Double the Fun {Private} |Geffect & Zazzy| [Dead]

[GEffect]

Today was a fairly busy day for the citizens that inhabit the cheerful land know as Ponyville. Celestia's great sun was shining high in the sky giving nice warm light upon the plants and vegetation that give this town its natural green color. It is nearly impossible to be stuck doing nothing on a day like this. At least something would probably catch your attention but, every pony is different after all. Out of all the places in Ponyville that regularly get activity there was one particular place that seemed to have more ponies participating in it then usual. There was really no big reason for this except the already large quantity of ponies roam about the streets doing whatever it is they were planning to occupy themselves with. However the Ponyville Bowling Alley just seemed to be receiving a fair amount of costumers today. Maybe it had to deal with a special guest that is performing at the lanes today. But that is a little far fetched because this special guest isn't some mainstream celebrity or anything. His name is known in some parts of Ponyville but, in reality that is about it taking it as he has not yet reached a big time opportunity. As a matter of fact this special guest has brought some pony rather close to him which is more important than some performance in anyway. Yes today Thunder Cracker and his equally talented twin sister Stratosphere were at the bowling alley today.

The two musically inclined twins were bowling a game on lane 6. A few ponies would occasionally trot by and recognize TC and, have no hesitation in calling him by his stage name "Razipony". In all respect Thunder Cracker was surprised how many ponies actually knew him but, still even with that he wasn't really paying attention to all the praise. To tell the truth he hasn't even started his DJ performance yet which wouldn't be set to start in about a couple hours so there was really no need to worry about anything. So far TC has been spending his time bowling with Stratosphere in a 1 on 1 match. The overall score in match wins was tied between both of them and this was their final set. Thunder Cracker looked at ball loader with eager eyes waiting for his personally designed bowling ball to appear. All he needed was to hit this spare and he would claim victory. Right on cue TC's ball had rolled into the tray of bowling balls waiting for it's owner to use it once more. Thunder Cracker calmly picked it up with his hoof and trotted over to the lane focusing on those last pins. Three of them were in a diagonal line but one was far off in a corner mean TC had to somehow ricochet a pin to hit the other one in order to claim his spare. He stared those pins down for a few seconds then took some hoof steps back. He took a deep breathe and, then made his way towards the lane. With one good tug he reeled his throwing hoof back preparing to release the ball then as soon as his hind hoof hit the floor just behind the lane line he swung the ball forward releasing it at a good speed towards the pins. The crowd behind the shoe racket at TC and Stratosphere's lane leaned in with face of awe as the ball trained its way towards the target that awaits on the other side. The bowling ball had a nice straight pathway as it made kept rolling but, the way TC threw it had it going towards the corner pin. Stratosphere smirked confident that her victory was all but clear. However a few seconds before the ball entered the pin zone it had curved off its initial direction now heading straight at the three diagonal pins. Stratosphere's expression changed instantly trying to see if TC was cheating my using his magic but, sadly she could see thanks to the ball's design that it was spinning in the direction towards the diagonal pins the whole time. Just a slit second after it had changed course the bowling ball speed right through the pins launching all but one of them into the gutter behind it. One of the diagonal pin bounced of the wall causing it to spin around like a spin top on the lane floor. It slowly spun its way towards the one pin still standing in the corner as the crowd of ponies gasps with excitement. Eventually the spin top pin made contact with its target moving it just enough to get it wobbling. Unfortunately that last pin nearly toppled over but, on the last wobble in somehow regained its balance and stood perfectly style earning disappointed reactions from the crowd.

Thunder Cracker stood were he was staring at what he just witnessed then just face hoofed from disbelieve. While Stratosphere on the other hand couldn't be feeling better. "Yes! Victory is mine!" Stratosphere cheered as she flew up in the air doing some small loops in the process. TC turned around shaking his head at his sister before he returned back to his seat. Shortly after that Stratosphere hovered back down in her seat right next to him with a sly little smile on her muzzle. "Well then TC; It looks like you are gonna buy the pizzas tonight."

Thunder Cracker turns to his mocking sister with a small glare. "Don't be a dork munch Stratosphere I know that."

The very pegasi in question laughs just a little from TC's remark. Once she got a grip on her nerves again the only thing left was her pleased smile from earlier. "You were close to beating me...Unfortunately I just have more skill than you do." Stratosphere gives TC a playful shove to show she is only messing with him before she continues talking. "Come on go order the pizza already I'm getting hungry."

Thunder Cracker rolls his eyes in a lazy manner then gets up from his seat. Afterwards he casually trots over to the food line waiting for his turn to order the pizza that Stratosphere so happens to dearly need at this time.

[Zazzy]

The bowling alley was bustling with ponies - something that Raven immediately hated. Quietness and peace were more her thing, really, and she could feel her glasses getting damp with sweat from all the ponies murmuring around her to each other. The thought that all these gathered ponies would see her either triumph or fail - probably the latter, Raven thought pessimistically - made her feel jittery with nerves. She looked around at her companion, Coffea Arabica, she wondered if the other pony was feeling as apprehensive and anxious as her. Probably not, looking at the annoyed expression Coffea held on her face as she tried to tighten her silver saddle bags. Watching on, Raven wondered whether they were qualified enough as friends for her to help the pegasus, but before she could make a decision, Coffea had ruffled her right wing violently, causing the saddle bag on that side to start into place. Satisfied, she turned around again to the bowling alley.

They were sitting on the seats that the alley had provided. Both of them, Raven and Coffea, had met each other in those seats that they were sitting on. Both of them had admitted to never have been in the alley, having steered clear of it due to the ponies inside causing such a ruckus, but then Coffea had mentioned that she was Trottingham, and, dear Celestia, that had comforted Raven so much. She had been feeling a little self conscious, because she was obviously a Canterlot pony; her glasses and tie gave it away almost immediately, if not at the moment any pony even saw her. After that, they had struck up an amiable conversation and exchanged addresses. That made them friends, of course, but Raven wasn't completely comfortable around Coffea as she was with her Canterlot friends, being a little afraid of hurting her.

She turned her attention to the pegasus in question, hearing her speak, "I think it's time we joined a lane and start actually doing some bowling, right?" Raven turned her attention back to the lanes. Yes, they had been sitting there for about ten minutes, and neither of them had come here to just sit around. To her dismay, after a careful examination, all the lanes had at least a few ponies on. Coffea, having seen her expression, immediately shook her head comfortingly, knowing a little more about bowling than her new friend, "We need to join one. It's five on a lane, or something, I think." 

Raven looked around, biting her lip. Every pony at every lane seemed daunting - but then, for Raven, at any rate, nearly everyone she met was daunting in her eyes. Well then, choosing a lane by choice was clearly not an option, because, by seeing her companion's face, she too was equally unsure, if not more, "Um, what's your favourite number?" Raven asked, making up her mind that only pure force would get them to join a lane. She just hoped that the ponies in the alley weren't intimidating or down rated any pony. She hated it when that happened, but Coffea seemed very down to earth and would surely put a stop to anything that went out of hand, wouldn't she? The pegasus seemed older than Raven anyhow, so that meant that she could rely on the tea shop owner more than Coffea could rely on her.

Realising what Raven was trying to suggest, Coffea's eyes half lit up and half dropped as she ruffled her wings nervously, averting her eyes so she wouldn't pick her favourite number simply because the ponies at the lane seemed intimidating, "Uh, six?" She half asked, half stated, anxiously. The pegasus pushed her silky mane down, hoping that her favourite number turned out to be unlucky.

Both of the two ponies immediately let their eyes race to Lane 6 and let out a sigh of relief. There was only one pony there; a rather happy pegasus mare by the looks of it, doing loop de loops in the air. They let out a sigh of relief - she didn't seem at all terrible, "I'll go and get some food, okay? You go and talk to that mare." Coffea said, hearing her tummy rumble and feeling her face heat up. Thank goodness that Raven wouldn't be able to hear, who knows what the unicorn would think? Before she could get herself into more embarrassment, Coffea swiftly got up from her chair and trotted to the pizza stand, using her wings to propel herself along even further. She joined the back of the line, hoping that Raven liked cheese and tomato pizza. The pegasus looked around irritably and let out a sigh. This bowling alley only served pizza, chips and soda - what terrible service! If it were Coffea's alley, there'd be various food that served different portions of luxury...why, ponies would be filling in every second!

Coffea broke off from her fantasy as she noticed the stallion in front of her. She frowned and creased her eyebrows together, feeling that the pony was some pony she knew, but the pegasus couldn't just hit her hoof on it. She hesitated, not wanting to disturb the stallion just in case he wasn't some body who was, in fact, an acquaintance, if not friend. But if it was a friend, wouldn't they have recognised each other by now? Pushing her thoughts away from her, Coffea took a step forward as the pony at the front walked away with her order. 

Raven, on the other hoof, had reluctantly made her way off to Lane Six. She was already having second thoughts about the pegasus mare, and she kept on pushing her glasses up the bridge of her muzzle nervously. Finally nearing the destination close enough to sit down, Raven looked up and said, "Um. Hi," She cringed, knowing that that was a complete and utter failure. Coffea would he ashamed of her. This spurred Raven on a little more, not wanting to disappoint her friend who seemed to do so well in the social life, "Do you think me and my friend could, um, bowl here on this lane?" She asked shyly and with the demure nature of a newly born kitten. If she were younger, this mare at Lane Six may have described her as cute and maybe even huggable, but, to be fair, Raven couldn't help it, what with her extremely shy nature and reserved behaviour, "Oh, if you don't, um, mind, of course." She shuffled her hooves, feeling ridiculously shy. Raven suddenly started, realising that this pegasus mare would obviously be wondering where her so called friend was, "Uh, my friend's gone to get some food, so..." The unicorn inclined her head to the pizza stall to back up that certain piece of information.

[GEffect]

Stratosphere was enjoying herself while her older brother (by time that is) went to go get their food. She mostly sat where she was before hand occasionally taking a glance at the score board to look at all the points from their last game. When the two ponies first arrived they didn't do much because they were too busy setting up their equipment for later. Once they had everything put together they recently started playing the arcade games before they even started bowling. Stratosphere didn't mind the recognition her brother was getting but, most of the time she felt like other ponies never even noticed her. However she is used to being over looked because to be honest the pegasi is quite distant and shy around other ponies. Today was not so bad though because since Thunder Cracker was here she had a little more confidence in herself to step out of her shell for once. She looked back at the line noticing that it may take a while depending on how things go over there. Well either way Stratosphere was just fine waiting right here by herself. Right then and there before the light orange mare could even dream of it; a mare unicorn had sat next to her asking if she and, a friend could join.

Stratosphere didn't even notice this pony trot up to her until she suddenly appeared in the seat right next to the one she was sitting in. This mare however was getting incredibly shy when it came to speaking directly to Stratosphere which the pegasi could understand to a great degree. It is hard to just trot up to some pony that you do not even know and, expect them to let you hang around as if you were already there. This was something that caused Stratosphere to grow a little respect for this random mare's bravery in doing such a thing. Her words had a sense of worry behind them which made Stratosphere realize that she should probably help comfort her nerves. This mystery mare eventually corrected herself in an effort to make sure Stratosphere knew why her friend wasn't currently with her at this moment. "It is ok to join I don't mind if you and, your friend share this lane. As a matter of fact my twin brother ironically just left to go get some food as well. Me and him are actually here as special guests to perform for this bowling alley's 100th day running." She pauses a little in thought then decides to recap her last statement. "Well technically my brother is but, he needed me to help out so I guess that counts for something right. But we aren't scheduled to perform until in a few hours passes by so as of now we were just bowling to pass the time so all are welcome I suppose." Stratosphere finishes her reply with a gentle smile to help send a positive message.

As for Thunder Cracker he was just quietly waiting in line until it was his turn to order. The line was at a decent length so he figured he wouldn't have to wait forever as long as things went smoothly. Looking at the menu this place didn't really take much consideration into food choices. Yeah sure there are different styles of pizzas but, there are way better things to suggest then this. The pony in front had just left off with her own order which allowed the line to shift forward to serve its next costumer. Thunder Cracker figured he was going to buy a cheese pizza and also a pepperoni with sausage pizza so he could just make sure he didn't waste his bits on something that he knew would not sit well with Stratosphere. In no time the stallion in front of TC had received their meal as well finally letting the light orange unicorn make his order. TC trotted up with a small smile as the mare behind the stand wearing a black visor hat greeted him. She kindly asked for TC's order which lead to Thunder Cracker taking a quick peek at the menu one last time to make sure he knew what to buy before he answered. "Yeah I would like to order two pizzas please. One simply with cheese and, the other with pepperoni and sausage. If it isn't to much trouble I would like this one fresh from the oven." The cashier put in TC's order then handed him the receipt shortly after telling him that the pizzas would take just a few minutes to be made. Thunder Cracker gave a friendly smile and thanked the cashier then he stepped out off line. Without any further things to do Thunder Cracker trotted back to Lane 6 noticing Stratosphere talking to a random mare right next to her. He raised one eyebrow confused as to where this other mare had even come from and, why she was sitting with Stratosphere. Maybe this was a friend of his younger sister that TC didn't know about? Probably; well in anycase he wasn't going to get answers just by standing here. So without any further delays TC trotted back into the seating section of Lane Six sitting in the seat with the scoreboard in front of it. "Sorry if I took too long there was a line when I got there. The pizza will be ready in a few minutes so that should give you enough time for you to tell me who your friend is."

TC and Stratosphere my be fracturnal twins but, one swap of the gender and, the two could have easily been identical twins. To be honest ponies have already confused to two to be identical in the past multiple times. For Thunder Cracker's case this is kind of embarrassing to have happen guessing since that basically means others thought he was a mare instead of a stallion. It is understandable though because they have the exact same orange pelt color, pink eyes with the same black spike birthmarks under both of them, and the same white colored mane and tail with pink hair dye (style is different however). Really the only thing that is different between the two are their voices, cutie marks, and pony breed. Stratosphere being a pegasus and TC being a unicorn. Everything else on the other hand is similar.

With that aside Stratosphere took the liberty of half introducing the unicorn mare in question in a calm and gentle voice. "Actually me and her just met. She came with her own friend who is currently getting some food. You don't mind if they join us do you?"

Thunder Cracker glanced over at the other unicorn with calm observant eyes. Then with a simple shrug he replied. "I don't see why they shouldn't so it is ok with me if they join us."

[Zazzy]

It was mostly the comforting tone of the pegasus mare's voice that soothed Raven's nerves. She immediately took a liking to this orange pony; not many others had accomplished the mission of comforting her, let alone in such a small time. Heck, even Coffea hadn't done that! "Ah..." Raven nodded to the mare's words, trailing off as her speech fully registered in her body. Immediately, the nerves came rushing back. This nice mare had a brother? Who was, unfortunately, coming to join them? Raven flattened her ears as her tummy twisted and coiled with anxiety; what if the unknown stallion wasn't as nice as this kind mare she had just met?

She took a hasty step back as a stallion - presumably the other mare' brother - sat down and started speaking to his sister. Her eyes immediately fell to the floor, studying the tiles nervously as she hoped that Coffea was quick enough to get their food in such a short space of time and come to the lane right then and there. That was, of course, pretty much impossible, what with the large crowd that had bustled into the alley. Suddenly, Raven realised that she hadn't given the mare her name - the nervousness had ripped all forms of politeness off her. She wished that she could be a bit more...confident but there was no use wishing, was there?

In an effort to not seem more stupid and impolite as she already was, Raven dragged her eyes from the floor and spoke quietly to the two ponies who were talking. She had blocked them out when she had momentarily dipped into her mental panic, but now that she was aware of what she was doing, she could hear them coming to the end of their conversation: the perfect cue for Raven to start talking and finally introduce herself to them.

"M-my apologies for being so rude," the unicorn shuffled her hooves together as she spoke, hoping the stallion would be as empathic as his sister was. She didn't associate with stallions as much as she did with mares and was unsure of what his reactions and personality would be like, "I, um, forgot all about it. My names Raven," Raven introduced herself quietly, but not so quietly that they couldn't hear her. She hoped that they understood how shy she was and how much of an effort the unicorn was making. She mentally crossed her hooves that Coffea would be able to put on a better impression that she was currently giving, sure that the two ponies were marking her down as a mare with social problems...which, well, was partly true, although it was unofficial.

Coffea, on the subject of her, was giving her order, with her usual smiles, polite manners and small compliments that defined her as the social butterfly she was. It was easy for her to make friends, unlike Raven, and she was often very good at keeping them, so long as they kept in touch, "I'd like a cheese pizza, please," Coffea said, running her hoof gently across the menu card she was holding. She hoped the food here was nice, and she doubted it; the pegasus was attracted to professionalism and the bowling alley seemed far from that. That was the reason why she was trying her hardest to make the pizza cashier feel like making her pizza a little better than normal. 

It was a decisive trick, but business was business, right? The orange unicorn at the stand was scribbling down her order with a pencil and, as she waited, Coffea decided to throw a small compliment, "I heard your pizza was amazing; I'm sure it'll be as nice to eat as it looks," she said lightly, turning around to tighten her saddle bags so as to not give it away. That comment was partly true; her friends had said that the pizza was lovely at the Ponyville bowling alley,but she had to make sure, right? 

The pegasus didn't need to turn back around to see the attendant's smile and nod of thanks as she trotted away with a bow of respect from her head. Sure enough, the pizza was delivered almost immediately, and she balanced it expertly on her back with a simple thanks and smile. Coffea trotted to Lane 6, concentrating on putting her pizza down on the table before speaking to Raven, "I brought one pizza as neither of us don't eat much; is that fine?" She had noticed the two ponies at the lane, one mare, and one pegasus, but didn't ask about them with Raven, figuring that she'd receive a less than sure reply. Coffea didn't really concentrate on their appearances, putting her focus on her words, knowing that a good first impression was the best shot she'd get at not getting into a squabble with these ponies.

"Hello there," Coffea greeted them both, offering a smile and bowing her head slightly as a sign of respect. In contrast to Raven, she was brilliant with words, due to her experience with the social life, "I'm Coffea Arabica. I'm sure Raven-" the pegasus inclined her head towards the unicorn, "has explained about this whole matter?" She asked lightly, bowing again to clearly show her respect and gratitude to these ponies for letting the duo bowl at their lane.

[GEffect]

As soon as the twins had finished their conversation the newly identifies mare unicorn now know as Raven had apologized for rudeness. Thunder Cracker did not see the whole point of why she felt the need to do so. However what he did understand was her shyness. TC has lived with his sister Stratosphere for many years and, has adapted to figuring out signs of some pony who is feeling unsure about what they should when it comes to meeting new ponies. Stratosphere found it kind of adorable in any case which made TC roll his eyes looking at his sister act this way. His blank expression had turned into a friendly smile that was aimed to have Raven relax and, just feel welcome around TC and Stratosphere instead of whatever million and one thoughts that could be swimming around in her brain. "Raven you don't have to apologize for something you never did wrong. If we expected you to do something just for the sake of us liking you then we wouldn't be good ponies for any pony to know for that matter. I understand that meeting others is a tough thing because of all the pressure from wondering if you are accepted around them. Trust when I say me and my sister Stratosphere have had that feeling plenty of times before. So in all means just relax and enjoy yourself okay?" Thunder Cracker had a friendly smile on his muzzle seconds after he finished talking. However Stratosphere had an intention of teasing her brother at the same time. "You are such a softie TC." The orange stallion looked over to his sister sticking his tongue out a little then rolled his eyes afterwards. Once all that was done Thunder Cracker looked at the leader board monitor scanning over the scores to see how the prior match went.

Moments after the introductions Raven's assumed friend had returned with a pizza. She was a grey colored pegasus (OOC: Hope I got that right) and, immediately set down the pizza she bought getting right into greeting TC and Stratosphere. She had a habit to slightly bow in means of respect which TC didn't mind at all since it was just common courtesy. This mare has definitely gotten use to meeting random ponies before because, she seemed experienced in such a skill already. Stratosphere was the first to respond to the fellow pegasi's question. "Yes Raven has already told us your situation and, we have no reason not to let you join us. So in that case I suppose it is only right that we introduce ourselves. My name is Stratosphere and the pony sitting over there is my twin Thunder Cracker." TC gives a slight wave with a hoof after Stratosphere said his name. After she had revealed out their names Stratosphere fluttered her wings until she started hovering out of her seat heading towards TC. Once she arrived to her destination she wrapped her fore legs around TC's shoulders nuzzling the side of his face with hers slightly. She mainly felt excited about having new ponies to bowl with and, just decided to take her happiness out on TC. "Now that the greetings are taken care of is there anything specific you two wanna do before we start another bowling match?" Thunder Cracker didn't do anything as he cleared the leader board to fill it in again.

[Zazzy]

(OOC: She's more like a creamy colour, really.)

Honestly, most ponies didn't mind Raven's apologies. They took aboard what she said and assured her that everything was fine and there was nothing to be sorry about, but they didn't usually go into long speeches like that. Whilst Raven was fine and inwardly slightly happy that some pony was trying to soothe her nerves with such a long speech, but the unicorn was really quite thrown for words, having seldom been in the situation before.

Figuring that a reply was better than just a void of blank silence, Raven hesitantly smiled, unsure of where to tread her hooves on this topic, especially one she rarely visited as well, "Well, um, okay then," the grey unicorn winced, the words jarring against her ears, not at all in the smooth, replaced, nonchalant way she had been aiming for. Shyness and quietness was in her nature, but Raven often wondered why she couldn't ever speak up or be, you know, the one - not that she ever wanted to be it. It was simply a thought that crossed her mind a few times, and one that always returned.

Coffea looked up as she was addressed as well, letting go of the pizza box she had been fiddling with to show that she was paying attention and wasn't bored by the other ponies' words. It was something small, but every little thing counts, right? Besides, if these ponies were from a posher city such as Canterlot - which she doubted, but didn't want to assume wrongly - they would notice even the smallest of things, and the pegasus wanted to get the best impression she could get.

"Stratosphere, Thunder Cracker..." Coffea sounded them out absent mindedly, feeling relieved that the names were simple enough to say without her light Trottingham accent getting in the way - it was mildly surprising how many times occurrences like that happened, and how much the pegasus detested them. It made the pony she was taking to uncomfortable, and if there was one thing that Coffea hated, it was making others uncomfortable under her company. Anyway, these ponies - Stratosphere and Thunder Cracker, as they had just revealed their names to be - didn't seem like the sorts of ponies to be bothered easily by accents and such, so there wasn't anything to be too worried about, "Do you preferred to be called by those names or do you have any short formed nicknames...?"  It seemed a tad over organised, she knew, but Coffea liked to address everything when meeting other ponies, despite her knack of observing things easily.

The names that were offered only seemed to just have registered in Raven's head. She thought she recognised them, but that was a silly thought, wasn't it? How could she possibly have met them previously? Then she remembered that they must be highly talented musicians, for they were going to be playing at the bowling alley, so the unicorn had probably recognised their names from their musical career. Raven shook her head and focused her attention back on the small group that the four had formed.

"We don't have anything else to do now, do we, Coffea?" Raven asked hr friend, turning around upon hearing Thunder Cracker question them on whether there was something else they wanted to do. The pegasus had opened the pizza box and was ruffling through her saddle bags, presumably sorting them out like the organised mare she was.

Coffea immediately lifted her hooves up and shook her head, confirming Raven's question, "No, not at all. We can start now, if you two are ready?" She directed her last question at Stratosphere and Thunder Cracker, but didn't look at them as she was quite sure that they were ready from the way they were looking at the leaderboard monitor. 

[GEffect]

(OOC: I had a feeling I had Coffea's pelt color wrong. Anyway I finally written down the BB codes for TC and Stratosphere's colored dialog. However if Stratosphere's color is too bright then I can darken it a little but, mainly I just hope it will be easier for you to tell which one is talking.)

So far in Thunder Cracker's eyes had decided that Raven and Coffea are two ponies that he and Stratosphere may enjoy being around. However he definitely was not going to throw his trust around for the taking so soon. This was mostly just a hunch at this point in time. They just met and, the twins know only a minimal amount of information about these two. So in regards to that idea Thunder Cracker from a personal stand point would be glad to know more about them and, would be more then happy to share a little about himself if that time comes. As of now Raven had found a short amount of words to reply to TC's minor speech. Stratosphere on the other hand just could not get over how adorable she was when she got all shy. She didn't express it of course because the pegasi didn't want things to seem like she was purposely treating Raven like a filly even if that would logically be true. It was strictly accidental and, far from being any other display of emotion or, at least that is how Stratosphere feels about it. Anyway shortly after Raven had spoke her few words Coffea took the free moment to ask the twins if they had any alternate names that they go by. Both ponies unintentionally looked at each other sharing glances trying to figure out who should reply first. It was a short stare which didn't do them any good because they ended up talking at the same time anyway which is normally fawned over by many ponies who like hearing twins talk at the same time. "We don't normally get called by anything else honestly." Stratosphere put a hoof on her chin as a thought came to her after the two ponies simutaniously responded. Then just before any pony added on to the conversation she decided to present her own newly thought out answer. "Now that I thought about it. I don't have any nicknames that refer to me but, my brother Thunder Cracker does. Usually some ponies are more comfortable with saying his name by the initials: 'TC'. I don't remember when that became a thing but, ever since then Thunder Cracker has usually been called 'TC' because it was easier to pronounce. As a matter of fact he also started to get identified by the stage name he uses for his music career 'RaziPony' so that is a positive outcome I suppose." Stratosphere simply shrugged her shoulders afterwards and, decided to end the question there. She picked up her drink taking a casual sip trying to avoid the awkward silence that could most likely be brewing up.

Meanwhile through out the time the group of four had been slightly getting to meet each other the bowling alley finally died down a little. Now it seemed to be in a state that some pony would possibly label as a somewhat normal environment. However that could also be debated as a matter of opinion a lot more than a truthful fact quite easily. On a side note towards Coffea's reply to Raven's question before hand the twins were most definitely ready to get started. Stratosphere smiled as soon as a little bit of excitement and anticipation built up in her emotions. TC simply proceeded on by entering him and his sister's names on the leader board monitor which also appeared on the game screen above Lane 6 as he typed it in. (Just now realized Lane 6 reminds of "Mane Six" XD). Thunder Cracker eventually followed that action up by inserting Raven and Coffea's names in that exact order. When putting in Coffea's name Thunder Cracker almost spelled it with the extra 'E' but, he stopped himself just before he pressed the button key. Afterwards he said the name to himself slowly to track how it sounded then typed in an 'A' instead. Thunder Cracker still wasn't very sure if he had it right so he decided to ask the pegasi who owns this name herself. "I'm sorry Coffea I can be a bit of a perfectionist with certain minor things. It comes from my mom." Thunder Cracker chuckled a little bit before he finished his question. He was thinking about how much things his mom Elana always tried teaching him just so he could have some decent manners as he got older. "Anyway is this how you spell your name? I just want to make sure I have it right so I don't seem disrespectful." While Thunder Cracker was handling the leader board Stratosphere moved on and, placed her costume designed bowling ball on the rack then did the same with TC's. Once those were put up she decided to count the bowling balls in the rack as a total. Then she rearranged them according to the hoof size number that was printed on each one from smallest to largest. Both twins ironically also had the same minor perfectionist trait that they received from their mother. They don't go crazy trying to make everything be at a perfect axel or have perfect symmetry all the time no it's not like that. They just appreciate having things in a decent balance or at least try to keep things in a nice way. If they can't do so then they will just accept whatever works and, leave it how it is. So in a way their trait is beneficial to them as a whole because it helps keep them in check instead of growing up to hate each other in the future. Think of it as the Ying and Yang balance system. Both sides have their specific attributes that hold each other in a balanced bond to make ends meet. No side is better and all though there will be stereotypes that one sides is better than the other in a personal opinion on things both sides are actually contempt with what they have as a bond. Which is what makes it a wonderful relationship between the two as they feed off of each other's influence and, turn it into something they came both share in the end.

[Zazzy]

When Coffea had seen Thunder Cracker and Stratosphere, she had immediately thought 'siblings.' Who could blame her? The duo were two different genders but it mildly surprised her that, despite the pegasus's close eye that could pick out almost anything, she hadn't realised that they were twins until they talked at the same time. Heck, they were even different species! Twins tended to be the same race of pony, but them being different wasn't at all impossible, it just wasn't a sight that frequently visited your eyes.

"TC?" Coffea asked, simply checking that she had got it right - not that she couldn't, what with it being a simple enough nickname that anybody with a tongue would be able to say, "Uh, I think it would be a little more...comfortable for us to call you TC rather than RaziPony," the pegasus let out a small, genuine laugh. She couldn't imagine Raven calling Thunder Cracker - TC - by the nickname 'RaziPony' and she didn't think the unicorn herself couldn't.

Raven, sensing what Coffea was thinking by the small, amused laugh the pegasus had let out, rapidly turned a pale shade of red. She quickly started to speak, not wanting her cream coloured friend to get any clever ideas that could be used as a source of entertainment for herself and Stratosphere, "Is the pizza nice?" She flicked her ears towards the pizza box on Coffea's chair, hoping to distract the pegasus from any cunning thoughts in her head. 

The pegasus in question turned her attention onto the pizza. She hadn't tasted it yet, but it was still warm: exactly how she liked it and wanted it to be, "Well it certainly looks nice," Coffea turned around, hearing Thunder Cracker speaking to her. She immediately knew what he was going to ask; how could she not? Her name was pronounced as 'coff-ee' even though it was spelt like 'coff-ea' and every pony asked her how they spelt her name. Honestly, she couldn't blame them, but Coffea was grateful for the attention they paid and how they didn't want to offend her. Thunder Cracker seemed to be one of these ponies, "Yes, that's correct," She assured him, feeling a small amount of disappointment that it was only his perfectionist nature. Oh well. They had only met just then, after all, "It's surprising how many people spell my name wrong." Coffea let out a light laugh at this, although it wasn't really that genuine. It was amusing at first, but now it was just a little annoying. It felt a little weird when she occasionally got a letter titled 'To Coffee Arabica.'

Raven trotted up to the lane's board, and stopped as she saw her name above Coffea's. Above Coffea's. That meant that she was going to be bowling first out of the two. Not Coffea, but her. Her tummy instantly turned inside out. She had never been bowling before! "I'm first?!" she exclaimed; it wasn't really an exclamation but rather a sentence that was only a pitch higher than a pony's normal voice.

(OOC: Sorry, this was just a filler post. Yours was excellent.)

[GEffect]

(OOC: Don't even go there Zazzy your posts are naturally put together well, filler or not.^~^ Thank you for the compliment though.)

This moment at the bowling alley was turning into a nice use of time. In Thunder Cracker's eyes nothing serious has gone wrong throughout this entire experience. A group of 4 enjoying a small conversation amongst each other. On that note you have TC the enthusiastic DJ of entertainment, Stratosphere a mare who can either sooth you with her gentle singing voice or, rock your bones silly with her red electric guitar. (WRITERS NOTE: No brain cells where injured in the making of these horrible descriptions of characters I DO NOT own). On another side of things, this group also includes 2 iconic ponies such as the classy and honorable Coffea, and the shy yet delightful Raven. Yes yes all these wonderful ponies are here in a natural place filled with justifying foods, unneeded use of dark rooms and colorful lights, simplistic decor, and most of all those annoying slippery lanes of embarrassment. Doesn't that sound like a grand time? To Thunder Cracker he was merely just enjoying himself in anyway that he can but, to Stratosphere she doesn't have a care in the world she just wants to smash some pins with her colorful red bowling ball. Well that and squeeze Raven with friendly yet slightly painful love because the unicorn is just so cute and adorable to Stratosphere.

With that aside things between these four unique ponies are just about to change course into playing a nice possibly competitive game of bowling. Stratosphere has been waiting for this since the past 30 minutes or so. She nearly missed the reply Coffea gave to confirm she said her brother's nickname right. Stratosphere gave a reassuring nod before she actually said anything. "Yup; that sounds about right. Two letters, and one syllable which makes it easier to say my brothers name than ever." Thunder Cracker shot a small glare at his sister. She knows very well that his name is not that long. Besides it is not his fault that their mom gave the twins their names at the last minute. With that pointless drama taken care of Thunder Cracker took a mental note to Coffea mentioning his stage name. He had no objections to her decided to stick with his original nickname than to call him something else. It is called a stage name for a reason after all. Besides he has been called "Razipony" all day which has grown to annoy the hay out of him. Constantly ponies who recognize him by his appearance have taken the liberty to call him by that name or shorten it to Razi,Raz, or even Ra-zi. Heck a few seconds after Coffea mentioned Thunder Cracker's stage name some weirdo came by and, decided it would be ok to shout the same exact name when he was around 5 feet away from TC. He didn't even say it right, he put to much stress on the "A" and, it just sounded like bad vocabulary. How do you say a simple 8 lettered name longer than 10 seconds anyway?? Seriously the pony who shouted held the "A" and "I" for too long. So if you where to write it down somewhere it would look like this: "RAaaaaaaziiiiii-PONY". Thunder Cracker facehoofed himself so hard that the ponies from Lane 1 heard it. In the meantime Stratosphere tried to hold in her laugh as best as she could. Eventually Thunder Cracker looked back at Coffea with clear annoyance written all over his facial expression from what just happened. "You know what Coffea? I'm glad you decided not to do that and, it should be clear why by now."

With Thunder Cracker's reputation aside, the conversation drifted off to the pizza next to Coffea thanks to Raven. Then sooner or later the cream colored pegasus had reassured TC that he spelled her name right. His mood brighten back up after that. Not because he got it first try it was merely because he did the right thing in notifying her. Both twins had laughed with Coffea when she mentioned how ponies spell her name wrong. The reason why is because besides their own names, ponies constantly wonder how the two of them are twins even though they are different breeds. It is an understandable question that can only be explained by one simple phrase created by the twins themselves: "We blame the chromosomes". That is what they tell every pony who asks that question simply because it works. Suddenly Raven had removed herself from her seat to look at the game screen. Her reaction to her name's placing on the board was honestly unexpected by both TC and Stratosphere. Thunder Cracker looked at the leader board monitor then figured that Raven wanted to be last for some reason. "That can be changed if it will be a problem for you Raven. Coffea do you mind having your name swapped? Just want to make sure everything is ok with you." Almost in a split second after TC asked Coffea if she didn't mind the change. Stratosphere decided to jump in on the matter herself. "TC I will handle the names. You can go ahead and, get your ball it is your turn to bowl anyway." At first Thunder Cracker just sat there looking at his sister who had a persuasive smile on her muzzle for no apparent reason. However since there was no use going against it TC got up then trotted towards the rack of bowling balls. TC's ball was black and sliver with a bright aqua colored lightning design all around it. He quickly located his ball then used his magic to levitate it near him making a white sparkly aura surround his horn. Once he had his ball Thunder Cracker aligned himself with the lane so he could take the moment to think of where he wanted to send his ball. This was done in a matter of seconds which is when TC finally put his hoof in the pocket of the ball and, held it close to him. He made a short canter towards the lane then released the ball with one precise and, powerful swing letting the ball roll on its aimed course. The colors on the sphere of wonder was blurred in a cool looking combination of black, silver, and aqua. In a matter of seconds the bowling ball collided with the pins simply pushing them all out of the way. A few had spun against the lane floor but, eventually they all fell into the pit leaving the pin sweeper with nothing but, air. The game screen lit up showing a crowd of ponies cheering then the word "Strike" appeared in bright red letters. Thunder Cracker had a small smile on his muzzle surprised that he got a strike on the first try. Once he made it back to the seating area where all the other ponies where at he sat down next to Stratosphere still smiling. "I like this game."

Stratosphere rolled her eyes at TC's predicted response before she moved forward to take her turn as well. She grabbed her costume red ball with violet swirls on it and, aligned her self with the lane. After that she didn't waste anytime in cantering up to the lane and, releasing the ball straight down the pathway. When the ball hit the first pin it only managed to take out half of the remaining pins behind it. Stratosphere groaned as soon as she saw the other 5 pins standing practically teasing her to hit them. Once her ball returned to the rack Stratosphere quickly grabbed it then focused on where she was going to throw her ball on this next try. Once she had everything figured out she cantered to the lane again and, launched the ball with a little more force then last time picking up the spare in the process. The game screen lit up once more showing a random cannon shooting a bowling ball into a castle making it topple over. Then right above the rubble of the crushed castle the word "spare" appeared in bright yellow letters. Stratosphere used her wings to flutter back to her seat with TC taking a short sip from her cup.

[Zazzy]

As the sun slowly crept higher and higher into the sky, the bowling alley seemed to become even more and more crowded, with ponies of varying ages falling in to do all different things; eat, cheer on their friends, bowl, meet up with other ponies - just generally having a good time. Raven really didn't mind the crowd anymore; she felt comforted with the three ponies that she felt safe to call her friends. No pony seemed to be looking at them, so there was absolutely nothing to worry about, right? 

On the matter of the two ponies that the duo had just met, their actions confirmed Coffea's hunch that they were twins. She raised her eyebrow momentarily. She had never met any twins before, and was interested between the relationship between them. The pegasus let herself dwell on the subject, before shaking herself mentally. They weren't science projects; Stratosphere and Thunder Cracker were two ponies, and Coffea knew that she should treat them as such.

Her attention was directed to Stratosphere, and she laughed lightly at the mare's words. She didn't by no means trust these two ponies entirely, but she felt that they would be good friends at the very least. Heck, even Raven was okay around them! Coffea hadn't known these three ponies for very long, but she knew that the grey unicorn was very careful about the friends she made, so surely she could trust her judgement?

The pegasus opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a pony, who shouted RaziPony out, stretching the vowels out painfully. Coffea winced and cast an annoyed glance at him as he walked away merrily. She didn't seem fazed about the terrible pronunciation, but was actually disturbed by how rudely he had shouted that out. Her attention once again turned to Thunder Cracker, and at one look at his expression, her smile disappeared, "Well, your fans are very...supporting," Coffea commented, failing to cover up the smile that was swiftly taking over her face. 

Raven, on the other hoof, seemed really quite surprised at the male fan's actions. Her brow creased. Were all Ponyvillains like that? The two that were currently talking to her certainly seemed quite respectful and didn't look at all like they would shout abominations like that, assuming that they were from Ponyville. It occurred to Raven that Coffea seemed to be leading the conversation, and felt a little guilty that she was leaving all the 'work' to her. Deciding that she too should get to know Stratosphere and Thunder Cracker a lot better as well, she decided to pipe her voice up, "Are both of you from Ponyville, or-?" Raven's eyes scanned her surroundings, and relaxed as she realised that TC's fan had gone.

Coffea looked up as she felt Raven coming next to her to check the leaderboard, and raised her eyebrow upon the unicorn's reaction. She certainly wasn't surprised, no, not at all, but felt a little sympathetic for the mare. She could tell that bowling wasn't a popular thing in Canterlot and the unicorn hadn't gone bowling before. For that matter, the pegasus hadn't either, but she knew the basics, for Coffea often watched her friends play the game. She had never wanted to participate, but had cheered them on, "Oh, I don't mind going first at all," she replied quickly, bowing her head slightly to confirm that response. 

The two of them stood back to watch Thunder Cracker and Stratosphere take their turns. Coffea was a little in awe by the twins's obvious ability with the game, and the nerves were already turning in her stomach. She was, however, a lot better at hiding them than Raven, who was shuffling her hooves together nervously. 

She looked up as Stratosphere returned to her seat, and ruffled her wings together. Apprehension ran through her body. Her father had been considerably good at bowling and she prayed that she had taken that gift as well. Coffea didn't want to make a fool of herself, however - well, honestly, who didn't? - and similarly felt that checking would be the best for both Raven and herself, so she turned to the twins, "I go now, right? Then Raven goes second?"  

[GEffect]

Things began to pick up at lane 6. With that thought in mind one my think as to what else might happen during such a wonderful time. Good company, plentiful entertainment, and most importantly a influential conversation to top it off. How could this go wrong? Well there are ways that things can go sour but, all hopes for that to never happen. Right now everything seemed to be how it normally goes for the twins. Both of them giving an equal amount of information and dialog so there isn't one side to rely on. The more Thunder Cracker enjoyed spending time with Coffea and Raven, the more Stratosphere seemed to become less shy and distant. This is probably why Stratosphere made a personal connection with Raven from the start.

Regardless of their professions Stratosphere and Thunder Cracker didn't socialize with other ponies right off the bat. It took a short while till they broke out of the strong grip they put on their courage to talk to other. Stratosphere had the worst of this compared to TC who adapted into a well-round social pony. She was pony of few words or mostly guarded actions until she slowly began to build up her own ways of meeting new ponies. Lucky for Raven and Coffea they met her around the time when she is having a good day and, is willing to talk to almost anyone.

Moving on to other matters things had carried on quite well after the whole 'Shouting FanColt' incident. Coffea was the first to respond after TC whom added words that could have two different meanings in her sentence. This made Stratosphere giggle a little and, add on a response of her own. "Yeah...let me be the first to apologize. You see my brother is the special guest performer for the Bowling Alley's 100th day opening party today. He asked me to come along with him because he wanted to do a special performance so ever since we got here his fans have been bouncing all over the place waiting to hear TC sing." Thunder Cracker looked over at his sister. If one thing can make the unicorn uneasy it is his sister throwing his secret around like a pack of live grenades. Then again getting defensive about something he was scheduled to do in a few hours is rather childish to say the least so TC decided to ignore his initial reaction. "Well I am mostly here as a VIP DJ Stratosphere. Then again I do recall that the singing portion was suppose to be the main event...whatever it doesn't matter." Overall Stratosphere felt bad for her brother. His fans were eager to see him and Stratosphere perform and, the bowling alley's schedule just seemed to only want to stall things. If all goes well the game on lane 6 that was currently in session might bridge the gap till then. Shortly after that Raven took matters into her own hands and, asked TC and Stratosphere if they live in Ponyville. This only caused them both to turn towards her. TC was a little quick when speaking so this hinder the two from responding at the same time. "We were born here in Ponyville to be exact." Stratosphere had jumped in right after TC finished speaking to carry on the explanation. "I was born only a few minutes after TC was so that technically makes him the older sibling or 'Alpha' twin. Ever since then we always lived in Ponyviile for some reason." By this time the twins would carry on what the other would say to clear up the already proven point. "We have visited a good number of different places in the past but, most of our years were right here in Ponyville. Odds are if I was born as a pegasus then we would travel a lot more but, even then dad had to do a lot of military work for the fort so we...didn't really get to be with him a lot. As a matter of fact he hasn't seen us since when Stratosphere was just a filly and I was just a colt...So he doesn't know what we look like now. But its ok you know...we have been waiting for dad to return for who know how many years now. We got a few letters from him so he may be returning soon...I hope." Thunder Cracker fell silent for a while keeping his gaze else where. Stratosphere was looked directly at him because she knew how he felt. Overall Stratosphere just hoped Raven wouldn't take her brother's prior actions the wrong way and, think that it was her fault because it wasn't. She put a hoof on his shoulder speaking to him in a sweet and loving voice."...TC...are you ok?" He didn't answer but, after a minute or so he had turned his attention back to the group yet remained silent. His thoughts should not shadow the fun that was suppose to be happening right now so TC tried his best to hide them.

A few minutes after this time Coffea had stated that she didn't mind her name being swapped when Thunder Cracker asked earlier. At this point Stratosphere had went ahead and, switched the placements herself so the leader board would show:

[1]Thunder Cracker
[2]Stratosphere
[3]Coffea
[4]Raven

Instead of:

[1]Thunder Cracker
[2]Stratosphere
[3]Raven
[4]Coffea

By then TC was taking his first turn of the game which was a strike right off the bat. So of course due to Stratosphere's competitive nature with her twin sibling she tried to keep up with him but, ended up with getting a spare instead on her turn. This of course moves things on to the other duo of ponies who have yet to bowl. Coffea took the liberty for both ponies in asking if she was to go first then Raven afterwards. Stratosphere had a gentle smile on her face trying to wash away any nervous feelings within the pegasi talking to them. "That's correct Coffea; don't worry bowling isn't as hard as it looks. You may get a few gutters but, just remember that it is all for fun. I will admit that I was mostly trying to show off on my turn earlier but, that doesn't mean you have to do anything special to impress anypony. Just enjoy the game ok?" Stratosphere hoped that would be a decent enough pep talk to get things moving in the right direction.