Bon-Bon: Rebecca. I know you only want the best for me, but who I spend my days with is not your decision to make. And if you respect me for the things I’ve done, then you have to respect Lyra for the things she was forced to struggle through. That’s why I like spending time with her. Secret organizations, life-threatening situations, cloak-and-dagger; it may not have been my first choice, but it was still my choice. Lyra didn’t have that choice.
Bon-Bon: Besides, you think I want to be spoon-fed ambrosia from a silver bowl? I moved out here so I could be a normal mare. I like Lyra because she doesn’t treat me special. She never did. I didn’t do what I did for wealth or stature, I did it because it was the right thing. And we don’t do the right thing expecting something in return. We do it- Ribbon: Because it’s right…
Bon-Bon: You’re my sister and I still love you, Rebecca. But this is it. If you do something like this again I can’t have you in my life anymore. I know when Mom gave up on me it put a lot of pressure on you, but you’re the one that choose to accept that pressure. And you’ve more than risen to her expectations! It’s ridiculous that I can trust you with my secret identity but not my everyday life. Ribbon: But what about when she leaves? What about when you’re left here all alone? Lyra: Why does everypony keep thinking I’m going somewhere? Bon-Bon: We don’t live expecting the worst. We just enjoy what we have while we have it. It’s all we can do. Ribbon: I’m… I’m sorry, Samantha! I’m sorry, Lyra! Bon-Bon: I choose to believe you. Please don’t make that a mistake… And don’t call me Samantha.
Ribbon: I don’t… I mean I never… Lyra: If you don’t know, I
can tell you. It’s because I’m an orphan. Because I’m poor. I have no
past and I might as well have no future. Ribbon: That is not-! Lyra:
I don’t belong in your life unless I’m one of those poor ponies begging
for your help: “They have to find me innocent, right?! I was never
there! I don’t even know them!“ You can’t stand that you have no power over me! Ribbon: Bonnie shouldn’t have to-! Lyra: You act like it’s about her, but it’s all about you, isn’t it?! I’m not what you want! I’m just a street urchin, or a drifter, or some Romarei slurI know better than to repeat under such context! Ribbon: Romarei? Lyra:
And if it’s not that then it’s just me! You despise everything I am!
Nothing would please you more than to have me locked up or banished for
the rest of my days! Anything to get me out of the way! You’d rather
Bon-Bon spend time with anypony else in Equestria! Anypony but me!
Ribbon: YOU DON’T DESERVE HER! You’re a filthy, foul-mouthed, wretched creature! And the very arrogance!
You think it’s you? You think you’re anything special?! Ha! I’d have a
line- A LINE- running out that door and around this little shack
seven-times over on rich poniesalone! The Bohun family matched wits with the princesses and, even in defeat, still came out on top! We’re practically nobility! Ponies would kill to marry into our family! And if that were all… If you knew what she’s done for us all… Bon-Bon: She knows, Rebecca. Ribbon: She… does? Even the name? Bon-Bon: Even the name. Ribbon:
And still? And still you swear in her presence!? Treat her like a commoner?!
Equestria- the princesses- neigh, the entire world owes itself to Samantha,
and that was before she joined the agency! Risked her life everyday!
Saved thousands of lives a hundred times over! My sister deserves the
hoof of a prince! Or a princess. Royalty and any rate! That’s why I only
ever brought her the best! Dignitaries! CEOs! Diplomats! The Captain of
the Wonderbolts-!
Lyra: Wait! Wait a minute! Spitfire? Spitfire was interested in Bon-Bon? You had a chance with Spitfire and turned it down? Bon-Bon: She’s really not that great- Lyra: Who else? Name names. Ribbon: I- Uh… Emerald Beacon? Lyra: Keep going. Ribbon:
Professor Hayton? Filthy Rich before he got back together with his
wife, though even I’ll admit that was a poor judgement call on my part.
Then Marigold Riverside, Spitfire, Fleur Dis Lee- Lyra: The famous model?! She donates, like, thousands of bits a year! Bon-Bon: And she’ll continue to do so with or without me- I think we’re losing focus here.
Ribbon: Thank you for inviting me over, Bonnie. I appreciate the opportunity to… to… You’re blocking the doorway. Bon-Bon: You did not ask for permission to enter.
Ribbon: I see… May I come inside, sister? Bon-Bon: You may. And you may have a seat.
Ribbon: Ah. I… did not realize Lyra would be here. Lyra: Looks like you don’t quite know everything then, huh? Ribbon: This suddenly feels like a bad time- Bon-Bon: Sit. Down. This? This is ending now. No backward comments, no whispering under your breath. I’m tired of this between you two.
Lyra: I didn’t do any-! Bon-Bon: Shut. Up. You might paint yourself as a saint on your blog, but I know better. Rebecca, say your piece.
Ribbon: Lyra, I’m sorry for- Bon-Bon: Stop. If I was born yesterday, that would make you even younger than me. I don’t want to hear a bunch of fake apologies as you both go back to plotting behind each others’ back. Lyra: I never-! Bon-Bon: Shut! UP! … Rebecca, look at me. I am not sorry for what I said and what I did. I haven’t forgiven you and, even if Lyra does, I probably never will. Flaunting your money I didn’t mind. The suitors? I could deal with. But you attacked my friend and I want to know why. What possible reason could you have to go out of your way to try and ruin somepony’s life?
1) Bon-Bon: They fired Lyra because of the content of her blog. Acting as a representative of the Equestrian Government means you can’t have publicly accessible information that they feel could create a negative image.
Bon-Bon: If they were emails or recorded conversations, then we’d have a clear case. Otherwise we’d have to prove that there’s nothing on Lyra’s blog that’s bad. And we all know that, if nothing else, there’s discussion of alcohol and links to songs with swears.
2) W…
…
What?
I feel like maybe there’s some information missing here.
Bon-Bon: So? How was it?
Lyra: A lot of the kids I used to work with have either moved or graduated.
Bon-Bon: Oh… I’m so sorry.
Lyra: The staff is mostly the same, but some familiar faces are gone.
Bon-Bon: Well, at least most of them are still there.
Lyra: It’s a lot of work. I don’t think I was physically prepared.
Bon-Bon: I understand.
Lyra: I missed it so much, Bon-Bon. It’s not easy, and a lot has changed, but I never realized how much I missed being there! Why in Equestria did I ever leave?
Bon-Bon: I’m so relieved to hear you say that.
Lyra: I just feel so much more accomplished! And lighter! That job at the train station was so stressful!
Bon-Bon: I’m glad you feel that way.
Lyra: Are… you alright? I kinda thought you’d be more excited for me.
[Pause]
Lyra: What are you going to do about Ribbon?
Bon-Bon: I… I don’t know yet. Every time I forgive her she does this to me all over again. She just… I don’t know yet. I don’t.
Bon-Bon: How could you?!
Ribbon: I don’t see what she’s so broken up about. I did her a favor. She loathed that job. I half expected her to laugh in my face when I told her!
Bon-Bon: No… You knew. You knew how hard it is for her to get a job. And now you’ve not only hurt her, you’ve hurt me! Do you know how much debt we have right now? I’ve been depending on her paycheck!
Ribbon: Then I’ll give you the money you need. Let her have a vacation for all I care. It’s a non-issue. Or would that hurt your pride?
Bon-Bon: How… dare you! You take away our financial independence… and then have the nerve to insult me?! Ribbon: I- Bon-Bon: NO! Not another word! You crossed the line last time and I forgave you too soon! But this?! Y-You’re a traitor and a coward! You can tell Liza I’m sorry, but it would feel wrong for her to stay here where you’re no longer welcome. Ribbon: What-? Bon-Bon: Get out of my house! And don’t come back!
Ribbon: But-! Sister-! Bon-Bon: I HAVE NO SISTER!
[Slam!]
Ribbon: Bonnie! … Bonnie…? What have I done…?
Lyra: Ugh… I’m home… Bon-Bon: Hi, Lyra! Lyra: Hey, Bon-Bon… Jacques: Bonsoir, Lyra. Lyra: Hey, Ja-oh what the [omitted]…
Bon-Bon: Sit down and eat this.
Lyra: What is it?
Bon-Bon: It’s food. You put it in your mouth? I’m told sometimes you use a utensil to do this. … Well?
Lyra: I mean, it’s pretty good.
Bon-Bon: How good is pretty good?
Lyra: Not as good as last night. Jacques: But of course. Bon-Bon: But better than what you usually eat, right?
Lyra: Yeah, sure.
Bon-Bon: Jacques, tell the mare how much that cost to make.
Jacques: Three bits; as much as one of your microwavable freezer-burns.
Lyra: This? This only cost three bits? Bon-Bon: Scaled down per portion, yes. We made more than just that. And in only twenty minutes.
Lyra: That’s… incredible.
Bon-Bon: That’s the mark of a real chef. When you have only the best ingredients, the food speaks for itself. It takes skill and experience to make do with less. Jacques: Education and connections to cultivate as well. Bon-Bon: This is what I wanted to show you. Economics. Not the best food, but for the cost? Well, you said it yourself: pretty good! This is my goal for you. I want you to be able to do this.
Lyra: I have just one question. Bon-Bon: Yes? Lyra: Who is this colt?! Jacques: I am… Jacques.
Lyra: I don’t understand.
Bon-Bon: Why that was so much better than anything I’ve ever made? Because good food doesn’t just happen. It can’t be replicated, imitated, or mass-produced. Good food comes from good ingredients, and good ingredients require the best, natural environments to grow. That means they have to ship those ingredients from those environments all over the world.
Bon-Bon: But those good ingredients can still be divided into grades, and then the best quality within those grades. When you order an expensive pasta, you might be getting that year’s best tomatoes, but only some of that year’s best grains. Without grading? Can you imagine a subpar ingredient in an otherwise exquisite dish?
Bon-Bon: And as if that wasn’t complicated enough, it’s all on a timetable. “The longer it takes to reach your plate the more it loses its luster.” That best tomato will probably not be in its best condition by the time you order it. That’s why good food isn’t… you can’t just hold it in your hooves. It’s chance. A series of conditions. A circumstance. An experience.
Bon-Bon: That’s why it’s such a big industry. Why so much money is spent to harvest, test, grade, purchase- sometimes auction. Ship as quickly as possible, store and prepare as quickly as possible. Of course there’s a profit to be made, but it’s as much a service to the world as any other art. It can change you. And just like the first time you ever hear a song, it will never be the same.
Lyra: Ah… Actually I meant I don’t understand why Jacques came home with us.
Jacques: I will be your waiter for this evening.
Lyra: That’s alright. You can go home, Jacques. Jacques: Oh, of course! After such a fine meal you wish to be alone together! Lyra: You know what? Nevermind. Please stay Jacques. I don’t want you to go anywhere. Jacques: Mé… ménage à trois? Lyra: Okay now you can leave for real.
???: Ah! Bonnie! So good of you to finally grace us with your presence!
Tootsie: Hi, Jacques! Jacques: Salut, Lady Liza!
Bon-Bon: It’s a pleasure to be served by you, Jacques. This is Lyra.
Jacques: The maiden of honor herself-! Lyra: And while I hate to start us off on the wrong hoof, your face is entirely too close to my face.
Jacques: Je vous prie d'accepter mes excuses. I am Jacques and I will be your waiter for this evening.
Lyra: Nice to meet you Jacques.
Jacques: How may I begin your dining experience tonight?
Bon-Bon: Well Lyra, if you’re done gawking at the menu, I’ll be ordering for the both of us.
Lyra: I can order for myself!
Bon-Bon: Sure you can. Soon as I can trust you to not order something cheap.
Tootsie: What about me?
Bon-Bon: Just don’t make yourself sick. Tootsie: Suh-wee~t! Lyra: Wait a minute! That’s not fair! She can order for herself but I can’t?!
Bon-Bon: She knows what food tastes like. Tootsie: Heehee!
Lyra: Bon-Bon. Psst. Bon-Bon! Bon-Bon: I’m only sitting across from you, Lyra. Lyra: We have to get out of here! This place is even more expensive than I thought!
Bon-Bon: I told you not to worry about it.
Lyra: Why are we even here? Most of crap on this menu is more expensive than a week’s groceries!
Bon-Bon: Because you will learn what good food tastes like if I literally have to shove it down your throat.
Lyra: I know what good food tastes like!
Bon-Bon: No. You know what passable food tastes like. You probably know what okay food tastes like. And you might’ve even had overpriced food. But there is no mistaking good food. And if you’d had it before you wouldn’t eat half of the slop you do with a grin. Lyra: Bet me… Bon-Bon: And unfortunately the only place in Ponyville that serves good food is on the pricier side. I consider it an investment in your culinary education.
Tootsie: Do I order from the cheap menu or the expensive menu?
Bon-Bon: Your mother will be covering you.
Tootsie: Sweet!
Bon-Bon: It was nice of your bosses to finally give you a Saturday off.
Lyra: You’d think it was the least they could do after forcing me to work on Nightmare Night, sick and throwing up. Last real day off I had was to visit the fillies and colts at the end of the school year in June. I practically had to chop off my hooves this time. The new company is pretty cruel.
Bon-Bon: Well, I’m just glad you’ll be here. And to see Countess Coloratura no less!
Lyra: Me too! I’m looking forward to tonight! She might not be my favorite, but she can sing really well under all that drama! Seems kinda silly to open with your headline act, though. But I guess she probably wouldn’t agree to less.
1) Bon-Bon: I don’t know. Where she comes from I hear they’re pretty lazy.
Lyra: What? Oh? Yeah, well… Heh heh, I forgot what I was going to say.
Bon-Bon: It’s about following directions and not looking for a shortcut. When you’ve had experience, then you can start trying new things and going by taste. Real taste. Not lots-of-salt taste. But this was a good step! We’ll build from here!
Ribbon: It looks just like the pictures. Absolutely amazing, Tootsie!
Ribbon: Alright, alright. Go grab your things. I’ll carry your horticulture marvel. I’m sure your father will be delighted to see your work! Look Bonnie!
Bon-Bon: I’ve been watching her take care of that flower for the last few months, Ribbon.
Ribbon: But just look here! Where the leaves change color? The book says that’s very hard to do!
Bon-Bon: And that’s wonderful, Ribbon! I’m happy for Liza.
Ribbon: Oh you shush. I’m a mother and I’m proud of my daughter’s work. Nothing more.
Bon-Bon: Right… Can you hurry up and get that thing out of here? Lyra’s been sneezing like mad ever since it bloomed.
Ribbon: Oh-uh, our maid, dear. She has allergies too. I’m sure she won’t like the flower either. But nothing for you to be concerned with!
1) Wow. Well I’m glad you’re okay now! Don’t suppose you know how this happened or how to prevent it from happening again, do you? It’s okay if you can’t tell me.
2) Eh. I mean, I’ve heard it’s hilarious, ingenious, thought provoking, challenging, and with a morality system that makes your actions feel like they truly have weight. Basically brilliant on every developmental level.
But I have absolutely no interest in it. Whenever a game has pass/fail objectives that alter the ending, possibly without you even knowing it, I feel overwhelmed. Like I have to study what to do, where, and when, before even starting, or else I’ll mess something up.
