that contrast with the white and yellow striped wallpaper. A voice comes from the kitchen. It’s no voice that I recognize from the show. Kind of sounds like Mrs. Cunningham from ‘Happy Days’, except a little higher pitched.

???: Lyra, is there someone there?

Lyra whispers to me.

Lyra: I didn’t tell my housemate you were coming.

Myself: You have a housemate?

L: With my kind of salary? You bet I have a housemate.

???: Lyra!?

L: It’s just another door to door salespony!

???: Okay then.

Lyra whispers back to me.

L: Come on, I wanna surprise her.

Lyra and I slowly creep into the kitchen, and for the first time, I see Bon Bon. She’s whisking a bowl of batter with her mouth and humming a happy tune while doing so. Her hips bob and shake slightly with her rhythm. Adorable. The tune sounds suspiciously similar to ‘Morning Train’, by Sheena Easton. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huNejF17gzg)

Lyra: Hey, Bon Bon!?

As Bon Bon turns, I notice she’s wearing a delightful pink frilled white apron with hearts on it. This has no importance, but it’s a cute visual. Getting back to important details, Bon Bon’s figuratively s#%ting herself right now. Her pupils shrink with fear, and the whisk falls from her mouth landing on the floor. Her voice raises an octave.

Bon Bon: Wha-Wha-What is HE doing here!?

Lyra: I brought the human over as a guest. Pretty neat huh?

Bon Bon seems very unhappy.

L: Bon Bon, this is Anon. Anon, Bon Bon.

M: Hi.

I wave my hand.

BB: Anon, do you mind if Lyra and I have a moment alone?

Myself: Uh, sure. No problem.

 

(Lyra)

I walk over to Bon Bon. She pulls me next to her face and begins to whisper.

Bon Bon: Lyra, are you crazy! Why would you bring the heumin in our house?

Myself: Aw come on. He’s a pretty cool guy.

BB: He’s a disaster just waiting to happen. Who knows what’ll happen if he’s here!?

M: He’s not a “disaster”, he’s just different. I thought you liked different.

Bon Bon brow lowers in frustration, and she sighs heavily.

BB: Lyra, I was okay when you ruined the kitchen last week. I was even okay when you accidently destroyed our roof TRYING TO MAKE A SKYLIGHT, (She still sounds peeved over the roof thing) those were just accidents, but if this thing you INTENTIONALLY brought causes ANY problems, I’m going to be SO mad at you.

M: Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.

BB: I hope so. You’re like a magnet for shenanigans.

After Bon Bon finally calms down, she he walks over and greets Anon with a dull, unpleased tone.

BB: Pleasure to meet you Anon. I’m Lyra’s ‘better half’, Bon Bon.

[Fun fact: The origin of the phrase, “My better half” had nothing to do with marriage but rather applied to someone who the other is dear to, but feel free to take the last sentence however you please.]

Anon reaches his paw out, but she ignores what I think is his version of a hoof shake, and walks over to get the whisk, and clean it off along with the batter on the floor. She’ll grow to like him, I can feel it.

Myself: Come on Anon, let’s go to the couch.

 

(Anon)

Things start out awkward and slow, but over time, Lyra and I have a joyful conversation about our lives, interest in music, and our friends. Lyra’s got just as many stories to tell as I do. They mostly centralize around her own misfortune and the derailing situations of her everyday life. Despite her constant conflicts, she finds many of these situations humorous, and laughs hardily at her own expense.

Lyra: So then I bucked the tree to get the Frisbee to fall out, and it did, *snickering* but I didn’t actually notice there was a buzzing sound coming from above my head, and then BAM, a beehive fell out of the tree right next to me.

She snickers some more as her head shakes in disbelief.

L: Bee’s started pouring out, and I had to ditch the Frisbee and run, and then Bon Bon ran to me wondering what was wrong, and then we BOTH stated getting chased by bees! HAHAHAHAHA! I was covered in bee stings for days! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! And then Bon Bon was like “LYYYRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

She countinues laughing until eventually having to stop to catch her breath. It seems like every time Bon Bon's involved, her jimmies become infinitely rustled.

Despite the all-around good mood that’s been set between us. There’s still that question in the back of my head that I really wanna ask,

 

(Lyra)

        Why’s he sitting like that? I don’t think he’s mocking me, but I still really want an answer. It might be silly and trivial, but I might as well ask. After wrapping up my story about the dangers of using too much yeast, I finally say,

Myself: So what’s up with the way you’re sitting? Is that normal for you or something?

Anon: I was just about to ask you the same thing. Humans sit this way naturally, I’d rather just lay down and stretch out, but I’d be such a douche for taking up space like that.

M: A what?

A: I-Ignore that last part. So what’s your deal?

M: Well, I’m not exactly good with telekinetic music. Sure I can lift a lyre with my horn,-

I do so as a visual example.

M:-but to strum fluently is just a bit too hard for me.

I attempt to strum with my magic, but all the strings strike up a loud and unpleasing mess of notes.

M: Surprisingly, it’s easier to play with hooves, but to do that, I needed to learn to sit up in order to prop it with my legs. After years of having to sit up to play music, this just sort of feels natural now.

A: Couldn’t you’ve just bought a stand to prop it?

M: Nah, that’s not interesting.

        Twenty minutes in, Bon Bon finally comes into the living room with us. She made a mountain’s worth of white chocolate truffles.

Bon Bon: *sigh* Would you like any truffles human.

Anon: Sure!

He gleefully grabs one and takes a bite.

Anon: This is delicious!

Bon Bon smiles a little.

BB: Thanks.

The three of us begin to dig into the truffles.

BB: So uh-

A: Anon.

BB: Anon, how do you feel about your match with Rainbow Dash?

Anon rolls his eyes.

Myself: Jeez Lyra, first topical sentence and you already bring up the fight. Why don’t you ask how he’s doing or something?

A: Nah, nah, it’s cool. Might as well skip the boring formalities.

BB: Do you seriously think you stand a chance?

A: I hope so. I’ve been training my butt off working with Pinkie. I don’t want that to be for nothing.

I pull Bon Bon in with my foreleg.

M: If it makes you feel any better, you’ll have our full support in the audience. Right Bon Bon!?

Bon Bon moves her head from my leg.

BB: I’m not supporting Anon.

M:…What do you mean?

BB: I’m a member of the Rainbow Dash Fan Club. Remember?

M: Oh yeah.

It gets really quiet for the next few minutes.

 

(Anon)

        For the most part, this has been a pretty great visit. Lyra’s a really nice pony to be around, and she seems to really enjoy my company. Best of all, nothing bad happened, much to the relief of Bon Bon.

Myself: It’s been great, but it’s beginning to get dark outside. I better head home.

Lyra: Sure thing. Drop by anytime.

Lyra gets on her hind legs and gives me in a hug. I don’t know what compels me to do so, but I begin to caress her mane with my left hand.

Lyra: Uh, what are you doing!?

M: Sorry.

I hastily retreat my hand.

L: Woah, woah, woah…I didn’t say stop.

I’m a bit confused for a moment, but continue to rub my hand throughout her mane. She lets out a long and soft “Aaah” sound in satisfaction.

L: Oh my Celestia. Bon Bon, you need to let him rub you mane!

Bon Bon: Uh, that’s okay.

Lyra: But his paw feels amazing!

M: They’re called hands.

L: I’ll remember that.

I continue for the next thirty seconds or so, before eventually stopping.

M: Well, I better get-

L: Wait! Could you do it for just a little longer…on the couch.

M:…Sure.

 

(Lyra)

Anon walks with me back to the couch, and we continue from there. His smaller digits once again run through my mane, and the tips of his digits rub against my head; it’s such an unusual flowing sensation that courses itself throughout from my head all the way to my hooves. I feel so completely relaxed. Wait a second. What’s he about to do with his free hand?

 

(Bon Bon)

        As I watch Anon massage Lyra’s head, I notice his other hand move to her stomach.

Lyra: Wait, what are you!- Aa-ah-aaaaaaaah.

Her eyes roll in the back of her head, and her body goes limp on the couch. Anon laughs at the situation as he rubs her stomach with his hands.

Lyra: Bon Bon…let him do this to you!

Her mouth hangs open with little dignity upon herself. Honestly, I’m a bit uncomfortable at the situation.

Myself: That’s okay. I’ll uh…be upstairs until you two are done.

I head upstairs into our bedroom, and I begin to write in my recipy book for the next few minutes before Lyra finally comes upstairs and into our room.

Myself: He’s left?

Lyra: Uh huh. *yawn* You should’ve let him do his hand thing with you.

I roll my eyes.

M: Was it really that great?

L: It was like a blur of blind ecstacy for several minutes.

M: You really like that guy don’t you?

L: Way more than I thought I would, yeah!

I sigh a bit.

M: Well, if you’re happy with his company, I’ll try to adjust.

L: Great!

Lyra gives me a hug, and blops into her bed to take a nap.

M: *sigh* Oh Lyra.

 

(Anon)

        I make it back to Fluttershy’s cottage. Usually Fluttershy greets me as, or before I enter, but she doesn’t appear this time. Odd, I’d assume she’d be home by now. Maybe she isn’t. I walk up and knock on the door of her room.

Fluttershy: Come in.

Oh, apparently she IS home. I open the door, and see Fluttershy,  laying on her bed, and staring at the ceiling.

Myself: Hey Flutters. How was the picnic?

Her voice is very monotone.

FS: It was nice. How was your time with…

M: Lyra. And it was fun. I also met Bon Bon, she wasn’t all that friendly, but she did give me some truffles. I brought one if you’d like.

FS: Uh huh.

I extend my arm to give it to her, but she doesn’t really react. I just place it on her shelf.

Silence.

FS:…Also, some pegasi dropped over a package for you. I put in your room.

M: Okay then…I guess I’ll just go off to get it then.

I awkwardly leave Fluttershy’s presence, and walk to my room. On my bed is a box, and on the box is a letter. Fluttershy then comes at the door.

FS: I just remembered there’s a letter attached to the package. You want I should read it for you?

M: Actually, I can read the text on this.

FS: I thought you were illiterate.

M: No. I can read text like this, but the other, more common text, I don’t know how to read.

FS: Oh…okay then.

Fluttershy turns to the door, but stops.

FS: Also, when you were gone, a news pony showed up wanting to interview you. I don’t really like the media too much, all they bring is trouble, so if you don’t mind, could you keep your news connections exclusively to the Crusaders?

M: No problem.

FS: Good.

Fluttershy walks off. She seems unusually depressed for some reason. It’s perplexing, but I make it a matter not to dive into the personal lives of others unless they want my help. I begin to read the letter.

“Dear Anonymous,

        It took several moons to learn how to craft magic-based scrolls, but I am fain to inform you that I have finally done so. In this wooden box, contains twelve scrolls. If you burn them, they will transport directly towards me. Any future scrolls I shall deliver will be through the assistance of the dragon known as Spike. We shall now be able to communicate with ease. I look forward to your letters.

Princess Luna"

 

        I pull out a scroll, and a smile comes across my face.

“Dear Princess Luna, you won’t believe the past few days I’ve gone through.”