1) And it was awesome! Thank you so- Ginza, huh? Opening those mystical chests for the best reward? Sacrifice fusion? Oh! Maybe you’re trying to get a stat up from the shop using tickets!

2) Well, I was supposed to be substituting for the summer. Haven’t worked a day yet. Not looking good.

3) Oh, I don’t know. They aren’t mine. I’m sure they could if they wanted to, but I don’t know for certain. I don’t eat flowers much. They’re kind of expensive. A daffodil and daisy sandwich is like… [omitted] 3 bits.

4) I played GTC 4’s multiplayer a little at a friend’s house. Was fun!

5) Lyra: … Can I-?

Bon-Bon: No you can’t play with a leaf blower.

Lyra: Aw…

Bon-Bon: But of course I’d welcome a new costumer! Not that Pinkie Pie empties out the store or anything. Reliable, though.

Lyra: I don’t know how well I could live by that, but it is cute and adorable and happy and upbeat. Kush kush!

6) Very tiring. Also somewhat disturbing to view, from what I’ve been told.

7) Uh… Rarijack.

Well, alright then.

1) Uh… Dragonball. Kirby. Bobobo. Cowboy Bebop. Big O. Shin Chan. I’m sure there’s a bunch of other ones. They were okay at passing the time.

But Speed Racer and Robotech were where it’s at, yo. Oh! And Hamtaro! Little hamsters! Big adventures!

I also watched a marathon of Sailor Moon for like… six hours. And there’s this one incredibly raunchy, and several times explicit, show called Ebichu. But there’s some really funny parts in it!

2) Uh… It’s not that I think you’d purposely give me anything that would hurt me, but I might not like what it does. I don’t like surprises.

No shed, but what would you be storing and for how long?

3) Cool! I mean, I don’t know how much fun it would be to play a sidescrolling Deus Ex, but it still looks great!

Also, I got that other submission you sent in and have been looking through them when I have the time.

4) Not in particular. I do look up some stuff about humans, though. Also, I can’t sing that well.

5) Bon-Bon: Hey! I’m not trying to tell you how to eat! Do what you want! I would be surprised to hear you ate ten, though. You’d probably start to feel sick after four or five.

Lyra: Oh, if I only had the money to eat as much candy as I want… I’d probably spend it on pasta.

1) Oh my gosh! Hi! How’s it going? How’s your writing? Not much has happened over here. Krastos is studying for his doctorate so he’s super busy. I’m just, you know, kinda hangin’ out.

2) Yeah, we drag our butts across the ground.

Because toilet paper is too advanced for us.

3) You mean the spy cams. Yeah, I know about that.

4) That’s not the pony way. And nothing is ever that simple.

5) I’ve never even heard of it.

6) Lyra: Like I was saying, Ever, no big changes or anything over here.

Bon-Bon: I’m answering questions now too! Isn’t that new?

Lyra: You want to answer this one?

Bon-Bon: Ew. No.

Lyra: Me neither.

1) I read this thing once about this “inner thigh cutie mark.” I laughed forever. It’s so completely ridiculous, and yet so incredibly creative. How does anypony even think to make something like that up? I like that one because, while a little adult, it’s mostly benign.

There are some ponies that seem to think your world’s culture is comprised entirely of American/Canadian and that you only have one language.

2) But why a line of toys designed as that particular age group marketed toward foals? Adults I can understand, but why an age where most still live with their parents and have to go to school? For that matter, why design it around school at all? Don’t kids hate school?

3) Fortunately for me, I like first and third pony shooters. So even if it’s garbage I can still play it. It’s just the “period accurate weapon” ones I hate. I don’t want to fire an inaccurate weapon that takes forever to reload and keeps jamming. That’s annoying. I’m trying to have fun, not get an authentic experience for murdering others.

I don’t really play JRPGs anymore. I used to be really into them. I think the last one I played was a pirated copy of Etrian Odyssey 3. Which was okay, but the pace was so dreadfully slow. Very grindy.

The only sports games I liked were the arcade-y ones. I don’t even understand the more accurate ones. Why don’t you just watch sports if you like it that much? Aren’t there recordings going back decades? Or better yet, play it yourself!

4) Bon-Bon: Well, I’m certainly not trying to change your mind or anything. I was just giving my opinion. Being around candy as much and as long as I have you start to be more careful about what and how much you take in. I would never eat a single candy bar in one or even two sittings.

Lyra: I haven’t tried that, no. I can’t afford candy much these days so when I do I just stick with Starburst, Skittles, Candy Corn; things like that. There’s loads of them and you can buy them up in bags for pretty cheap!

1) Is that really important?

2) Bon-Bon: I prefer the smoother taste of milk chocolate, but I see where you’re coming from.

Lyra: I like white chocolate. I know it’s not chocolate, but it’s awesome.

Bon-Bon: Nougat that you find in candy is usually table sugar, corn syrup, and what is known as a whipping agent. There isn’t a uniform recipe for it between businesses, but some of them use egg whites. After you have the core substance together, you can flavor it a number of different ways.

Bon-Bon: I don’t personally care for nougat; it’s basically filler so that a candy bar is cheaper to make. If you want to eat chocolate and caramel with possibly some nuts, I’d recommending eating a little chocolate and caramel with possibly some nuts. If you want to eat something filling, I recommend eating food. But money is money. Whatever ponies eat is what I stock.

Lyra: For the record, I like Milky Way and I think it would taste awful without nougat.

3) For some reason, the demand for “gray-[omitted] shooter” is large enough for multiple companies to fight over. There’s even room enough for the same type of “gray-[omitted] shooter” and have several still be successful. That’s not the companies’ fault; that’s the consumer. When folks stop buying crap, companies will stop making it.

If Soul Reaver/Blood Omen left any legacy (of Kain), it’s evidence that the demographic for action/adventure/puzzler doesn’t want competition. Which is great for Neightendo! For everypony else… Well, sometimes we get a new Deus Ex game.

1) Bon-Bon: Of course it’s upsetting and of course everypony has every reason to think less of her for it. But it doesn’t change her as a cook. It’s okay to like somepony’s ability to do a job without liking who they are, and the other way around too.

Bon-Bon: Now, if you’re boycotting something, that’s different. That’s saying, “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, this is not acceptable past, present, or future.”

Lyra: I feel that ponies get too attached to somepony they’ve never even met. Separate the job from the pony.

Bon-Bon: But no pony asked you. It’s specifically addressed to me.

Lyra: Yeah, but I’ve said some extremely hateful things in the past. Some of them I didn’t even know were hateful at the time! I’d be [omitted] if I lost my job over it.

2) In Snake’s defense, he’s usually involved in negotiations on a much larger scale. He brings his experience, which can make things more difficult, but also his leverage. He’s sort of involved as a favor, but he can get you more out of this than anypony else.

B: He’s also involved in negotiations with a number of other entities at any given time. I guarantee you are his lowest priority.

1) What, again? It’s barely been 24 hours!

Just one, though. No “S”.

2) Alright, I suppose. Hasn’t been very Luigi-esque over here, though. I don’t seem to own the appropriate systems.

3) So that’s why the moon was so bright Saturday! Other than the moon being really bright when I went on a quick market run, no. The Summer Sun Celebration was the day before, but I missed it. I think it was in Baltimare or something this year. They seem to get a lot of events there.

4) Bluh; meat.

Bon-Bon: Many, yes! Everything from soft-shelled chocolate bites to chocolate wafer bars!

Bon-Bon: There’s a lot of chocolate.

Bon-Bon: There you go, all set up.

S: You have my gratitude, madam. First of all, thank you for your continued cooperation. Transporting operations will begin in the morning. Though I am not directly involved, I would estimate the relocation process concluding before the day’s end. The cargo will be handled swiftly, but with care.

S: Now then, different research teams are compensated at different levels. Your field of study would be a greater determining factor then any other, and to that end I’m afraid I have no basis to measure. CUE is not directly involved and I am presently in communication with you as an intermediary, nothing more. If accepted among the initial applicants, which in all likelihood you would be, then you would have the opportunity to ask any further questions to whichever individual team is interviewing you. I can assure you, however, that as a government position the benefits would be substantial.

S: Regarding the Celestial Unified Elite as an organization, I am not particularly comfortable with the level of transparency that has already been established. Of course, I understand the apprehension that some may feel at the notion of a government body keeping secrets from the public. But one must never forget that knowledge, as a tool, may be used as a weapon. And as defenders of this nation it is a priority to keep weapons out of the reach of those under trained, or undisciplined, to properly handle them.

Bon-Bon: A kiss, hmm? Haha! But I don’t individually wrap them. I just put them in a segmented container. I also can’t call them a Kiss, so they’re chocolate drops.

Bon-Bon: Lyra will eat a single potato chip. It’s kinda freaky; I’ve never seen anypony else do that.

Bon-Bon: Also, hi Lyra! Hope you’re enjoying yourself! The dog is doing fine without you! Love the pictures you took!

Bon-Bon: She has a second photoset queued for tomorrow morning, too!

1) Bon-Bon: Strictly candies? The molded, powdery stuff can be pretty tough. But outside of candy I have a pretty tough time with truffles for some reason.

Bon-Bon: … Wait, I think I misread. Oh. Sorry, I don’t give out recipes. That’s kinda how I make money.

2) Bon-Bon: Ha ha, okay, I think you win.

3) Phase-style like Disgaea or per character-style like Final Fantasy Tactics?

4) You’re not real.

5) I don’t own one, but I borrow one from time to time.

1) Nope. My nightmares tend to have closer ties with reality.

2) Interesting. So is it, like, an action game? An RTS? An SRPG?

3) Bon-Bon: Cooler than cool… is icing!

Lyra: No. Bad, Bon-Bon.

Bon-Bon: Oh, don’t be such a… sour-tart!

Lyra: Bon-Bon, stahp.

Bon-Bon: You just wish you could be one of the… smarties like me.

Lyra: BoN-BON!

4) This is why I say things like “I don’t know a whole lot about government.” I know plenty about things I’m well-versed in, but stuff like this is completely beyond me. There might very well be an office dedicated to helping foals get their cutie marks. That’s really stupid if there is, but I honestly have no idea.

5) Whoops! My bad! Must be something in the water.

1) No… I mean, I don’t even have… Or… Does hearing and seeing things…? Are flashbacks hallucinations?

2) Bon-Bon: Are you kidding? I make candy!

Lyra: She mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.

3) Lyra: And then you just speak into it. It already recognizes your voice, I just have to tag it when you’re done.

S: Very well then. Black Strawberry, I believe it was. Lovely to make your acquaintance. I understand you’ve come upon quite a collection you’re willing to part with. Canterlot, Equestria, and the Princess herself appreciates your willingness in this matter. Now, first things first; make no attempt to transfer the books yourself. This would create a massive security issue on our end as far too many factors would be left unaccounted for. As security is our utmost priority that would be undesirable. A number of high ranking and trustworthy individuals will aid in the transport of your library beginning directly from your place of residence.

S: With that out of the way, due to the sheer size of the collection you have amassed, ordinary payment would be quite an insult to you. Regulations place a very concrete limitation on purchases between the royal family and any financial transactions wherein that which was purchased was not an explicitly commissioned service; or in other words, goods. Thus, we are pressed to come to an agreement on some other form of payment for the materials in question.

S: To that end, I would like to begin the transaction by asking what you would deem a suitable replacement for legal tender in our bartering process.

4) Things are fine, but I don’t get to see him a whole lot right now. He’s super busy working on his doctorate. But if there’s anything in this world I can wait for, it’s him.

1) Bon-Bon: Well, sure! Who doesn’t? Assume too much and you’ll embarrass yourself. Assume too little and you’ll embarrass yourself. We can’t be perfect!

Lyra: Of course, embarrassing yourself and feeling embarrassed are two different things. Things aren’t usually as bad as you think they are.

Bon-Bon: Like many ponies in Equestria, I took a nickname after I got my cutie mark. My birth name is Bonnie Bohun, of Canterlot’s Bohun family. Not the rich side, mine you, but we were well enough off growing up.

2) Have I been asked this before? Sounds familiar… Is this code for something, like that “stairs in your house” thing?

3) B: Of course you want compensation. Heavens forbid you do anything for the greater good without expecting something in return. But you’ll get your payment. I doubt it’ll be as much as you’d like, but Canterlot can only afford to hand out so much under freelancing circumstances.

I’m proud of you though, Strawberry. I know this couldn’t have been an easy decision to make. Thank you for doing this!

4) Depends on how you interpret “personally.” I spoke with dozens; held casual conversations. Had less savory involvements with others. Some of them were every bit the vile, merciless, scourges of society you’d expect. Others could appear normal enough. Sometimes you’d get the feeling that if things had been only a little different they could have been upstanding, charitable citizens. Maybe they even regretted it.

But then you’d see that expression on their face, and all at once death would be too good for them.

1) I think I just didn’t like the battle system, though to be honest it’s been so long I can’t even remember why.

2) Lyra: CC:GG!

Bon-Bon: Ennn… Ponyville is a smaller market. Black licorice is a little too niche. I mean, I could produce some upon order, but it’s not something I’d just stock. I’ve never heard of those jelly beans before. Frankly, it sounds like a pretty terrible idea. But then again I hate buttered popcorn jelly beans and I swear regular variety packs are full of them.

3) Oh certainly! I’ve been working on a pen and paper system of my own on and off for a little while now. Haven’t physically touched it much lately but I’m still rolling around ideas.

Also, if you were wondering why, I still consider that slang to be a swear.

4) B: If the idea is that no one will ever see them again, then there’s no reason not to destroy the copies and the originals, unless you want them intact so that someone can come along for them later. If that someone doesn’t wind up just being you.

B: Alternately, if you turned them in they could be researched, categorized, and stored in a much more secure location. Should the day arise that the contents are ever needed, as authorized by the royal family, they would be intact and easily located amongst the vast, restricted, royal libraries.

1) Bon-Bon: Haha! Well, I don’t know if anypony is eating the stuff, but candy corn is a pretty reliable seller around Nightmare Night.

Lyra: I like candy corn!

2) Well, there isn’t really that much to maintain. I’ve never had to replace anything on any of my lyres other than the strings, and I don’t physically touch them so even then only rarely.

I saw Battle Network being played quite a bit when it first came out. The combat style was completely uninteresting to me. The whole reason I played Network Transmission was because it didn’t play at all like Battle Network.

3) B: How very illegal for you to possess. Also convenient that you’ve no desire to share what you shouldn’t have in the first place. Though I suppose if you were responsible enough to realize that you wouldn’t be attempting to justify it. In vain, if you were wondering.

Strawberry, I thought these were just old spell books. B’s right; that stuff is outlawed and illegal to own. You have to get rid of them. Turn them in, destroy them, whatever you have to do.

4) I’m sorry, but I already know how to bowl! I’m not pro or anything, but I almost got a 150 last time I played. And that was after not playing for a lo~ng time.