The Tale of The Epic Lyre

Chapters

Chapter 1: Intuition
Chapter 2: Caution
Chapter 3: The Dream
Chapter 4:The Others
Chapter 5:The Seer
Chapter 6: The Long Trot Home
Chapter 7: The Biggest Ilusion
Chapter 9: Gratitude
Chapter 8: A Slight Temptation

Chapter 1: Intuition

The summer sun shone in all his glory that afternoon in the pleasant town of Ponyville. Lyra laid peacefully on her favorite spot in the park bench lost in the world of dreams with no sounds but her comical snoring.

In her head she began to hear a beautiful melody, something new yet very familiar. Timidly she smiled, “This is ... great ... pretty simple, but truly great...”

The turquoise pony gave a long yawn while stretching her hind legs and turned around. The power behind the melody took her to a magnificent field . The sound was raw and looked very old.

Lyra body felt as if it were a soft cloud of cotton. She had landed on a bed of hundreds and hundreds of pink flowers of the sweetest aromas any pony had ever experienced. It was quite refreshing and replenishing.

“ Lyra ... “ said a little weak and sensual voice.

The unicorn moaned a little bit as she writhed to readjust because taking a nap on an old bench was no picnic.

“ Lyra …” said the voice again, “the music …”

“ Oh yes, of course, music …” she answered.

“ You must go …”

The pony began to sound mesmerized, “ Sure, sure …”

“ You must go to play the music …” said the owner of that pushy voice.

“ Yes …”

“ THE MUSIC, you have to go!”

Lyra suddenly rolled and fell. While she shook her head and got herself together she was a bit surprised to be among her best friend in the whole wide world, Bon Bon who wasn’t exactly in the best of moods for she knew her zesty companion was always tardy.

“ Oh, wow, if it isn’t you, Bon Bon, how’ve you been, girl?” said the pony in a tone very careless yet friendly way.

“ AHEM ... - she coughed, “ listen Lyra! It's getting awfully late!”

“ Oh, by Celestia! “ she cried. “ You’re so damn right! Today is the big day, well my big day to be selected in the Summer Festival and this time I’ll leave them speechless...”

“ But Lyra,” Bon Bon continued nodding.

“ Hush now, sweetie, I've been practicing day and night until my hooves are numb, look,” she said.

“ I know, dear, but it’s just that...”

Lyra silenced her laying her hoof gently upon her cheek , “ No, you don’t feel the least sorry for me, I'm stronger than a rock!”

Bon Bon shouted desperately pounding the ground with his front legs and kicking up dust, “ Listen, you'll be late and you don’t wanna lose your place, do you? There’s not much time, love, so you better go pronto!”

Lyra smiled armed with an amazing confidence , “HA! Beautiful, I guarantee you everything will work out fine, bye now!”

And so the pony vanished leaving Bon Bon somewhat perplexed yet she did go back to give her a kiss on her cheek. “Oh, I forgot!”

“ GOOD LUCK!” She only sighed deeply thinking to herself, “When you will that pony ever learn?”

Twilight Sparkle and Spike came to town bright and early for the preparations of the highly anticipated Summer Festival. The magical pony was beginning to realize that she was truly standing out in Ponyville thanks to her flawless organization work, but deep down she longed for do more than that. The pink dragon was resting on her back as usual and was munching on a corn muffin that Mrs.Cake had made while he carefully penned the checklist.

“Food, check, and might I add super extra delicious!” he said while licking his paw.

Twilight looked gleeful and radiant as she trotted down the street, “Okay, so I think it definitely has your seal of approval, my little friend, what’s next on the list?”

“Well, there still some work to be done on important details such as the building of the main stage ... but …”

Their peaceful conversation was heavily interrupted as some pony came at full speed and crashed against our friends. Twilight got up looking a little dazed and shook her head while he stammered, “Ayayaye! WHAT happened?! Ah, hello Lyra, wait, Lyra?”

“That’s my name, don’t wear it out, Twi,” she called her affectionately, “ Sorry but I’m in a big hurry, today is a great day, you know!”

“ Okay,okay, no need to apologize,” said the purple pony.

“Hey, we should chat one of these days, for old times sake,” Lyra said cheerfully.

“That sounds incredible but …”

“SORRY! Gotta go, wish me luck, although I was practically born with it”, and thus she disappeared as she galloped into the horizon.

“Sheesh,” Spike said as he shook the dust off his scales, “She was pretty chaotic, like in the old school days, huh, Twilight? -

The unicorn suddenly blushed, “AH ... yeah, of course ... no need to go there.”

“Oh, come on, after all she just wanted to be your friend …”

“Yes, but she discovered that her talent was music and mine was magic! They’re very different things. It appears she has been practicing very hard to play for the princesses and it would be so great if they gave her the chance!”

“But …” Spike said thoughtfully waiting for her to finish her remark.

“ ... Nothing, Spike, nothing,” Twilight said crestfallen but then remembered that she had several tasks that filled her mind with excitement, “Let’s go ! You have to catch up on a world of things!”

After that incident she refused to continue talking about the matter, Twilight was as if nothing had happened but her pink friend was so keen to read between the lines. It was as if for a moment it had opened an old wound.

“ Don’t you worry , Spike! I'm fine, really,” she said trotting cheerfully.

Meanwhile, Lyra was heading towards the great kingdom of Canterlot. Gone was the image of the humble town of Ponyville and ran up to the hills and sprinted down where she could see a path filled with thousands of honeysuckles pink as cotton candy in full bloom.

“ I haven’t noticed these before, they’re amazing! And they smell divine!” She said to herself. “It must be the work of Luna, she loves this kind of scenery, although it DOES reminds me of something …”

For a moment came a vague memory of a rather similar background, was what the old ponies called ,the feeling having been there before.

“ Something big is coming ! I can feel it , it has to be the intuition that Mom spoke,about but still I have to be alert, you never know …”

As if her suspicions were correct indeed behind her came across an earth pony she had never seen before.

It was a young colt perhaps the same age as Lyra (if there is such thing in the world as the pony years) he was pale as the fog in the autumn mornings and his mane and tail were purple like plum cake, he was entirely dressed in black and beared what seemed to be a embroidered cutie mark of a musical note with bright stars ,which seemed quite unusual at the moment. His look and his behavior were intimidating because as soon as Lyra looked back at him he chuckled maliciously. She didn’t get carried away and answered the same way. The mysterious colt continued to mock her and went ahead.

“The nerve of that guy!” cried Lyra “... wait ... he’s headed for the castle, it is possible that …”YES! This doesn’t seem right.” The turquoise unicorn quickened her pace as she had detected a possible threat, “Oh no you don’t !, Not if I can help it...”

Using the wind as her guide Lyra made every last effort to arrive on time but as soon as she saw the Great Music Hall of Canterlot she was greeted by another familiar face that was none other than Octavia, the bass and prodigy who had been chosen to perform at the Grand Galloping Gala year after boring year.

“My, my, my! Look what the cat dragged in... “said the brown pony with a somewhat contemptuous attitude. Lyra looked disheveled but her herbag which contained her beloved instrument with which she had practiced since childhood. She’d even called her Calliope.

“Oh, hello! Long time no see, eh?”- said the unicorn smothered, “I guess you have everything under control, right?”

“ But of course!,” said Octavia very properly, “ You see, my group is ALWAYS gets chosen I wonder why now the princesses want to have competition...”

“Well …” Lyra said. “ After the return of Princess Luna I suppose that we should be more open to other musical experiences, don’t you think? I feel very good about this change.but I know I have potential …”

“You do? We shall see about that, Lyra! I think you’re going to need more than luck for what’s coming,” said Octavia. “ Although I would recommend to avoid getting high hopes for the fall can be a little bit rough.”

“Huh? “ Lyra said surprised, “ I actually was chasing another mysterious newcomer but forget it.”

“ Anyway,no need to make these silly little contests it is clear who has the profile that Her Highness is searching for.”

“For heaven's sake, it seems as if this festival was the last of their lives! Relax, everything will be more than excellent no matter what, friends? Lyra said quieter pending approval extending her hoof but Octavia replied the noble gesture reluctantly, “Whatever you say, amateur...”

Feeling incredibly powerful and optimistic the mint colored unicorn entered the theatre. Lyra had never seen this part of the enclosure. The wall to wall decor evoked a style which they called PreCelestian, which was used before the arrival of alicorns to Equestria but it was a replica and they decided to keep some of the traditions of ancient times. It contained hundreds of ornamental purple flower which were sewn by crafts ponies who came from distant lands. It took at least fifteen years to complete the work. On the ceiling there was a huge crystal chandelier finely carved to complete the luxurious atmosphere.

“Sweet …” said the unicorn with its head held high, “this is what I call living large. Not so far away another tiny white unicorn with electric blue mane and large and colorful sunglasses was getting ready, “Oh, I see you also want to duel with me,Vinyl …” Following his friendly attitude she greeted her warmly and unlike Octavia she was more cordial. “Give me that hoof!” And both clashed their rumps.

At the top of the seats were three other important personages. The first was a renowned talent scout known Simon Von Hooves, who came from Manehattan. His body was colored sand and wore thick glasses which reflected his excellent taste. Sapphire Shores, the pony of pop sensation from Fillydelphia who had a mane of bright shades of blue , and a smaller one with tousled mane named Vyla of Neon City. And while the contestants came they chatted among theirselves subtly complaining about the lack of taste in this event.

“Seriously,” Simon began in a low tone to preserve discretion, “I do not see any sense in continuing with these shenanigans , I feel like I'm really wasting my time , you know who’s selected every year, not because of popularity but for its quality of performance and their extensive experience.”

“Settle down, now sugar,” interrupted Miss Shores, “ I think it's a good idea to bring some pizazz, get with the times now, Honey,” she said accommodating her curly hair, “hopefully these improvements of Her Highness, Luna will please everyone. Just the thought of more concerts at night time will make put me in the spotlight.”

“So true!,” Vyla said. “ After all the actual fun begins when the sun goes down, you know, or perhaps you're still a little bit conservative, eh?”

“Ah …” Simon gave a short sigh, “Let’s get on with it.”

The first to appear was Octavia Octave and her quartet composed of basses and cellos. They performed an original piece entitled, Miracolo,something a little out of her repertoire but the strength and tenacity of her execution gave the environment a very dramatic tone as if the fury of the gods had been awakened and came to do a tremendous chaos in the room. In the end the proud brown pony closed her presentation without losing control or style.

“THANKS! It's amazing! No more to say …” Von Hooves said in a scornful tone, clopping energetically , “ Can we go now?”

“Hold on, big guy!” Sapphire cried . “The decision must be unanimous, there are others who deserve to be heard.”

“Well, but I’m warning you, anyone else will not make me change my mind, pure rubbish.”

Oh, our next contestant is the young enthusiast Vinyl Scratch who has brought a selection of remixed tracks of popular themes.

“Electronic music …” Simon said quietly, with his arms crossed, “Surprise me, why don’t you?”

Vinyl knew that this was a pretty big challenge because she had to instill some formality so she opted for a nice smooth style of acid jazz.The judges looked relaxed but not so impressed.

“ Charming …” said Vyla shyly as she took some notes.

“DIVINE!” Sapphire said, rising.

“I still don’t like it …” Simon was only doing what he did best , which was nothing but reject the new, “ for a fashion show it would be acceptable but not for an entire concert.”

Vinyl left a little bit frustrated and quite quickly she saw that success was not expected. But she took it rather well and mature enough.

Now came Lyra’s turn, one of the most important moments of her life was about to take place, the day she stopped being a fan to enter the major leagues.

“This is it, don’t get scared now,” she said to herself, “fate is on your side, remember the signs that Mom told you about..”

The pony DJ went backstage sobbing, “Why? WHY?”

Lyra gulped feeling nervous, to calm herself down she closed her eyes and thought about the landscape of her dreams of honeysuckle, sweet and succulent honeysuckle ...

“NEXT!” Simon shouted vigorously.

The stage was almost completely dark and one light pointed out toward the aquamarine unicorn.

“WELL, what shall it be, young lady?,” said the arrogant colt.

“Ahem .. . “ she began, “this is a song my mother taught me. It may not be much but it's all I have. It's called "The Melody of the Heart."

She took out her favorite instrument that certainly was a tiny lyre she dubbed Calliope. It fell into misuse in these modern times but she learned to honor the ponies of yesteryear. She started well but something was causing frustration and an occasional yawn. Lyra felt her legs trembling while the cold sweat was covering her body. Then she thought, “Tough hard, time for plan B.” So she began to apply more aggressive notes, shook all over the place as her own, the rhythm took a higher speed and increasingly almost like a acoustic guitar. The judges were almost speechless.

Finally the turquoise pony swept and spontaneously shouted, “THANK YOU ,CANTERLOT AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT!”

The room was dead for matter of seconds.

“Eh, well?” Simon Von Hooves reacted. “Is that all? Quite frankly I’m not interested in hearing the rest of it.”

Feeling somewhat defeated Lyra frowned and responded as any professional, would ,“When you touch the soul is all or nothing . I hope you understand that someday ... thanks for the opportunity, though,” And so she went dragging her feet as if there was no hope in this dreamy place. Months after arduous months of rehearsals, unconditional support from her best friend Bon Bon, sleep deprivations to see her magnificent work vanished in a couple of seconds.

“This not only has reached the point of satiety but it’s is almost insulting, ladies !” said the judge sand-colored pony. “That's all I'll be listening, one more and I’ll never come back to participate in these events, my ears are accustomed to a point less than excellence.”

“Now hold, you big nincompoop!,” Sapphire Shores responded forcefully. “You should apologize, that girl may not have much experience but I could see a genuine love of being on stage and shine like the great ones, we call it guts, I think it is unfair to let her go so soon...”

Vyla interrupted, “I remind you that the decision must be unanimous and we can not really afford that to admit someone with so little audience”

“TRUE! Therefore I declare that it shall be the quartet …”

Vyla interrupted again, “there’s one more participant , he comes from the city of Greyville and …”

The lights went out leaving the room feeling as gloomy as walking through a graveyard at night. Lyra could not help but notice and decided to spy or to ensure that everything was okay, so she peeked from backstage.

The silence was cut by the presence of the young earth pony. His dark clothing and made him look equally imposing as the presence of the former Nightmare Moon almost like a villain.

“It's him! ... I mean, he’s the one …,” Lyra whispered. “The one I came across to this very afternoon …”

The mysterious Greyvillian was introduced himself as Knight Shade.

“I see you've saved the best for last and I assure you will not regret it ,” he began with a sweet and somber tone, “as this will be the only and last song that you’ll ever listen to...”

Next he pulled out what appeared to be a long string instrument that was colored ebony and gold. It was a wooden lyre which design was quite common before the arrival of the princesses. Its notes were crude, similar to an acoustic guitar but giving deeper sense of being transported to another era. The interpretation was brief but effective. The judges were possessed by the moment , or the music and they all cried in unison,

“SENSATIONAL .... BRAVO ... THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR !”

“Look no further,” Simon exclaimed, “We’ve found our new star!”

“And he’s SO cute …” Vyla said cheerfully.

“Incredibly sensational,” Sapphire said, “Now that’s what I call talent!”

But there was something wrong in their eyes that did not please the young Lyra. She kept hiding to avoid being discovered by the intimidating white pony and kept thinking about a logical explanation,

“That song sounds so familiar ... I swear that I heard it before, but where?” asked the girl very distraught, “What makes it so good to have chosen it, he is the worst by far ... not that I hated this grimdark music but …”

Knight Shade hurried behind the stage and looked from side to side while the unicorn stood in a corner because she couldn’t believe he was smart enough to sense the presence of someone who was spying on him. Then put the prodigious lyre away instead.

Lyra came out and the first pony she ran into came across was Octavia. “I gotta tell someone about this …”

“Say what, rookie?” said the brown pony.

“Ah ... nothing! In fact I wanted to congratulate you because I really feel you’ll win anyway, so there's nothing more I could possibly add...”

Octavia didn’t sound very convinced and arched her eyebrows as a sign of mistrust,”That's it, or are you hiding something from me?”

“Me? Why should I? In fact we should put our differences, behind, please?”

Octavia said, “I knew it! There’s something fishy around here!”

“Oh great!” continued Lyra, “now we all know that something is wrong ... oops!” and smiled nervously.

“Out of my way …” The young interpreter stepped out into the theatre longing to hear Simon Von Hooves, Sapphire and Vyla mention her name forming part of the Summer Festival. However when she saw the mysterious pony being congratulated instead her expression changed dramatically as if he had seen a ghost. It was clear that these news would be catastrophic for her and her reputation.

“ By all Equestria skies! No way …” Octavia fainted quickly and fortunately Lyra was there to catch her although it was slightly disastrous. After the weight of the brown pony fell on her she said only with great difficulty, “I have the slightest feeling this won’t end well.”

END OF CHAPTER 1.

Chapter 2: Caution

CHAPTER 2: CAUTION

After returning home in Ponyville Lyra grew extremely quiet and absent. Lovely Bon Bon didn’t want to make her feel worse after they had heard the bad news that had she lost the audition, she even offered her a cup of delicious chocolate with extra marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles ... and with more chocolate and mint . However the glum pony gave only a slight sip and walked to the terrace. “Thanks, but I don’t feel that great, “she said in a calm tone.

“Do you wanna hear what happened back here, because the day was rather nice! Pinkie and I are organizing a big sale this year,” said the earth pony.

“ Well, if you want to play along …” continued the unicorn. “I made ??some friends and some enemies …”

“ Really?" BonBon said. “Who could possibly even dream of becoming your foe, why you’re so friendly!”

“ Well, the world’s a silly place yet is it normal for someone to bump into you and intend to hurt you at the same time?”

BonBon made a gesture as if she were really interested in helping, “No, I think not, unless ... it was someone who wanted to win at any cost.”

“That's it! I don’t know how to explain it but wanted to win SO badly, as if he had an ace up his sleeve.”

“ Do you know him by any chance?”

“I've never seen in my life, much less have heard of him. I will be alert for anything …”

BonBon laughed but with no intention to offend, “Oh, sweetie, you have a very amazing imagination!”

“Well, that's logical, all unicorns are born with it. It is the source of all our magic.”

The pony tenderly kissed and patted Lyra on the back, “Don’t stay up late, tomorrow is the festival, you have sweet dreams,” thus she went to bed.

Lyra had a hard time sleeping that night because in her head she was still being haunted by the melody that had emerged from the instrument Knight Shade jealously carried it was turning into a call is as if someone wanted something from her.

“Well, it's like BonBon says, it’s just my hyperactive imagination …” Lyra said as she threw a pillow over her head.

But as soon as she closed her wide eyes and began to dream she had awakened in a field of honeysuckle, this time a little bit different from the Canterlot private garden. They had turned a purple instead of the characteristic pastel pink. The atmosphere felt very heavy and stressful. Lyra could feel her body was heavier than usual.

"Damn! where am I?”...she said. “Eww, this makes me feel so icky …” She tried to get up with all her might but couldn’t as something or someone was tying her to the ground.

“...” said a womanish slurry voice. “.”

Said another even more acute, “.”

Lyra could see clearly notice that those voices belonged to ghostly figures of what looked like large mares.

“U know, that sounds really cool and all but... well ... “ said the turquoise pony with a broken voice, “but it wouldn’t be such a bad idea if you loosen me up a bit, eh?”

They shouted enraged in unison, !”

Lyra was paralyzed but she felt her heart beating like a crazy drum.

“...” said the Night Shadowers again and again.

A tall thin stranger slowly approached. From her came a blinding light, warm with a commanding presence. Lyra felt infected by the energy radiating from this mare and broke free from these supernatural creatures until ...

WHAM! The dreamy young pony rolled to the ground causing a commotion. BonBon awakened and looked down to see what had happened and what was her surprise to find his partner upside down wagging her tail.

"Ah, hahaha! Hello, how are you? Not so good, right?”

“Ughhhh …” BonBon grumbled. “When are you going to put this behind you?”

It was a delightful morning the next sun was rather crispy but tolerable. Spike went down to Carousel Boutique for more favors to his beloved Rarity as the Summer Festival was just a few hours away.

“ Oh, thank you for offering to help, Spikey Wikey! exclaimed the elegant unicorn with purple curly mane,”No doubt this is the best decor crafted by the likes of me, I really outdid myself this time,” shesaid to herself mesmerized, “Rarity, would you delight us opening a brand new boutique in Canterlot, sure, sure...”

"WEEEELL...,” Spike replied, “I don’t think it’s such a good idea to leave Ponyville …”

Rarity was concerned with this last comment and accidentally dropped a piece of blue cloth for the stage. The pink dragon said blushing and twitching his fingers, “it’s because we would miss you a lot if you left this place where you were born,” Immediately the expression of the unicorn changed to a wide smile and gave him a big hug, “Awwww, you are SO sweet ... now would you mind helping me to straighten this material? It has to be ready for tonight ... I heard a mysterious singer from a land far away has come to delight us with his amazing music.”

“Really ?” Spike said, “and perhaps you know who he is?”

“NOOOO, but doesn’t that make him even more attractive? Only that he is a young pony from Greyville,” said Rarity a tad inspired. Twilight came in feeling very refreshed to see that everything was being done in almost perfect timing.

“Well, it certainly seems that you guys have the situation under control,”exclaimed the purple unicorn. “Well, then I guess I’ll just mark it down on my list this carefully and ...”

Suddenly some pony crashed against Twilight again and that was none other than Lyra who looked like a total train wreck.

“Lyra, by Starswirl’s beard , what’s going on with you?” said the pony striving to get up.

“Twilight, please, you gotta listen to me! It’s a matter of extreme importance!”

“My, what manners, darling crashing just like that?” said Rarity.

“I overheard that things didn’t go so well at the audition back in Canterlot, right?” Twilight said.

Lyra shook her mane and said proudly, “Oh, yeah, the audition! Well, it doesn’t matter now, I think they’re still not ready for my style but that's just me, right?...” and then she stared at Twilight “Listen, whatever you do, don’t listen to the song.”

“What did you say?” replied the young magic student, “What song?”

Lyra made gestures of despair taking with the hooves to the face, “The festival, of course. I feel that something very bad will happen tonight and it’s no joke, my intuition tells me so!”

Upon her statement, Twilight, Rarity and Spike laughed in unison with no intention to offend. Lyra, on the other hand frowned. “I think you've been hanging around too much with Pinkie, eh?” said Spike, “and especially because of her Pinkie sense.”

“And who is talking about Pinkie Pie, what does she have to do with all of this?”

Suddenly everyone’s favorite pink pony came along with BonBon who was bringing a load of tasty treats in boxes labeled with cupcakes, chocolates and more.

“Hi ya!” the uneasy mare, “Oh, good morning Lyra, fancy seeing you here what’s up?”

“Speak of the devil,” Lyra said pointing to the pony in question.

BonBon interrupted the conversation trying to reason with her best friend, “Ahem ... so that's why you left home so early...you’re not causing any trouble, are you?”

“Look, I just want to help, when I say that something will happen it WILL HAPPEN!” cried the turquoise unicorn, “But don’t say I didn’t warn you, okay?”

“Nothing can go wrong today, the temperature is fabulous, there’s such a relaxing morning breeze, oh, my stars...,” said Rarity slightly nervous. “Of course! Sweetie Belle also be singing today, it’s a little surprise.

“Really?” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed, “Well I’m glad she finally came to her senses so that she can gain her cutie mark1”

“Oh, brother …” Lyra said quietly.

“Ah, but of course! Along with the other girls, but it's clear why I am making a special effort to make the stage decor extra special!” Rarity was doing a few tricks with her natural unicorn magic to raise some drapes for the Festival which carried the Spirit of Music, which also had its memorial statue in the Canterlot Maze..

“Yes, no doubt will be the perfect setting for a disaster …” said the turquoise unicorn very quietly.

“You said something, honey?” Rarity asked Lyra.

NO, NO, don’t worry about me but what happened to that old code that said that all unicorns must be united? Lyra said. The Old Code of the Unicorns goes back to the times of the Preclassic and I quote, “!”

Twilight knew this chant quite well but it went obsolete ever since Celestia gained control of Equestria but also knew that Lyra had a nostalgia and fantasy tales, so she replied with great respect, “You are right, Lyra, but you see times have changed.”

“Sure,sure,” said the rebellious unicorn while she waved goodbye to her friends pony. Next she embraced BonBon. “You do believe me, right?”

“There is some truth in it but don’t overdo it, honey,” said the pony with soft pastel colors. “Always be alert but not completely paranoid.”

“Amen!” said Pinkie Pie, “ Hurry up BonBon, “there’s plenty of more boxes to bring!”

As she saw the girls being so productive and all and without a care in the world Lyra felt as she was becoming some sort of shadow, something completely useless and out of place. So sad was she that she kept dragging her hooves all the way home.

Not so far away in the heart of Sweet Apple Acres the young team of the Cutie Mark Crusaders held a meeting at their clubhouse to put the finishing touches of what would seem to be an astounding performance, or at least far better the first time.

"Ahem!" cried Scootaloo, "Well, Crusaders the time has come in which they'll finally take our work seriously and stop being just a comedy act."

"I didn't see anything wrong with that!" replied Sweetie Belle,"I really enjoyed what we did that time, the crowd loved us!"

" Yeah, yeah, yeah, and that was fine for just a bunch of amateurs," said the orange pegasus. She unfolded what seemed to be an enormous plan, " And since we already gained some experience this time we will go for total awesomeness!”

“Sweet!” cried Applebloom jumping with joy.

“Here is what I have in mind; a bigger platform, and then I will descend from it and you two will follow!”

“But we can´t fly, Scootaloo!” said the little unicorn with curly mane.

“Ah, yeah! That´s why I always have cooler ideas , so you follow me out of an extra rugged smoke screen!”

“Hmmm,” Applebloom said, “ a little bit peppy for summer but I'll do anything to earn my cutie mark.”

“Obviously that's what we three want but it's like Twilight says, “you never know when it´s going to appear!” Sweetie Belle replied with wisdoms.

“Then it´s settled,” and all said in unison, “The Cutie Mark Crusaders take the stage once more!”

At the same time a malevolent laughter was heard in the woods as if the wind howled. The three girls hugged each other and then Sweetie Belle inevitably cried, “Wha-wha-wha what was that?”

“Now girls!” said the orange pony with confidence in her words. “ It´s only the wind, don´t get carried away!”

“I was about to say that but didn´t that make you shake your flank? …” Applebloom said.

“Well, that wasn´t very funny at all...” Sweetie Belle said with her legs trembling.

“Then do as Pinkie does ...giggle at the ghosties!” Scootaloo said. And so the little fillies ignored what seemed to them intimidating about that mysterious shriek and continued to practice for the big night.

Meanwhile in Canterlot the sun began to set and the elegant Princess Luna with transparent mane adorned with the stardust had appeared a little early and had agreed to talk with her regal sister. She walked side by side in the main terrace looking somewhat uneasy.

“Oh, come now, why the long face?” Celestia asked in a very maternal tone.

“Tia!” Luna cried running to kiss the princess. “ I´m glad you're happy!” said the other.

“But of course since you´re offering me a second chance to set things right and rule like any other in Equestria!”

“Of course I am! We shall make the most out of the longest day of the year, but tell me, is something bothering you?”

Luna looked crestfallen and frowned,” not at all! But I have this sinking feeling that something could go wrong.”

“Oh ... “ sighed Celestia, "if you mean about what happened in the past there´s no need to even mention it because that you can not change it but only learn from it. Father would be so proud to know we're doing a good example of this realm, we never had it so good so there is no reason to doubt.”

“But it´s that …” said Luna desperate until her older sister interrupted her gently placing her hoof on her snout, “No, no, say no more. You know what happens when there´s doubt in your heart and there is nobody who can help you it only feeds the Night Shadowers and you don´t wan´t that to happen, do you?”

“ Oh, of course not. Yet I had never seen anything like that, things used to be more easier when we traveled from land to land.”

Celestia wondered at this last remark, “Do you still remember these things even after thousands of years?”

“I remember the time you fell off the bed and thought it was an earthquake but I was doing magic to levitate you from the ground.”

“Because I just realized that you wanted to prove your talents,” said Celestia.

Princess Luna said trying to regulate their tone of voice, “Don´t worry sis, I won´t let fear get in the way of my feelings.”

Celestia ended her sentence, “So be it."

Twilight looked a little tense for all the activities that she was coordinating for the festival but forgot she had Rarity to give her full support and ensure that every last detail achieved perfection. Moreover, the young unicorn was perhaps exaggerating a bit, Lyra warnings began to echo in her mind and thought aloud, “And what if she´s right? After all she did have more influence than me at school.”

But there was no time for this, she had been called by Rarity to go on stage and monitor the lighting. Meanwhile, the Mayor convened to lots and lots of colorful ponies who came from near and far with their ticket in hand or to be more correct in their mouths.

There were also several stands where Applejack sold apple-based products including her famous cider, only Pinkie Pie was missing yet she promised to bring a little surprise.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy came together and were chatting ever since they left the house in the woods.

“I´m truly surprised with Tank, I didn´t know he was so ingenious!”

“No sweat!” Rainbow said modestly, “He knows a lot of making neat gadgets! Did you know that its shell is a workshop of inventions? He just built this for me!” And then she presented a device she had on their baby blue wings.

“It's an amazing invention that increases my flight speed by 20%. Of course, I´m not supposed to bring them all the time but …”

Fluttershy dared to interrupt to tell her that the event was about to begin

"Fillies and gentlecolts!,” said the Mayor of Ponyville. “We are extremely proud to welcome the longest day of the year and to make the most of it I give you the reformed Princess Luna will help us open the very first Summer Night Festival!”

The ponies rejoiced while beating the ground with their hooves. It was truly rare to see this after Luna had broken into the town.

“Ah, look at that!” said the lavender coated unicorn, “You certainly don’t see that every day so I’d say you’re definitely had some wild idea about this,”she said as she stared at the turquoise unicorn.

"Are you kidding me? replied annoyed."You know Twilight, you should really give some ponies a second chance."

"Can't we just discuss this later and enjoy the rest of the evening like nothing has happened?"

"Well, if you say so, Twi ..." Lyra took a Twilight by surprise and wrapped her arm around her neck while she tousled her mane.

"Ahh, cut it out!" she said, struggling to free herself.

"Ah, those wonderful days of magic school!"

"I'm glad they're over now..."

Lyra interrupted, "Wait, wait! It's Luna."

The elegant and subtle combination of unicorn and pegasus graced the stage and approached it in a serene way. She wore a velvet coat and revealed her delicate star studded mane. There was suspense in the air.

Luna cried energetically, "CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! I mean ..." she said while trying to modulate her voice, "How are you? I've been missing since last Nightmare Night but I can guarantee you that this will be ten times greater! I carefully selected the most glorious music any pony has ever heard, everything to make the night is so prodigious and inspiring as it should be and not a thing coming from the depths of darkness ..."

Suddenly there was a very noticeable silence as the atmosphere had become very serious.

"Well then, I declare the Summer Night Festival officially opened!"

The crowd was roaring with excitement, Rainbow Dash said,"Boy, that Luna sure know how to make a good entrance!"

Fluttershy looked pale, "If...you...say...so."

The stage was dipped with darkness as a banner with the emblem of the Cutie Mark Crusaders gradually appeared.

"Oh, how wonderful! The girls are up next," said Fluttershy flying in mid air and smiled, "They certainly have grown!"

"Of course!" said Rainbow Dash, "I wonder what Scootaloo is gonna do next!"

"Hold on, here they come ..." said Fluttershy nervously.

The lights died for a moment, the panic grew stronger.

"Nightmare Moon's back!" yelled Fluttershy as recalled that fateful occasion when the queen of eternal night attempted to take over Ponyville . She hid behind Rainbow Dash quickly and trembled.

"Relax, will ya'? That crazy old mare is gone, we banished her!"

Twilight made an effort to calm everypony down, "Quiet, I'm sure it's just a delay. Tell them, Lyra ... Lyra?"

But she remained quite still wagging her tail slightly, "Sorry Twi ... but this is just beginning ..."

The young student shook her friend but she became as stiff as rock.

A light blue pony in the audience named Shoeshine cried, "LOOK EVERYONE!"

The stage curtains rose gradually accompanied by mournful music like a harpsichord making it seem like a terrible dungeon.

"My dearest ponies ... lend me your ears for this will be the only and last melody you'll ever hear!"

Amid a cloud of artificial smoke a young colt appeared with pale skin and with stabbing eyes. Without a doubt Knight Shade had taken the stage.

Lyra couldn't move her legs yet for the fear had put her out of combat.

"I know I must DO something," she thought out loud, "But why can't I move?"

Twilght noticed that her good friend Applejack was acting rather quirky, "Ahem ... isn't it a little early for Nightmare Night? Confound it! Where's Applebloom and all the other gals?"

"It seems there was a slight change of plans ...however, I'm beginning to think why Lyra was acting so strange and mesmerized, that colt sure is cute!"

" Oh, I know that look, sugarcube," said Applejack.

Knight Shade took out the mystic lyre, this time the ambient worked to listen clearly to the enchanted song. Daisy was the first to notice the effect," By Celestia, I LOVE YOU!"

And so other voices joined,"it's perfect, God ... Fluttershy, despite all her innocence and kindness, "I must admit I had never taken the opportunity to witness something like this in my short life but ... that boy is so , is so ..."

"That's super awesome!" said Rainbow,"If we combined the awesomeness with the greatness and the coolness ...we'd get THIS!"

"What in Equestria is that ghastly sound?" Twilight said. "It's certainly not bad but..."

Lyra awoke from her trance,"Oh, for peace's sake, I just remembered, that song is cursed! You have to stop listening to it at once!"

"Well, Idon't see nuthin' wrong with it," Applejack cried, "actually it's so damn good it lifts up my spirits!"

"No, no, no, listen to me, stubborn ponies!"

"ENOUGH!" shouted the purple unicorn. "It's a catchy tune alright but it can't possibly be cursed, that's absurd!"

Applejack said while she was happily cantering, "I think some pony's mighty jealous..."
"Applejack, are you okay?" said Twilight puzzled.

"Sure, can't a country girl kick her hooves nicely for a change or what?"

"It is ... the way that you're dancing ...all of them are following his every move!"

Lyra suddenly approached her," I TOLD YOU! They are acting as if they were possessed!!"

"Well, why can't you understand that maybe Knight Shade is a great performer after all? We should wait if anything out of the ordinary takes place."

"S-sure, Twi," grumbled Lyra, "Why don't we just go ahead and wait for a pony apocalypse while we're at it."

Twilight could reply no more for it was evident now that every other pony in the crowd remained still and with empty looks upon their faces like they had seen a ghost. She felt now that the stranger from Greyville knew some very good tricks despite having no magic at all...

Chapter 3: The Dream

"Perish you will, perish you will, just keep very still..."

"Twilight, Twilight!" cried Lyra, "Did you hear that?"

"I'm sorry but what are you talking about, do you mean about the song?" said the purple pony somewhat confused.

"It's just that I heard some voices, very much like the ones in my dream..."

"Ponyfeathers! I'm NOT paying attention to you anymore, you've gone mad!" Twilight left incredibly furious for she was fed up with Lyra's tall tales.

"Let's see," thought the purple unicorn to herself, "There's something else behind that rhythm that makes every pony act like every pony else, they don't think."

"The music soothes the savage beasts, no doubt, Lyra, but your words will never help out!"

The voices of the Night Shadowers made echo in poor Lyra's head. Even if she begged for them to shut up at the same time they laughed back even harder. It was like they were deliberately interfering with her mission. She knocked her head with her hooves to come to her senses a bit however the only ones who paid attention were Applejack and Big Macintosh.

"YEEHAW! Now that's the way to do it, sister!" the orange pony cried.

Lyra was beginning to get irritated so she took a deep breath before she started rampaging on any pony, "Take it easy, Lyra, just do what you gotta do...anyway, where's BonBon?"

It was until that moment that she pondered who she had to protect before it was too late. She remembered having cast a spell of the few she learned back in school which let her find her friends quite easily no matter how far they were. She gave it a try with her horn and it so turned out to be that it pointed towards young Twilight.

"Well, that was random," she thought to herself. "Think girl, think! Maybe my magic is not that strong to protect them all but at least if I convince that little egghead maybe things could change...but on the other hand if I don't save BonBon I'll regret this for my entire lifetime.

The ambient was growing colder and harder to tolerate. One by one, the ponies stopped dancing and became statues without making a single sound. The silence increased the tension but at the same time helped to make the Night Shadowers more evident. As Twilight observed them they represented a shape and size almost the same as the ancient Windigos but even more vile.

Twilight cried," WHAT's going on? Where did you guys come from?" Then she turned around and saw Lyra coming to protect her acting like a shield.

"Girl, don't listen to them, please! They're full of black magic!"

Lyra concentrated as much as she could to cast a ball of energy. At first it was so little that it transformed into a powerful glow around her turquoise horn. It was so intense that it made her feel completely relaxed and free as though she was trotting to Canterlot like she did everyday and this time no one could stop her. She closed her beautiful round eyes and focused on the place she loved the most. Afterwards she lost complete consciousness. Lightning crashed around her and Twilight and both figures vanished in a split second.

As the musical pony recovered she felt like she had slept for hours and woke as she had partied all night long all tuckered out. A familiar voice kept calling her as she enjoyed the morning breeze. The scents around her became inviting and relaxing.

"Lyra...Lyra," said some pony.

"Um...yes...tell me," she said still lying on the soft ground.

"LYRA!" the other pony shouted. Twilight kept calling and she seemed to be in tip top shape. When she saw the mint colored unicorn lounging she proceeded to shake like a maraca. Lyra slowly opened her eyelids.

"Oh no, Mom! It's too early to go to Magic School and it's awful cold outside...-

"LYRA, you silly pony!" cried Twilight heavily.

"Oh, if it isn't you Twilight Sparkle, old buddy, old pal...hey, wait a minute..." She soon got up feeling her heart beats like butterflies in her chest. "Knight Shade, where's that trickster? Did we get him, did we get him, where's BonBon?!"

"Hey, hey, calm down...- said the lavender unicorn very softly. "This may sound like a very silly question but...where are we?!"

Lyra shook her mane and turned around and recognized the surroundings. It was almost like paradise, "Wow! Awesome! The magic did really work out well afterall, I'm so proud of myself!"

"And me too!" Pinkie Pie jumped out of the bed of honeysuckle flowers.

"Oh, hi Pinkie? You came here too, that was kind of random," said Lyra a bit surprised.

"Oh, don't worry," said the pink smiling pony, "I am ever so random. Is the Festival over yet? They didn't even give me the chance to sell my super delicious blueberry cupcakes!"

"Ok, Lyra," said an angry Twilight, "Let's break this down, you said you used magic, didn't you?"

Lyra laughed nervously, "Well, I could have used this one spell I learned to spot my best friends and then POW! We zapped into this big beautiful garden which by the way belongs to THE Princess Luna! But I think I overdid it."

"OVERDID IT?" shouted Twilight with fiery eyes, "Why aren't we back in Ponyville?"

"I um, I..."

"Well, answer me right now?!"

Lyra sighed, "Fine, don't believe me then but I still think that Knight Shade is behind this somehow..."

Twilight interrupted, "OK, here we again...Look, I know that you might so frustrated to know that someone else like him was chosen to play at the Festival, but maybe he's not that bad as he seems..."

"NOT BAD? Casting a spell on the entire town doesn't making him bad?! By all the unicorns, Twi, he was deliberately using some kind of magic that's not normal and it did come from the musical notes played in that incredible lyre!"

"And I suppose that you brought us here because you left shadowed by that pony," said Twilight.

"NO! I did what I had to do to put you out of danger! Now if only I had brought BonBon to back me up..."

"HEY, HEY, HEY!" cried Pinkie Pie, "I know that you're deeply feeling cranky and like some pony rained on your parade but who is that Knight Shade?"

"I have no idea, Pinkie," said Lyra anguished. "The only feeling I have is that he's mighty dangerous and we must put a stop to it. I admit my magic wasn't that strong enough to save us all, but if you give me just one chance to show you how bad it is to save Equestria from disaster! If we don't continue who knows what will happen, we might even become his slaves!"

"Alright," replied Twilight. "I can see where this is all going, that's why we're heading straight back home so you can offer an appology and..."

The soft breeze transitioned into a furious gust threathening the poor little ponies.The three of them looked upwards and knew that they had to seek refuge but their attempts were quickly frustrated by the presence of a mysterious mare very like the one Lyra pictured in her dreams.

"AHHH, run away, it's Nightmare Moon!" yelled Pinkie Pie.

"Oh, look!" said a glad Twilight, "It's just Princess Luna...wait, what?"

They all kneeled before the regal mare but she despised protocol and felt more informal so instead she greeted them with a more delicate tone of voice, "Oh, for the love of Equestria girls, it's just me, let's cut to the chase, shall we?"

"Perish you will, perish you will, just keep very still..."

"If it's about the Festival I think 'somepony'..." said Twilight looking back at Lyra, "...has something to tell you about it."

"Say what now?" said the mint colored unicorn.

"Well, young filly?" asked Luna with a serious look in her eye.

"There's trouble all over Ponyville! Something very wrong is taking place, I tried to save my friends and then we wound up here for no reason..." said Lyra rampaging.

"So I noticed," said Luna. "Sadly your words are all true." Twilight's jaw dropped after she confimed what Luna said and couldn't helped being so puzzled.

"It's all true! You mean, you know what's happening then?" she asked as she stood wide eyed. The Princess nodded and continued, "You've done well, Lyra, but you must excuse for it was I who brought you here so we could speak in a neutral ground. These are the private Canterlot Gardens where from time to time I practice my meditation and here I can see things exactly as they are. Follow me, we have some extremely imporant matters to discuss. I perceive a potential threat..."

"Then that means..." said Twilight softly, "That wild story that Lyra said is all true?"

"YOU made a HUGE mistake!" said Pinkie Pie as she jumped for joy, "Now who has to appologize now?"

"Well, your colorful friend may have exaggerated but there's a lot of ground to be covered in this one," said Luna. After removing her hood she conjured a spell with her mighty horn and soon the ponies were taken to a particular wing in the inmensity of Canterlot Castle.

In a chamber they entered there were at least four statues shaped like griffins carefully distributed to safely guard the crates which had ancient symbols inscribed very much like the ones used in the time of Starswirl, the Bearded.

"Golly!" cried Pinkie Pie. "What is THIS place, it looks soooo scary..."

"It must be, my little pink friend," said Luna. "For this is The Chamber of The Seven Epic Treasure. This is where we keep the weapons of ancient times that have been used to settle great battles to destroy fierce enemies such as Discord.

You see, before my sister and I arrived to Equestria the creatures suffered new threats even though they were quite aware of the values of friendship and harmony. When sadness and confusion came into their lives not only was is chaotic but it also brought the presence of an emptiness, spirits that were known as the Night Shadowers."

"Like the ones I saw in my dream!" cried Lyra.

"Yes," continued Luna, "Thanks to them every single feeling that emanates from a pony becomes its exact opposite and wishes only to destroy everything around them. Discord knew about this quite well, so it is said that he fell into obscurity and used that power to bring out the worst in every pony and turned them into foes once again. Thus, Starswirl, the Bearded was one of those to still care about every pony else and was willing to put up a fight. So he made an alliance with six of the most gifed unicorns who knew about the High Magic and forged these weapons to unite any pony regardless of their creed, race or form so they knew they shared the same fears.

The Epic Candle; it is said that its light is so intense that it can be seen all over the land to guide ponies into a single place. The Epic Tiara; when a kind-hearted unicotn wears it her powers increase to locate any friend regardless of distance. The Epic Pitcher; by pouring ordinary water into any stream it multiplies the amount and makes it clear as crystal for the needy towns. The Epic Dagger; by concentrating the good will of any pony it striked with fury against any dangerous creature and put it into a deep slumber. The Epic Shield; protected by a magic so powerful that could only be destroyed as long as its creators lived. The Epic Cloak; its warmth allowed ponies to witstand any attack from the ancient Windigos, and finally..." said Luna. She proceeded to open one of the crated and said,"The Epic Lyre..."

The three ponies were stunned when they noticed it was empty,so Luna explained, "...that you can see clearly is gone. Some pony broke into the chamber unnoticed and stole the lyre without a trace. It is vital that we have it back. Unlike any of the other treasures any pony else would tell you that music is one of the strongest forms of magic there is to find. Even nature is quitee aware that a single melody is a good excuse to keep us together."

"I know, I know," cried Lyra proudly, "My mom always told me stories like those when I was a filly but now it's just considered little more tha a legend, hey, Twi?"

"Alright, alright," sighed the purple unicorn. "i also read about those legends. Starswirl is one of my favorite heroes as well because I know he was a key to bring peace to the land but then why weren't able to defeat Discord with all of these?"

"I understand that, Twilight Sparkle and their efforts are recognized dearly but they still weren't enough. The magic that Celestia and I created was meant to be shared among all creatures and not becomes elements that could harbor greed. That's why The Elements of Harmony proved to be more effective because they're made from the strength that relies in our hearts. And that is why we can make anything possible."

"I still don't get it," said Pinkie Pie.

"We brought change yet Discord gave us a huge headache. The battle lasted for days and weeks and...well, you must be familiar with the rest of the story. The good thing was that after we sealed Discord into stone in return the ancient ponies surrendered their treasures as this was a custom. Do you remember the night I complemented you for your costume, Twilight?" said Luna.

"Yes, so did you see him in the flesh?"

"Evidently he was the one who gave us the Epic Treasures and died of old age. That tragic day was when the Epic Lyre was last played. I tried it myself."

"Wow," cried Lyra."I didn't know you had that talent in you!"

Luna smiled timidly, "Well, in fact I was younger and a little bit out of practice, however, it is time for the lyre to come home. You three ponies have been spared for this quest."

"A quest, now?" said Lyra.

"Yes, indeed," continued Luna. "According to ponylore this prodigious instrument plays the notes from the heart. If the feelings of such pony are pure the music will guide them well and produce a great inner peace. But on the contrary if the heart of the pony is as black as a thousand nights and impure the notes will enchant anyone and will do what he or she desires. It was this humble instrument that brought us to Equestria. I guess you can say we heard their call, that's why it's so valuable! I am very fond of it." Luna stood crestfallen as she gently kicked the grounded and then looked from side to side begging for an answer.

Pinkie Pie exploded in tears but considering how random she was she quickly shifted her sad face into a more optimistic one,"Awww, Princess, don't feel bad, we'll have that pretty instrument and we'll be back in less time that you can say CUPCAKES!"

"Cupcakes..." replied Luna.

"Oh, sorry!" said the pink little pony. "We'll try harder."

"I'm afraid it's not going to be that simple, Pinkie," said Twilight in a serious tone, "We never stood up against ancient magic, above all, do you know who stole the lyre?"

"I was dying to tell you that..." said Lyra.

"It's alright, I think I know who it is, please forgive me for not trusting you."

"Oh sure, no problem!" cried Lyra happily, "But Luna, why won't you come with us to get the Lyre back, don't you remember how to play it?"

"It has never been mine to begin with for it can be only played by descendent of the pony who forged it. If the lyre chooses you, Lyra Heartstrings then you must listen to what it has to say, are you up to this quest?!" Luna levitated a few feet above the ground while her tone of voice sounded darker and deeper, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry for using the Royal Canterlot Voice, you do understand me, right?"

"Very well Princess, if we've been able to put up a fight against Discord for sure this will be no problem no matter how bad it gets, or my name isn't Twilight Sparkle!" said the pony so proudly.

"Ahem..." coughed Lyra.

"And by my side will be Lyra and Pinkie, fow now."

Luna nodded, "Very well then, your journey begins as of...NOW!"

And in a single puff Luna disappeared leaving a trail of stardust behind.

"Boy, that Luna sure knows how make a GOOD exit," cried Pinkie Pie.

Twilight looked from side to side and noticed they were still in the castle so they would need to travel on ground.

"All of this sounds terrific and all, but what do you suppose comes next?" said Lyra in a rather sarcastic tone.

Chapter 4:The Others

"I suppose that we'll have to start from scratch, girls, back to Ponyville," said a rather confident Twilight.

"B-but, Twilight..." asked Pinkie Pie, "what if there's something worse out there like a ghost town or, or...a hoard of zombie ponies?!" She peeled her eyes and hit the ground.

"Zombie ponies? What have you been reading?" said Lyra.

"Whatever it is that's out there we won't let it stop us now. Get behind me, girls..."

The wise purple pony attempted to teleport them back home but the magic wasn't strong enough. They did manage however to land outside the castle and into the famous Canterlot Gardens, the ones that Fluttershy loved so very much.

"Ah, I remember this place now," said Pinkie, "my pal Fluttershy was here because she refused to come with us to the Gala! Boy, I do hope they will invite soon! I can't wait to kick my hooves and party."

"Pinkie, Twilight is trying to concentrate!" said Lyra.

Soon, the unicorn found herself surrounded by a beautiful gleam that seemed to grow more and more. The three ponies gathered once again, "Come on, don't delay, I just thought of something that might help us, visualize the safest place you can find in Ponyville..."

Pinkie replies a bit humorously, "Well, duh, of course it has to be the library! No one goes there anyway..."

Twilight felt slightly offended and just grinned. The gleam was more intense now, not as wonderful as the one Lyra saw but effective enough to bring them back to the treehouse where she lived filled with tons of ancient books.

Upon their arrival they noticed a profound emptiness. It sure felt cold not having Spike around but instead was Twilight's faithful nighttime assistant who perched upon her worktable.

"OWLICIOUS!" cried Twilight, "I'm so glad you're OK." The puny owl soon flew and landed on top of her head."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever" clopped Lyra. "How are we supposed to solve our problems inside the library?"

"Well, excuse me," said the purple pony, "but we needed a safe ground to think and plan a strategy, we simply can't go on without gathering some knowledge about our enemy, so it's vital to find out as much as we can."

Twilight continued to question her unicorn companion. Pinkie only stood wide eyed.

"Please, I beg you, who or what exactly is this Knight Shade ?"

Lyra sighed deeply,"Look, he's a total mystery, I don't think he's from around here, I may have overheard something else..."

"That's it!" cried Twilight, "If he's an outsider then maybe we can locate where he's from in the Extended Map of Equestria!"

"Extenda what now?" wondered Pinkie Pie.

The unicorn pulled out a scroll from one of many carefully arranged shelves and continued,"There are other lands which are our neighbors yet some of them are not that friendly, maybe even similar to Equestria."

Lyra stood thinking very thoroughly hoping that the answer she was looking for. She remembered the day of the audition where she eavesdropped on her contenders. That image of that peculiar stallion was frozen in her memory, his ghastly expression. Knight Shade wasn't that bad, in fact even if he never actually sang he could still make any mare go crazy as Hell. But not in Lyra's case, for it was a big, annoying rival her and it was in the middle of that rememberance that she yelled without a doubt,"GREYVILLE! Try to look up that town, Twi!"

"Excellent!" said the wise unicorn. Owlicious pointed the land that was beyond the borders of Equestria on the upper northwest. "Quick, fetch me the Volume number 4 on Precelestian History!" By using her magic she quickly flipped through the pages, "Let's see, let's see...AHA! Here it is. Greyville, see Renegade Movements.

After the long hard battle to defeat the dictator in Equestria known as Discord the Chaotic, the Royal Troops seeked help from the ally lands due to the fact that they had a common threat..."

"Yes, go on," said Lyra anxiously.

"Some agreements were made to continue this battle yet others denied to participate, among them was Greyville. In one way or another their beliefs were to reject any form of magic and demanded to leave peacefully and independantly. For they were phyisically different from the ponies in Equestria their duty was to only attend their everyday chores. The troops left them to raise their children without being bothered and since then they don't belong to this territory.

"Ah, Twi," Lyra interrupted.

"Not now, Lyra, there's even more..."

"But Twi, it's just that..." continued the mint colored pony. "I think this may be a bad time but, Pinkie Pie's not here."

Twilight was so caught up in reading as usual so much that any single sound around her was insignificant," yes, and then

Pinkie Pie's not here...wait! What did you just say?"

"I said Pinkie's not, oh, for peace's sake, where do you suppose she went?"

"Downtown, I guess, probably Sugarcube Corner. Please Lyra, I never asked any favor of you but could you please run down to Ponyville and get her? And I promise I'll never doubt you again."

"Watch it now, that sounds like a pretty serious promise," answered the unicorn.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

"Wut?"

"Oh, forget it, it's just something that Pinkie Pie taught me," said Twilight Sparkle smiling.

"Well, in that case, you can count on me. You stay right here trying to gather clues while I see if I can find out more about the situation in Ponyville...oh, yeah and Pinkie too."

"WHO!" Owlicious hooted very still. Lyra thought he was talking to her for he may have understood something, "Pinkie Pie, the party animal, who else?"

"Oh, don't worry about him, now hurry up!"

Lyra parted and galloped with ease to the center of Ponyville. While she rode she did notice something different in the air in fact a cold breeze that hit her like a whip and started trembling. The weather was quite humid and made her feel intimidaded and horribly lonely.

"Brrr," she said, "I should have brought something warmer. Maybe I should try to go back to Bon Bon's, now that would be a miracle. "Don't leave the house without a scarf, you don't want to catch a cold, do you?" she'd say..."
She stopped galloping and suddenly slowed down. She was just a few steps away from Town Hall. She cantered very quietly and lowered her head as a sign of caution. There was no one out but at a certain point this was normal because Ponyvillians were early birds. "Well, so far so good, now to find that wild pony," Lyra said referring to Pinkie. "There's Sugarcube Corner, she must have gone to see if Mr. and Mrs. Cake are alright."

Thus she headed over to the famous bakery which design resembled a candy house adorned with frosting from top to bottom. Though it was hard to make it out at night apparently some pony left the light turned on in the ground floor. The wooden door was half open. Lyra was alert and proceeded slowly feeling her stomach squashed. She knocked on the door courteously.

"Um, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, are you there? I'm sorry to bother you at this hour, but..."

No pony answered her call; she tried again, "Mr. and Mrs. Cake? Pinkie, are you there, stop playing games, we're on a mission!"

Lyra had no choice but to open the main door with her head and entered timidly. The house was unusually cold and surprisingly tidy except for a few large boxes which stood in a counter. They were actually the treats that the pink pony was supposed to bring to the Festival. Lyra couldn't resist grabbing one of those delicious cupcakes filled with blueberry jam.

"Mmmmmm, mmmm, not bad, not bad," said the unicorn with her mouth full. "Seriously, Pinkie, if you don't come out soon, I'll..."

Out of nowhere a shadow moved rapidly. Lyra dropped her cupcake and swallowed some crumbs, "Pinkie, is that you?..."

The shadow moved again, this time she could percieve it better, "LYRA!"

"AHHHHHH," yelled the unicorn, "Don't eat me, please!" and curled up in a corner.

"Oh, it's only me, silly!" Pinkie was safe and sound and it was noticeable that she managed to whip up a batch of tiny pieces of dough. Lyra approached her slowly.

"What is that?" she said.

"Well..." said the pink pony, "I couldn't help overhearing what Twilight and you were talking about a while ago that it SO hit me that I could make us some of these to make sure we can't hear that terrible music you said that has every pony haunted!"

"And you went out just to bake like nothing at all?" asked the unicorn.

"Duh, Of course; I make these ear plugs all the time especially when the Cakes can't sleep, it's such a shame I didn't find
them." Pinkie Pie took her knapsack with the colorful baloons on top and packed her nifty invention.

"That's the most creative thing I've ever seen," said Lyra. "But remember that Twilight is waiting for us..."

"Sure, I get it, but don't you wanna know what became of the other ponies?" asked the earth pony.

"Well I was just gonna check up on Bon Bon, but anyway, how can you tell if something bad happened when every pony else is asleep?"

"I'll come with you!" cried Pinkie Pie, "I've never been to Bon Bon's house."

"Really, but it's right there in front of you! Anyway, would you care to tell me when was the last time you saw her?" asked Lyra.

"She came with me to Sugarcube Corner but then after I came to the Festival I lost complete sight of her."

"There's a slight chance that she might still be home, probably waiting for me, now that would be nice indeed!" grinned Lyra.

At Bon Bon's house she knocked to see if her best friend would come out in the balcony.

"BonBon, sweetie, are you there? Sorry for leaving you so rudely..."

No pony responded.

"BonBon? It's me and Pinkie Pie, just come out to see if you're okay!"

The silence and the tension grew.

Lyra felt discouraged and lowered her head, "I think she doesn't like me anymore."

"Oh, I don't think so," said Pinkie in a happier mood. "This calls for desperate measures, "BONBON! Come out, come out wherever you are!!!"

Her shouting was so great that it shook Lyra.

Finally, her calling was answered. Indeed the pony with the caramels cutie mark came out of her wee house but her expression gave them the chills.

"Go away..." she said in a sweet soft phantasmagorical voice.

"BONBON!" said Lyra jumping happily like a child and ran to hug her and fill her with kisses. On the other hand she showed no response to these ways of affection and stood firmly like a rock. Lyra moved away suddenly. BonBon's eyes had no hint of color, like washed away, "By all the skies in Equestria, what happened to you, are you sick?"

"I said GO AWAY!" she shouted, "You're simply not welcome here!"

"But what the heck are you talking about, don't you recognize me, aren't we in Ponyville?"

"No! Now go away before he catches you for it will be your doom!"

Lyra shook her head and started talking with ease, "Oh, so I see that poser did his work well and has you all cursed!"
"Isn't it clear, go away!" yelled BonBon once again.

"Is that all you can say?" said Pinkie.

Suddenly BonBon's pupils went completely gray as she entered a state of trance. She kicked her hooves as she was marching and soon joined the others. Lyra and Pinkie turned and looked at each other astonished.

They agreed that it would be easier to follow the possessed ponies throughout Ponyville just to figure out where they would go next.

"Pinkie!" said Lyra softly, "The ear plugs!"

"Oh, yeah, sure!" said the pink pony.

"It's the same song Knight Shade played at the Festival, they're under his spell, I knew it! I'm not putting up with this charade no longer and especially when he's messing with my BonBon!"

"Wait, shouldn't we warn Twilight about this?" said Pinkie with impecable timing.

"Warn me about what?" Twilight Sparkle arrived at the scene carrying her knapsack with supplies, a map and some books.
Pinkie rose and skipped easy as a rabbit and went towards the purple unicorn.

"Quick, put these on your ears!" she said as she carefully placed the earplugs made of dough.

"What the? Oh, that's right, the song!" she cried.

"Sheesh, I dunno what you guys would do without me!" said Pinkie Pie very properly.

"I this sounds crazy but we have to get to Greyville, we have a lot of ground to cover

"Like a scavenger hunt? Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, I'd love that," cried the pink pony. Twilight did her best to calm her down because the situation wasn't that simple. "Actually this be a very pleasant trip, you see no pony has been to Greyville in ages, so that's why we're going undercover."

Using her unicorn magic Twilight dressed the two fillies with a pale cape and hood.

"Woo, just what I needed to get rid of this crazy weather, I can't believe it's freezing like this in the summer, even my tail is twitching," said Pinkie while she was adjusting her hood.

"Remember, our magic will not work there so every instant that we spend upon that land we lose our chances to get back to Ponyville safe and sound so we only have enough time to get some concrete answers about this Knight Shade."

"And how do you suppose we find those answers, knocking on every pony's door? That could take days!" said Lyra.
"We have no other choice, Lyra, if we don't what we're up against we might lose this battle. Though we're not sure what's gonna happen we will have to make the best of our talents, especially if we don't have the Elements of Harmony to work with."

And so the party of three began to gallop as fast as they could but when the enchanted ponie crossed their path they went faster and faster than ever before, "Woo, talk about zombie ponies, they're gaining on us!"

"They sure look like living dead ponies to me!" said Lyra surprised and agitated, "my poor BonBon, did you see the way she reacted? It's just so mean..."

"Well we had our share of wild adventures, Lyra," said Pinkie, "You'll see that very soon we'll be back home laughing about it."

Twilight smiled after she heard what her pink friend said. It was incredible how she could manage to stay strong and brave against such a terrible ordeal for it was no doubt that Princess Luna chose well when she admitted her to go on this quest.
"What are you thinking about, Ms. Smartypants," interrupted Lyra.

The purple unicorn slightly blushed, "Oh, nothing, it's just that I'm happy to have you around."

"OHHHHHH," sighed Lyra, "So that means that you've softened, hey?"

"What do you mean by "soften"? I'm not always that tough," she repsonded a bit angry.

"I was just saying because they told you almost lose it the other day over some ridiculous report you had turn in, but whatever..."

"Oh , Twilight, how far off is town anyway?" asked Pinkie Pie.

The wise unicorn pulled out the map from her knapsack while her owl friend held it in mid air.

"By the northwest boundaries of Equestria, no doubt."

"I sure hope it's not like the Everfree Forest," said Pinkie.

"No, of course not," continued Twilight Sparkle, "Like I said unicorns or alicorns or any other pony from Equestria are welcomed there. The weather runs on its own and the Sun and the Moon rise as well without the aid of others. There are also seems to be a great deal of monotony."

"Pfff," replied Lyra as their galloped, "I think it's the sort of crowd who'd love to get a kick out of my music!"

"Probably but no. I have a feeling that once we get there the way we see things will change dramatically...-

Pinkie yelped and cried, "And speaking of dramatic, let's run for it!"

The girls went down an alternate road without having to past the Everfree forest but it still wasn't safe enough to get rid of the zombified Ponyvillians. Even old Derpy Hooves joined the pack and suddenly began munching on Pinkie Pie's tail.
"YEOWH!!!" cried Pinkie, "Hey, watch it Derpy, it's not cotton candy, you know!"

Twilight felt the adrenaline rush from the tip of her nose to her legs and began to run faster. At the same time she was doing this she had no choice but try to teleport as if she applied it like some sort of defense mechanism. Her body illuminated with a lavender shade.

"Wow, look at Twilight go!" said Pinkie Pie, "If only she ran like that in The Running of The Leaves." Soon she followed her hopping like a bunny rabbit yet Lyra felt she was being left behind as well. She cried, "Twi, you're going way too fast! They're trying to devour us!"

"Maybe they're just playing with us", said Pinkie happily but soon Derpy came back to bite her tail some more.
"Or maybe not! Hey wait up!!!!"

Twilight's body was completely lit up this time and as her friends we're trying their best to keep up the pace Lyra grabbed the other unicorn by the tail and made Pinkie do the same thing.

"What is the matter with you?" said the mint colored unicorn, "It looks like you're posessed as well!"
Yet it was too late for an explanation. Soon the lavender gleam covered the little ponies and they all disappeared from this nightmarish scene.

While Twilight regained consciousness there was a very brief moment where she was drawn to a dream like sequence. She felt her slender body float while a rather deep voice kept calling her.

Have you ever felt that moment in which time simply stops?

I, believe so.

That is when everything else seems so fragant; the wind that caresses your skin, the stars that play with you in the middle of the night, every single thing becomes so perfect. Now imagine me there as well.

Yes...

Do you wish I could stay here forever? Tell me so.

I, I can't...

"NO, no, I can't!" cried the purple unicorn.

The three ponies popped up right above a clearing in a random forest and fell upon a lagoon. After they splashed into the murky waters Pinkie gathered and continued to rinse herself and soon after her mane and tail became as fluffy as a sheep dog. Meanwhile Twilight and Lyra were soaked to the bone.

"Hahahaha!" said the pink pony looking at Lyra, "Now you look exactly like a sea pony!"

"You know Pinkie, " said Lyra a little bit frustrated, "If we're gonna stick together for a while your jokes better be good."

"Oh..." replied the pink pony, "The Big Bad Sea Pony is coming at me, run everypony!"

"WHY YOU..." cried Lyra mad.

"Stop it, both of you!" said Twilight shaking her wavy mane, "If you don't calm down I'll leave you right here and go by myself!"

"Gee, Twilight," said Lyra rinsing her platinum mane, "I don't think that's a good strategy, afterall I'm the one who has seen Knight Shade more times than you have," she said sarcastically, "Is it me or are you hiding something?"

"Me? Of course not! It's just that I want to wrap this up as soon as possible."

Lyra stopped for an instant and asked her again looking in the eye, "Are you sure there's anything else you want to tell us?"

Twilight felt paralyzed for a few seconds and went pale trying to hide her reaction, "No, I already told you, you silly pony, we have very little time here, why are you interrogating me so much?"
The mint colored unicorn grew curiouser and continued,"Let's see, is it because you don't enjoy my company? Am I bothering you with my coolness?"

Celestia's ,prized pupil was already well known for having little patience, so she kinda started to lose it, "No,no,no! But to be honest I wish my best friends were here to make me feel better."

"Aha!" cried Lyra while she pounded the ground with her hoof, "And what are we exactly?"

Pinkie joined the conversation and stood wide eyed, "Pfff, yeah, Twilight, it's not like we're zombie ponies!"

The purple unicorn gave a huge sigh, " It's alright if you REALLY wanna know I do feel a little bit intimidated around you two. But don't get me wrong, you're really great and all!"

"Oh yeah, and how do you think I feel without BonBon, she's my right hand! Or was it my right hoof?" said Lyra thinking thoroughly, "You get the point, right? Boy, you're truly soaked and look like a pair of noodles, let me dry you off quickly..."

Lyra concentrated with great care and whipped up a spell that created a whirlpool of hot water that magically floated in mid air and exploded into a cloud of vapor that dried up all the ponies. They all looked good as new, spick and span, "Not bad, hey?"

Twilight dodged Lyra's comments," Gosh, I really don't know if we landed on the right spot, where is that map?"
Owlicious fluttered and displayed the extended map of Equestria so that they could pin point their location. Her expression turned more optimistic.

"Oh, silly me," she said, "We're actually just a few steps away from Greyville!"

"You know, Twilight is so random," said the mint colored unicorn to Pinkie in a lower voice.

"If my calculations are correct, Greyville is that sleep town downhill."

Chapter 5:The Seer

The scene was turning heavier and intolerable; the silence was so evident that even the slightest hum could be heard from a distance, even Pinkie Pie's growling stomach, "Boy, you don't suppose that we could stop for something to eat, now would you?"

"I don't think this is the proper time for that although I gotta admit your cupcakes were a blast," said Lyra smacking her lips remembering thatluscious blueberry flavor, "What is your secret anyway?"

Pinkie explained naturally,"Well...the secret ingredient is too add lots of hazelnut butter."

Twilight interrupted, "Um, girls, I think this is it."

They gazed upon the promised town of Greyville which practically resembled more of a ghost town. The few ponies that were around looked rather dim and indifferent.

Lyra said a tad sarcastically, "Well, obviously you can't go wrong, this place looks more like a dump!"

"Yeah, I guess so," said Pinkie Pie, "don't you see how gloomy it is, this would call for my party cannon!"

"Listen, we're supposed to be undercover, girls, every minute that we spend here we lose a little bit of our magic, so we can't afford to talk to any other pony," said Twilight.

"But don't worry," said Pinkie, "I'm sure that they will be kind enough to give us more information. The filly stumbled upon a big, corpulent gray stallion who resembled a Shetland pony with blue colored mane. She noticed also that he lacked any cutie mark and was walking at a very slow pace. His eyes were lost as if the world around him didn't exist.

"Let's see how easy it is..." continued Pinkie with a more fearless attitude. However, her friends advised her not to be so rampaging by waving their hooves.

"Excuse me sir," said the pink pony trying to stop the big one, "But could you tell by any chance if you know anything about this crazy pony named Knight Shade."

Suddenly the shabby looking stallion pranced and screamed to the top of his lungs, "Knight Shade?!"

He later galloped with all his might leaving but a trail of dust behind. Any other townspony around scurried to their houses leaving the three girls by themselves.

"Oh great, just great..." said Lyra frustrated. "We're gonna get out of here VERY soon."

"Hey, at least I tried my best!" replied Pinkie Pie, "the same thing would have happened to you!"

"No, because I would have asked the right questions," said an upset Lyra.

"But Twilight said..." said Pinkie.

Lyra infuriated and threw herself to the ground covering herself with hooves, "For the Love of Celestia, I so wish this never happened in the first place and that I had never laid eyes upon that non talented poser! I'd give anything to be at my little spot by the bench with BonBon by my side and telling me that everything's gonna be alright, is that too much to ask for?!!!"

Pinkie looked down on her and smiled, "Um, Lyra..."

"We're doomed I tell you, doomed!"

"Lyra," said Pinkie insisting.

The mint colored unicorn got up slowly with a tear in her eye.

"Yes?" she said sobbing.

"I think some pony is watching us right now," said the pink pony.

On a corner of the street stood a white coated mare with a long, pale rose mane that was tied with a broach. She rolled her eyes a little bit which made her look more sinister and intimidating like the first time they came across Zecora. Her garment was black as the back of a raven and had several amulets with ancient symbols. Still she made a noble gesture and waved hello to the three little ponies.

Their response however didn't turn out to be so friendly but since they had no better choice Twilight slowly approached lowering her head.

"I believe you seek some answers," she said in a very weary voice. "Soon you will have them only if you make the right questions."

Something inside Lyra's crazy imagination echoed as if she recognized the words from this gypsy like mare.

"My name is Madame Belladona, I am a seer from Greyville," she said as she proceeded to examine each of them, "Come, you must be so tired, I'll show my place where you will be safe, it is not good for ponies like you to be wandering off in a town like this..."

"Well," said Lyra more calm, "I guess we can, I'm glad someone finally paid attention to us, come on girls!"

The party followed Madame to a very rustic little house of wood and stone which had two stories. It was so narrow but quite comfortable due that she lived by herself. Upon the facade was a large sign with an eye surrounded with little stars and half moons. As they entered the three noticed everything was neat and tidy and it seemed to inspire some confidence in Twilight and it brought her a tiny smile.

They passed by a chimney which had a secret entrance. Madame pushed with her hoof and it opened the door to a passageway. As they went the stairs she lit up a candle. The temperature grew colder and colder as they descended, even Pinkie Pie's tail started twitching again.

"What do you suppose she's gonna tell us?" asked Lyra to Twilight in a lower voice.

"I don't know exactly, but we have to trust her, afterall she got us this far!" answered Twilight.

A rather strange noise cut their little conversation for it seemed that Pinkie Pie's tummy was rumbling again, "Whoops! sorry," she said.

"Not to worry," said the white mare, "If you have been brave enough to come all the way up here I should reward you with some refreshments. Welcome to my humble abode."

Madame Belladona lived underground for a rather good reason. Her kitchen or workplace had a rather peculiar decor. Every single wall had at least one carefully dissected animal such as rabbits, buzzards, crows, owls and bats. Even poor Owlicious felt menaced. There was a small oil painting of who seemed to be an old family member because he had the same coat and almost identical outfit. There were shelves which contained a large array of bottles and flasks of all shapes and colors. In the center was a round sturdy wooden table with tea already served and a large plate filled with oatmeal cookies.

"Take a seat place and help yourselves to whatever you like...I was actually waiting for you," said the old mare.

"Waiting?!" cried Twilight Sparkle.

"Why, of course, my talents of clairvoyance warned me about the coming of three outsiders...and how couldn't I notice that you were unicorns?" she replied. Twilight and Lyra kindly removed their hoods to reveal their true form timidly.

"Hey, hey, hey, wait a sec," said Lyra, "You mean to say that you knew we'd be here at this very same place at this very same time?"

Pinkie Pie couldn't resist much longer and literally devoured the tasty treats. Then she swallowed them like nothing at all. Lyra was staring at her somewhat disgusted.

"Of course you shouldn't be surprised, it's about time I'd show you the truth," said Madame Belladona proudly.
Next, she pulled out from her robes a deck of cards which served for fortune telling. They beared very rustic signs that resembled small twigs. The purple unicorn had remembered seen those before while she was flipping through the pages of books she'd read only in The Canterlot Library yet she wasn't quite fond of these ancient ways of sorcerery.

"You see, Greyville and Ponyville or Equestria if you want to see it from a larger point of view have a long history that binds us and at the same times sets us apart. It doesn't necessarily mean that you are forbidden to come to these lands, it's just that you're not well seen.

"Yes, while I was at home I read something about this particular town," said Twilight Sparkle struggling to pour herself a cup of tea without the use of magic aids, "but still, there is so little that I found."

"I know what you seek," said the old mare raising her hoof, "But it's not up to me to decide your fate; you have to draw the cards yourself."

Twilight felt so puzzled confronting the power of divination but stood tolerant knowing that this wasn't the first time, afterall, she survived the Pinkie sense and Zecora.

Madame showed the deck to the unicorn while all stood in awe and wonder; she was allowed to make one question out loud. Her mind was bubbling for a while and that began to make Lyra uneasy.

"C'mon, Twi, can't you make your little pony mind us, pretty please, with cherry on top?" she said.

"Cherry? Oh boy!" said Pinkie Pie excited.

Twilight took a very deep breath while she placed her hoof upon the rustic deck.

Madame smiled as a sign of trust, "I see you've chosen well." Next, she unraveled the card which beared a symbol of a half moon surrounded by two canine figures.

"Ah..." said Madame amazed, "The Moon!"

"Wooooo...." said Pinkie in a lower voice, "What do you suppose it means?"

Madame continued her reading,"It's not necessarily about what it means but it does represent a period in your life, an era full of wonders but at the same times strives. The Moon shines down on you advising you to dream but to also stay very awake for you will have to tell what is real and what is not, when your thoughts are tied to unreal situations nothing can go right."

Then she unraveled the next card, "Ah, the Goat! Tricky can she be, the whole town has fallen into a powerful illusion that I can see...all this is related to a stranger a small fellow..." Then she showed them a card of a pony who held a cup in mid air which helped explain the one behind this ordeal.

"I can see you are heavily interested in this colt, especially you," and then she pointed to Twilight.

The purple unicorn giggled nervously, "Hahahahaha, well, yes, that's what we're here for, right?"

The fortuneteller continued with a very serene expression. Twilight Sparkle was astonished at the way the mare kept drawing the cards with ease but only that, the revelations she made went from obvious to extremely. She remembered that unicorns were prone to have an active imagination since very young which explained why she was out of control the time she tried entering the school for gifted unciorns.

She had learn to block certain aspects of her life that didn't seem pleasant even when she felt threathened as a means of defense she tended to unlock her powers. But then she gazed upon Lyra with such sweetness and sincerity because she was free spirited and had learned to channel her energies into music and she was so happy that way. Making so many questions about the future were starting to make her doubt.

"This young colt has suffered long and hard facing the reality that he was always out of place. Yet, I can see that he has traveled so much just to fulfill his dreams however..."

"However?" said Twilight.

"The Darkness, can't you feel it? The illusion of being admired and loved by many has been corrupted by the emptiness that remains."

"Emptiness?" Lyra interrupted, "What do you mean by the emptiness that remains."

"You see..." continued Madame as she took a sip of some lovely ruby red tea, her favorite, "Magic can help create but it can also destroy; it is both loving and protective and yet so jealous and destructive. In nature it always happens this way and despite all things it finds a balance. We learned what Celestia did to her own sister and that is well understood but she could have provided a better solution, the wisest."

"What does that have to do with this?" cried Twilight, "You mean she made a mistake?"

"Indeed. And that is why we decided to be emancipated. Maybe to other cities in Equestria she may be a good ruler but the truth is they arrived after us. All that energy that has been forged to create magic leaves an emptiness. Every time a creature feels and then they stop feeling. For every spark of light there's a darkness, same which has been fed for ages. It took the best of the sister of the Moon and in return she was imprisoned. This emptiness that I speak of kept growing and growing and was available to anypony who was willing to be seduced."

"I...still don't get it," said Lyra Hearstrings.

"What I mean is that the nightmare will prevail as long as somepony listens to them! The Night Shadowers bring out the worst in anyone and so they did with poor Knight Shade."

"Wait a minute!" cried Twilight, "That's it! That means that Knight Shade is not entirely mean, he's only under the influence of the emptiness just the rest of Ponyville, I know what we can do to help them!"

"But beware child, one more warning I must give...- said Madame.

"Oh?" asked the purple unicorn.

"You aware that he has tried to talk to you in his own way...he is well aware of your existence, and you green unicorn, and you sugar puff..."

"I think she's talking to you, Pinkie," said Lyra while she sipped her tea, after a while she felt refreshed after so many tensions that day.

Twilight stood thoughtful, "That is so true, as soon as we left Ponyville I heard something in my sleep! But I don't really think it could have been that bad, my friends always stand by me!"

"Either way, I advise to take good care. Everything is at stake. All the decisions you make will have their own consequences, yet if you face them with fear..." said Madame while she pulled out the last card which had an illustration of a tower in a dark sky from which several ponies were falling, "Confusion will have its way with you and the emptiness will have won."

"Oh, will you look at that!" said Twilight blushing, "It's getting rather late and we really should be going!"

"Come now, leave Greyville and without magic? You must be mad. My shop is quite safe and no pony will bother you in years!"

"Please, pretty please Twilight with cherry on top?" said Pinkie Pie mocking Lyra's words.

"Oh....very well. Afterall, I do feel tired from all that trotting and without my unicorn magic is like I was blind."

"Oh, it's really not that bad to be a common earth pony," said Madame. "You learn to see things the way they are, with less worries on your back."

"Pardon me, Madame Belladona," continued Twilight, "but why are you hidden underground?"

"Well, it's simply is to motivate everypony else to see beyond the usual. That's the way Occultism is sometimes, the answers are there but you must learn how to combine that with your everyday life."

"You do remind of someone that lives in the heart of the Everfree Forest. She not at home now, but I hope she gets back as soon as possible," said Twilight referring to Zecora.

"I realize you're still doubtful yet the truth will unravel to yourself little by little, you musn't rugh things, you know."

The wise fortuneteller showed them a welcoming place to sleep where there were several bunks. Pinkie rushed to get the top one, of course.

"But Madame, I still have one questions, though..."

Lyra interrupted, "Oh, come on, you heard the lady! Let's try counting ponies, I mean sheep, or how was that? All I can say is that I'm SOOOOOO tuckered out that I feel heavy as a rock."

Twilight Sparkle could perceive quite clear that her pals took this very well as if deep down they knew everything was going to be just fine. Lyra also calmed down and forgot about her wild stories for a while. Maybe it was the tea, maybe it was the blind confidence they had in her, afterall she had gained some experience already treating ferocious creatures and incredible foes.

So she took the last bunk and neatly placed her saddlebag in a night table and tried to get some shut eye. The best attempt was to breath slowly and deeply.

It took about half an hour when she suddenly heard some pony calling,

"Twilight, Twilight, are you asleep yet?"

She slowly opened her eyes and was confronted with good old Lyra peeking at her carelessly and answered, "Jeez, what are you doing at this hour?"

"Well I was actually dying to ask you..."

"It better be something that makes sense for a change," continued the purple pony.

"Do you believe in the power of dreams?"

"Whoa! That's unique. No, no, I haven't been through that sort of experience but any who, why should I believe in them now?"

"Because..." emphatized Lyra, "You are a unicorn, of course! I do that all the time."

"And you don't get into any trouble for that?" said Twilight in an upbeat tone.

"Sure I do! But that's exactly what adds up a little spice to your everyday life, just like Madame implied; it is good to dream but only if you channel it the right way. I knew that perfectly well but I have a feeling those Night Shadowers have visited me before, maybe that's why I have trouble sleeping, but then again there was some pony who brought me a sense of peace..."

"And who was that?"

"Princess Luna! She knows I can use the magic of the music, the one which is born from the heart."

Twilight frowned, "You, you are going to defeat him? You could have just done that at the Festival!"

Lyra said proudly,"Oh, but it's all just smoke and mirrors, besides he's a simple earth pony. On the other hoof, my thing is completely natural, do you trust me?"

And then she approached her and kept staring at Twilight with dreamy eyes,"Whaddaya say, Twi?"

The young purple unicorn felt how her body temperature kept rising more and more so she fell silent for a few seconds.

"Twilight, do you believe in the music of the heart?"

She couldn't help feeling awful for her own childhood was rather challeging, she had turned parties and games for exhausting hours of studies.

"Do you remember that afternoon when I waved hello and you ran all the way to the Canterlot Castle?" said the mint colored pony.

"No, but I might recall seeing you," said Twilight.

"I wanted you to go to Moondancer's, it was beyond awesome. We even made some tricks and I played my old lyre, Calliope and everypont cheeres. You should have been there because those are the moments worth sharing. Twilight?"

"Yes?!" said Twilight really nervous and intimidaded by Lyra's glowing eyes.

"Nothing. Nighty night..."

Twilight was still wondering how Lyra could be so easy going like Pinkie Pie and yet sometimes she was so emotional that she found it pretty hard to get along with her. Finally she ignored her and curled up into the sheets.

Chapter 6: The Long Trot Home

The next morning Twilight felt rather drained and dim as if some strange creature sucked the life out of he. On the other hand Lyra and Pinkie woke refreshed and more than ready to head back to Ponyville.

They knew the power of teleporting was of no use for they were rather far away from Ponyville thus they had to gather as much energies as possible.

It so happened that Madame Belladona knew much about herbal remedies and offered to give a generous stash to the three girls. Twilight asked casually if she happened to know about Zecora and she said yes. It was a strange custom that medicine ponies and zebras sticked together. She also provided them with enough oatmeal cookies to survive the journey.

"I gotta admit you can't find this stuff at home so easily!" said Pinkie Pie thanking Madame, "But why were you suddenly so nice to us?"

"Child, I have faith in you and that you're capable of achieving great things. I should know better, for my own son happens to be a big admirer of yours ever since he was a young colt."

"You son?" said Lyra.

The mare smiled confident, "I think you know quite well who I'm talking about...play your cards well, Ponyvillians for the future is what you make of it."

Said and done, the party cantered on leaving behind the gloomy city and went through the hill once again for there were very little roads that connected both lands and in very poor state. Twilight wondered about many things she could put into practice about what good old Lyra said.

"Cheer up, Twi, what's the matter, did you have a bad night?" asked the mint colored unicorn.

"I just want to go back home, I feel as if we came out here for nothing. Every second that we spend out of Ponyville we're automatically granting Knight Shade more opportunities to conquer it. Heaven knows what he could do to them, especially my best friends...what if they're in pain, what if we failed?"

Pinkie Pie overheard what she had said and replied, "So why are you doubting now, silly? Don't you remember back when we defeated Discord? This could be easy as pie."

"Yes," said Twilight, "but back then the six of us were together, we only have two Elements of Harmony."

"And what about my Element, huh?" said Lyra wagging her tail, "Maybe I'm not as fancy as you but I could still put up a fight!
By the way, didn't you notice that Madame Belladona acted as if she had no feeling for her son?"

"Lyra! I don't think it's polite to discuss that, maybe she had her reasons not to talk about the matter," said Twilight rather upset. "Besides a mother's love is very particular, they always want the best for us."

"Like when your parents left you to Celestia?" said Lyra.

"This isn't about me, it's about some pony we barely met! Right or wrong I think we should help and not destroy him for I have a certain empathy. I know what it's like to be so different."

"No, no" corrected Lyra, "You only FEEL different, You're incredibly talented as I but the big difference is the attitude you take."

"And what if Knight Shade wants more, to have fame and fortune?" said the purple unicorn.

"To be honest, even I want that Twilight, and that's no mistake," replied Lyra. "Besides, he could use a little bit of practice; his execution was poor and plain compared to what other ponies have done."

"You're right, other ponies like Octavia always win the best places in the Canterlot celebrations," continued Twilight, "Yet, we'd have to give Knight Shade a second chance, to love and tolerate no matter what."

Pinkie Pie grew awful quiet for she was filling up her belly and happily hopping at the same time. They enjoyed the summer breeze, the dew from last night upon the leaves and the fluffy white cloud guessing all sorts of shapes. None of this seemed like Ponyville. Pegasi always took care of the weather for so much freedom made Twilight uneasy and then she remembered what Madame said; everything outside their lands maintained its own balance and not the one that was imposed by the equines.

"Madame said that Celestia made a huge mistake with her younger sister Luna," said the purple unicorn.

"That's nothing new, honey," said Lyra, "But that doesn't make her a tyrant, does it?"

"No but she's still my mentor! They're not supposed to make mistakes!" cried Twilight.
"So? She's trustworthy anyway."

"I just feel so awful that I don't know what to do anymore. But I can't let this issue distract me from our mission."
Now even Pinkie was worried. She had never seen her best friend so down and out thinking that they would definitely fail on this one.

"Ah, I just had a lovely idea!" said Lyra, "Why don't I just go right ahead and sing something for you?"

Twilight said with a weary voice, "Well...if you insist, no pony's stopping you..." And Pinkie Pie said, "Really, well DO IT!"
"Thanks girls, you won't regret this. It's my favorite piece, the one I played at the audition, apparently they weren't ready for my style..."

Said and done Lyra pulled out her beloved lyre from her saddlebag and went plucking the instrument producing a beautiful and replenishing ballad throughout the day.

"Wow," cried Twilight Sparkle, "I'm really impressed, you do have talent..."

"I know, I know," responded Lyra.

"I hope our talent can help us more," said the purple pony a bit dissapointed , "without magic I'm just an ordinary mare."
"Ordinary?" cried Pinkie Pie halting, "C'mon, you could never be ordinary no matter how hard you tried!"

"Maybe I forgot what it was like to be a graceful, natural unicorn, I was shaped into something I'm not." She followed the trail on her own.

"Is she loco in the coco?" said Pinkie, "she sounds so silly!"

"Even so, I know I can still beat Knight Shade."

"YOU CAN?" said Lyra, "Do you honestly think we can work as a team now. If I combine my talents with your so-called Elements of Harmony we can do anything but need I remind you that we trust each other or my mine isn't Lyra Heartstrings."
"Ah, Lyra..." said Pinkie timidly.

"And above all you should get rid of all those prejudices and your pride, Twi," said the mint colored pony.
"Pride?" said Twilight upset.

"Ah, girls..." said Pinkie Pie insisting that they'd paid attention to her for her knees and tail began to shake vigorously.

"Yeah, maybe your best friends aren't here to help you but we're all you got right now!" said Lyra furious.

"LYRA! Mi Pinkie sense is acting up and something terrible is heading this way!!!" yelled the rose colored pony.
Evidently what came along was a swarm of black birds or at least they looked quite dark and they were practically out of control.

"Run!" said Pinkie and trotted as hard as she could. Twilight and Lyra followed but the crazy little pony behaved like it was a stampede.

"Pinkie, please slow down and tell us where you're going!" exclaimed Twilight Sparkle all agitated.
However the girl was so confused while the birds kept pecking her mane and flank. Fortunately she did find refuge in a nearby cave. Soon the other two arrived.

"CROWS, CROWS EVERYWHERE!" said Pinkie throwing herself on the ground.

Twilight examined them from afar and said, "Nope, they're not crows, they are random birds but they look rather dim as if something had taken away all their splendor."

"I could say the same about you,my friend," said Lyra. In a small puddle Twilight looked down upon her reflection and noticed how her lavender coat was not splendorous either. She did say that it was no big deal but Lyra and Pinkie thought the other way around.

"Something's up with you, kid," said Lyra rather worried, "but I'm not giving up on you, we'll just see about that."

"Still think it's a good idea to return to Ponyville?" said Pinkie, "I mean it's true that we will end up with zombie ponies, we've already been to fortune tellers who TELL silly stories, bad luck birds? What else it there, a giant fire breathing dragon with a mouth that has another fire breathing dragon?!"

"Relax, sweetie, I think you need to cut back on the oatmeal," said Lyra.

"Girls, girls, let's make a pact. From here on we will remain together like three good sisters no matter what lies ahead, we survived Greyville and we will survive what's left of our beloved town!" said Twilight more confident.
"Well said, SISTER!" cried Lyra. Three out their hooves together to seal their alliance.

And so they went crossing the Everfree Forest. It seemed like the least threathening place but yes there was a strange calmness. All the mythical creatures were still around; the Hydra, the Ursa Minor among others. The silence rose their tension.

"Not much far now," said Twilight. "I know this road perfectly well, I trotted it so many times, I wish Zeora was here...she promised to be back in a few days, she said she went to get some herbal ingredients but she would tell me a little bit better what was going on instead of talking to a stranger pony."

Lyra kept making ugly gestures and thought that Twilight hadn´t matured enough to understand she wasn´t around her cutesy friends anymore.

"Are we there yet?" The purple unicorn was getting weaker and weaker as she entered Ponyville and closer to Carousel Boutique. Everything was still but that made her even more nervous. Lots of things awaited for them as well as lots of questions soon to be answered.

"The emptyness that´s left and that is all, the emptyness that´s left," said a voice that hummed in the wind. The nocturnal scene made Ponyville look more like a funeral in which absolutely no pony felt any pain or grief.

"Goodness..." yelped Lyra, "Things are certainly not pretty around, I guess there´s nothing to do here, just like in Greyville, do you think it´s some kind of coincidence?"

"Did you hear those voices in the wind?" asked Twilight.

Lyra nodded and made a warning, "Well it better not get to you so put these on," and then she gave her the dough ear plugs that Pinkie made.

"Good thinking!" cried Pinkie Pie, "but where is every pony else, it looks like the earth swallowed , oh wait..." The frisky pony´s legs began to shake like crazy and were way out of control, it was like an alarm clock bouncing everywhere.

"Oh, no, the Pinkie sense is acting up again," said Lyra, "at least tell us what is gonna happen, girl!"

Pinkie was struggling to put two words together, "It´s, it´s, it´s just that..."

"For crying out loud, say it!" cried Lyra once again trying to hold her.

"This happens when something really, really, really bad is about to hit the town"

"As big as a dragon?" asked Twilight.

"N-n-n-nooo...more like an EVIL force!" said the pony with fluffy mane.

That evil force was nothing than a bunch of drums beating as loud as ever. Little by little the houses lit up and the ponies stepped out as if they were being called for battle. The looks on their faces were pale and their eyes seemed lost, or like lifeless wind up toys.

"AHHHH, the zombie ponies are coming back...I hope none of them are hungry..." said Pinke agitated.

"Wait, there´s something unusual in all of this," said Lyra with a suspicious look, "They´re all cantering to the same place, as if something was calling them." She first observed a pony named Lemon Hearts and she practically ignored her. Then sehe stumbled upon Shoeshine, another one of her friends, a sky blue colored mare and gray made; she tried as hard as she could to wake her up.

"Shoeshine, thank goodness you´re here, sweetie, you haven´t seen BonBon by any chance, have you?" she said in a nervous tone.

But the earth pony failed to talk to her. The same thing happened when Pinkie Pie approached Mr. and Mrs. Cake.

"OWLICIOUS! Thank my lucky stars that you´re still around, " cried Twilight happily to see her winged friend safe and sound. He actually came to warn them to follow him all the way to a nearby cave, which was where all the other ponies were heading.

"Girls, I have a plan," said the purple pony in a lower voice, "we can still manage to go undercover and watch very closely what they´re up to but we have to remain hidden, do you understand me? It might be the only way we can succeed."

"Aye, aye, captain!" said Pinkie Pie, "oh, Gummy, And where have you been, young man?" The puny crocodile jumped into Pinkie´s saddlebag and was very quiet.

"Who cares about the Pinkie sense? This is gonna be loads of fun!" said Lyra.

"No! Remember we have to act as prisoners, so act like very much like the rest all the way," said Twilight.

Pinkie exaggerated the part a little bit walking funny, like in zig zags but Lyra had to show her how, "No,no,no, you have to do it like this, like your were vERY sleepless...like this."

They continued their trail outside Ponyville and closer to the cave. Twilight recalled the place for it had been where the giant dragon lived once and contaminated with his annoying cloud of smoke. Cantering at this rate would them more time than expected, if only there were a conscious pegasus nearby.

Pinkie was starting to get tired, "Do you realize we actually haven´t had a real break in days, I´m really tuckered out."

"Come on, you speak like a noob, I can go all night, right, Twi?"

"Silence! Try to keep it down. It´s like it´s an entire army of ponies, what in all of Equestria could some pony like Knight Shade want with them. I´ll go ahead to see if I can find something...I´ll tell you soon..."

Lyra replied, "Have you lost your mind? We´re gonna lose you, Twi!"

The brave and smart purple unicorn struggled to go to the beginning of the line until she was able to gaze upon young Knight Shade who paraded as if he was some kind of monarch followed by his loyal subjects. Despite being so proud and arrogant Twilight was one of the few to have actual feelings for him. Finally, she was able to spot Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack but she had wished to have seen on better circumstances.

"Hold on, girls," she said from afar, "Everything will be back to normal." Owlicious flew around Lyra and Pinkie to tell to get back to Twilight.

The charming white colt who had the entire town mesmerized kept the Epic Lyre with at all times until they were inside. His look was extremely confident, maybe too much. Twilight could see his fiery eyes; she had never come across some pony like him, so naturally gifted but then it seemed that he was looking back at her.

"Twilight..." she heard inside her heard, "Come now with me, stop fighting, you know you want me, come."

She shook her head to avoid those nasty thoughts. The pony felt like she was in a dream, "That voice..."

Lyra interrupted her, "Twi, snap out of it!"

"Oh, I´m sorry, it´s just that maybe I happened to be daydreaming. It appears as if the presence of the Night Shadowers is becoming more and more evident. Only a handful of creatures can hear their voice, we have to get in there no matter what it takes!"

For their good fortune they found a big formation of rocks that became their refuge. The ambient was way too cold for any pony to tolerate. The rows and rows of possessed creatures by the power of Knight Shade´s melody aligned as if was exactly the night of the Festival. It was as if nothing had changed, time had stopped. Then Twilight remembered something,

"Twilight, have you ever felt that same moment where time stops?"

"That´s it!" she whispered, "it´s a powerful illusion to make evry pony think it´s that very same night over and over again." No pony paid attention to her comments but Lyra was on the lookout for any funny business.

Knight Shade arrived triumphantly as if he was the greatest musician of all times waving his black cape with a sort of cutie mark which consisted of an octave note surrounded by stars.

"I think this was what he was referring to when he said that this would be the last and only melody...but why keep them that way?"

The Epic Lyre which had gorgeous gold colores was now as dark as a thousand midnights. From it came the power spell Twilight spoke about. Now Madame Belladona´s words made some sense.

The three brave young ponies couldn´t hear much for their had covered strategically but on the other hand the stage gradually changed making it more attractive for the senses.

Floating images about the past appeared before Twilight; old Starswirl, the Bearded and his brotherhood withstanded epic battles. She couldn´t resist the temptation of joining that fantasy, "It´s him, Starswirl, with his cape full of shining bells and stars, maybe if I join him we might find out how to win this time!"

"Ah, Twilight, I think you got your horses crossed," said Pinkie, "I don´t really see anything..."

"I must go to them, only they can help me fix the Epic Lyra...wait, don´t go!"

Lyra Heartstrings feared that she would blow their cover so she pulled her tail with her teeth as hard as she could. Then she tried tackling her.

"HA! I got you now, stop daydreaming, Twi, he´s not real!" she shouted. But the once smart and talented unicorn replied, "Me, daydreaming? It ain´t so, out of my way!"

Lyra grew more concerned now for she witnessed that her friend fell under the effects of that the musical spell. She had a flashback her childhood for a second back in Magic Kindergarten where they pretend to save Equestria yet now it wasn´t a game anymore, it was more like saving a sister.

"Twi, wake up! I´m not giving you like it happened with BonBon, please come back to us!"

Pinkie also poked her flank, "Yup, it´s all in your head, stop this charade!"

The purple unicorn remembered the time her best friends calmed her down about the silly thing with being tardy.

"Oh...she said shaking her head, "What is going on with me lately ? It´s true, the notes coming from the enchanted lyre also make ponies hallucinate. It seems that your talents will be required, Lyra."

"Oh, thanks, finally I get recognition, not exactly the way I imagined it but well," said the mint colored unicorn.

"First, we still have to try and use what´s left of the Elements of Harmony," said Twilight, "they might not be all of them but we´ll see what a little bit of magic and laughter can do. As risky as it sounds, I have to get as close as possible to Knight Shade, even if his evil spell gets to me. If I don´t make it, I trust you completely, Lyra."

"Oh, don´t talk that way, we need you, you´re the geeky one of the group.!

"Yes," said Twilight thoughful, "but you know more about music than I do. Me and Pinkie Pie will attempt to weaken him but you will have to do the rest."

"Oh, alright, fine. We´ll use all our weaponry and so much more!" cried Lyra proudly. And so three put their hooves together once again to put their plan into action.

When suddenly Knight Shade ceased to play for he noticed something out of place and evidently he spotted the ponies who dared to survive that right summer night.

"My...it seems that we have some visitors, why don´t we give them a warm welcome," said he.

The other Ponyvillians turned around and shouted in awe upon the little spies. Lyra´s reaction was a bit comical, she laughed nervously, "Gosh, I never expected to have this much audience! No, no, don´t get up, we can handle it ourselve.

"Let´s play our cards well," said Twilight in a low voice.

Chapter 7: The Biggest Ilusion

Knight Shade raised and saluted the three little ponies, "I had been expecting you, for it seems that you were the ones who got away, what manners! Welcome back anyways, there's no denying that in the end you couldn't resist my talents. Soon all of Equestria shall be mine.

Lyra laughed heavily, "Hahahahaha!" She kindly removed her hood and said, "Excuse me, with all due respect, but I consider that your style is SO outdated. For a funeral I guess it's okay but not for us!"

"How dare you?" replied the white colt raising his hoof "But you see, it's not my full intention to make it something trendy all across Equestria, au contraire, I shall make it last forever!"

"This guy so reminds me of Nightmare Moon..." said Pinkie Pie, "FOREVEEEER!"

"Well you should know that the eternal darkness threat has been around several times that we already are aware enough to overpower it!" cried Twilight as the other ponies stared.

"Oh really? Then that could only mean one thing..." he said, "You three despise my music so much that you'd hate me too, is that it? Did you hear that, Ponyvillians?"

"Hate Knight Shade???" said a startled little filly, Scootaloo to be exact, "Why, that's the most horrible thing you guys could ever do!"

Twilight shrugged as she saw the orange pegasus talk wonders about their opponent, were they stuck inside a nightmare by any chance?

"Oh, no, Scootaloo, not you!"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders soon went and joined the dark musician and Applebloom continued praising him, "Shame on you, Twilight, he's been nothing but nice to us these last few days and now all you wanna do is be a stubborn party pooper!"

"Oh, yes!" cried Sweetie Belle, "You should learn to open up your little noggin so you can enjoy the most beautiful things in life, like Knight Shade of course. Just look at him, isn't he grand?"

"Yes," said Scootaloo extending his cape, "And check his awesome outfit. Why, he has made enough merits to earn his own cutie mark."

"And those eyes..." said Applebloom with a dreamy voice, "have you ever stumbled upon such a magnificent stallion, he's even cuter than big ol' Macintosh!" And from the crowd the red colt shouted out, "Eeyup!"

That last part infuriated Lyra so much, "THAT DOES IT! I have had it up to here with this little poser, let me at him, Twilight, let me at him!"

But Twilight responded wisely, "No, Lyra, we can't give in to his mind tricks or else it will be harder that he surrenders the Epic Lyre to us! We'll have to use the high magic."

"MAGIC, you say?" said Knight Shade cantering across the room with certain arrogance, "Of course, that's what unicorns do, am I right, what else can you do but just ma-gic?"

"What do you mean by that?" said Twilight heavily concerned.

"I meant to say that it's the ONLY thing you can ever do, without it you're just an aberration of a pony with a horn. That's why they weren't wanted in Greyville, you want to solve everything with incantations and fancy potions! Well I can tell you this; my magic resides in music therefore I seriously doubt you can be a fair match."

"My magic comes from within, from the heart just like my friend Lyra told me," continued Twilight, "and believe it or not it is a genuine as any other talent. Plus, we have The Elements of Harmony, the strongest magic we know that is fed upon the friendships I've made; generosity, kindess, honesty, laughter, loyalty and last but not least good old fashioned magic!"
"So true, Twilight Sparkle, if that's your name, I never doubted your ways," said Knight Shade, "But your precious friends are not around to help you out, are they? Perhaps it was because they decided they were better off with me? And who exactly will rely on now, Lyra Heartstrings, do you honestly think that she is friend material for you?"

"How did he know that?" cried Pinkie Pie, "don't tell me you can "see" things too?"

"I don't really need to, I am a very good observer...I know your intentions quite well about taking the Epic Lyre back where it belongs, the legendary treasure that bound the entire kingdom...your efforts I presume are so weak. This instrument was powerful and it will be more powerful now!"

"Yeah, it SO happens that it's not yours so you just can parade in here and do as you please!" said Lyra upset.

"Boo, hoo, "said Knight Shade stroking the lyre, "I actually did some justice rescuing it from an old pile of dust gathering in the Canterlot Castle? You want this back? It will cost you, probably your own sad little lives..."

"You are so full of...Twilight, don't trust this guy," said Lyra confident, "It's about time you found out who calls the shots here in Ponyville!"

The mint colored unicorn displayed her powers even though they weren't as fancy as Twilight's but they sure stirred things to grab Knight Shade's attention.

"Come now, you're so terribly boring, girl, it's so much easier to get accustomed to my elegant self, you and I could make great things together, I believe so...your friends didn't think it over."

Suddenly Octavia and Vynil Scratch came out of nowhere and it seemed they had fallen under the musical spell. "I wouldn't mind forming a band as long as I was the leader."

"Never in this town, pal!" said the unicorn, "Come on, Twi, show them what you're made of."

"Okay, I don't exactly what will happen but I hope it does the trick..." Pinkie Pie and Twilight put on their matching tiara and necklace of the Elements of Harmony contained in the book that bore the emblem of Equestria. They levitated for a while and the purple unicorn's eyes glowed like shooting stars. A multicolored storm followed while she made an effort to reach Knight Shade. He, of course stood fearless and with incredible confidence. The light that emanated from the ponies was so blinding that it managed to teleport the party of three to a whole new place. They weren't in Ponyville anymore.
"Is every pony alright?" said Twilight Sparkle gasping. Lyra came down and helped her get up.

"Ya know, we have travelled SO much already to remember what it's like to be at home," said the mint colored unicorn. "But this place sure looks familiar, wait a minute...why are we in Greyville again."

"It's not the actual Greyville, it's a vision of the past, "said Twilight somewhat tired. "This might be related to Knight Shade's past. I didn't know that only two Elements of Harmony could do that. Maybe they're trying to tell us to remind of happier days."

"And where is he now?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"Shhh, here he comes!" said the purple unicorn.

The arrogant colt was just a little foal back them and there he stood facing some other villagers taller and older than him who kept teasing him as well.

"They say your momma's a witch and that she hides in a cave underground..." said a chubby sand colored pony.

"That's a lie!" replied young Knight Shade. His crimson colored eyes began to shed tears as he felt the anger building up inside him, "She's just gifted and can see the future and that could be of great help to others, she's not doing any harm."

"Fine, whatever," said a skinny gray pony with tousled mane, "That could only mean one thing, you're the same as her!"
"In that case, I'll give you a great big scare to all of you, you'll see," said the little foal as he stomped the ground.
Twilight couldn't help feeling sorry for him. Some words came to mind, "The past does hurt but that doesn't mean that we will carry it around for the rest of our lives."

The three disappeared from that scene and then they jumped into another moment in Knight Shade's memories. Now they peeked inside Madame Belladona's house and happily watched how the little colt told stories.

"Mother, I've heard that not so far away from here is a vast kingdom named Equestria where a beautiful and wise princess rules away in Canterlot. It is a place where ponies so much like us exist full of wondrous colors and shapes; some of them have horns on their heads and some large, feathered wings. I bet if I wish with all my heart someday I might be a part of that world."

"Sounds like a wild goose chase to me, "said Madame.

"But if we're so alike why is it that we can't be friends with them?"

Madame stood and looked worried, "You see, there are many things that keep us apart. They are so graceful, and we are so ordinary."

"Then I do want my dreams to come true! Once I step into Equestria I will become so famous that every pony shall respect me!"

"Such a wish is a very tall order, I don't know what to say, Dear, I don't want to see you suffer."

They hugged each other so tightly.

"You know well I don't belong here, so please let me be, please..."

Madame sighed, "Oh well, I suppose but I simply can't come, you'll have to face this one alone."

The ghostly figures of Twilight, Pinkie and Lyra observed this heartwarming scene that Pinkie couldn't help it but burst into tears, "That is SO SAAAAAAAAAAAAAD! It has to be the saddest thing I've ever seen in all of my life."

"Calm down, girl," said Lyra upset.

"You see, this was what I meant with empathizing. All of these things could happen to any pony, even me, and now I know what to do!" said Twilight.

The vision faded away very quickly and they were zapped into reality once again back to the great cave.

Knight Shade gazed upon the three ponies, "Nice try, unicorn but don't get any ideas that I will change my mind..."

"But this means that you did have good intentions so please leave Ponyville alone before you cause more damage!" replied the purple unicorn. "I realize that it's not easy to fight for your dreams but shouldn't have tried the easy way out by using dark magic! The Epic Lyre represents a great treasure to us because it was crafted by the most amazing and skilled ponies. If you us it for your own benefit that music will corrupt us all bringing chaos!"

"Hush now, child, I think it's time you should leave, I'm tired of all this whining, you're only here to ruin the fun," said Knight Shade hitting the ground with his hooves for he felt that they were peeking into his private memories, "Go away or shall teach you a lesson you shall never forget!"

Lyra interrupted, "Wait, Knight Shade! Twilight just wants to help cuz, cuz..."

"Yes?" said the white colt.

"Cuz she does have feelings for you!"

The purple unicorn froze and blushed as soon as she heard that. Knight Shade responded to such a wonderful gesture by simply saying, "I KNOW!..but then again doesn't every pony else? She's always welcome to saty as long as she leaves me to my affairs."

"Well I'm not gonna stick around to watch that, come on girls!" cried Lyra. The three joined forces though they weren't quite sure of the results. The stranger from Greyville stood up to them and resisted like never before summoning a thick storm cloud where the Night Shadowers gathered.

Twilight didn't seem to mind this very much for she relied on her experience and put all her heart into her magic, this time she pointed at her foe and looked at him straight in the eye.

She may have overdone it for she saw as the young colt fell to the ground exhausted.

"By all means, girl, what have you done to me?” cried Knight Shade desperately and limping from his front leg, "You hurt me...you know I'd never do that to you!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm, really, really, really sorry," said the unicorn timidly. She ran to his side and examined his leg for any possible injury, "Are you alright?"

He lowered his head and maliciously smiled, "Silly pony, I got you now!" Knight Shade took hold of the Epic Lyre and quickly produced the song that enchanted Ponyville. Her lavender eyes began to turn gray and empty, the bright colors from her coat dimmed and her body paralyzed to the point of becoming a statue.

"NOOOOO, Twi, no!" cried Lyra hardly. "Not you!"

Knight Shade laughed with a sort of elegance, "I'm awfully sorry, dear, but she was quite fond of my music, it was just a matter of time. Without her the both of you represent no harm for me. Your so called Elements Of Harmony sound so childish now. But then again I ask myself, Lyra Heartstrings I reckon you wanted this," he said pointing at the lyre, "I wonder what else can you possibly do to take it off my hooves?"

Lyra looked puzzled but try to stay focused and avoid Knight Shade's mind tricks, "Ah, but you see I don't actually want it! As if!" she said as she winked to Pinkie Pie and then softened her voice, "Watch this..." Then she turned again towards Knight Shade, "I shall face with what I have, magic or no magic, my old lyre against yours."

"Have you gone mad?" exclaimed the white colt, "If you had no chance of winning at the Festival what makes you so sure you can do it now?"

"So, maybe I skipped a few lessons at school but I'll still play like never before using the magic that lives in my heart! A musical challenge; the best pony takes home the Epic Lyre, just like, that!"

Knight Shade answered confidently, "Very well then, as you wish..."

Pinkie Pie said, "Wait, Lyra, are you really sure about this?"

"Like Twilight said to me before she slipped away, I'm all we got left! Rock on!"

The dark pony from Greyville was uninterested in doing battle, instead he let Octavia and Vynil handled his dirty work. Although the competition was unfair, two against three Lyra accepted.

"Oh, rookie," said Octavia unfolding her cello and giving her a depictive look, "Do you think you have real talent? For years my quartet has been the pride of Canterlot delighting them with our well executed symphonies, what could a simple, rusty old lyre do?"

The chords that emanated from the instrument took life but there was a hint of evil in them. Meanwhile, Lyra attempted to dodge them carefully, "Don't you know? The lyre has been in my family for generations and it fills us with great pride. Its soft chords have the power to soothe the most savage beasts while your huge cello over there only makes them weepy."

"I beg your pardon? This instrument is a well-known symbol of elegance while yours is forgotten and obsolete..."

Lyra grew mad at this last comment, "Oh yeah? You think this is obsolete?! Sing with me, Pinkie!"

No matter what the issue together we should stay
If clouds darken your day
There’s nothing you should fear
If all alone you are,
there's some pony you can trust,
So push away your fears,
together we will cheer

it's the right thing to do
together we will cheer
and there's no time to looooose
cuz the skies are ever so clear!!!!

Octavia literally dropped her jaw and made a long pause. She then giggled, "Oh, please, stop joking, rookie and fight like a pony!"

It so happened that she wasn't very amused at Pinkie's improvised song that even Lyra was a bit disappointed. However she listened to a bit of the melody that was produced from the cello and remembered some words that could work with it.

Maybe I'm now what you think,
But that's okay with me,
Sorry I can't be
As fancy as you want,
But if look again
I might just even flaunt.

And like mommy said to me...
Oh, Lyra, when will you grow up?
Can't you're the greatest thing
That could have happened to simply anyone

I know I never was,
What daddy wanted to
But that's ok I still shine on
Like I the day I was just born!

Suddenly Knight Shade joined her in her singing:

Maybe I wish to forget about what I should do…

And then Pinkie joined;

If ever you should doubt
please don't fall down
The darkness clouds your day
And you may come out and play...

And then Knight Shade continued with a more malicious tone:

And I'll have you slain
And take away the pain
You silly little girls
Are no big match for me
And then a big star will I be
no questions to be asked.

Knight's Shade miniscule body was surrounded by a powerful and obscure cloud comforted by his faithful Night Shadowers.

"Those look exactly like the ones I saw in my dream!" said Lyra while she gaped. She shrugged and felt and thought of the worst thing ever.

The night is cool, you see,
for you will never die
eternal shall you be
and fall apart as well.

Lyra shook her head and thought to herself, "Come now, Lyra, if this were actually a dream then where's that mare with super amazing powers to wipe them all out...wait, what if it was me all the time, what if I..."

The shadows gathered while they whispered into her ear as if they came from a very deep well:

Soon you will be ours, soon you will be ours...

Her perky look gradually turned sleepy and she began to lose balance, "Wha...did you say?"

"Just as simple as singing a lullaby to a child, Lyra Heartstrings..." said Knight Shade galantly. "There can only be one Epic Lyre."

Lyra regained control of her emotions and shook her mane wildly, "I know you don't want to do this, how can you make these innocent ponies suffer so much, didn't you use to care about them?"

Her rival went silent for a few seconds, "Hmmm....why, yes! I do love and I love Equestria so much that I went through some terrible ordeals to get her and become famous!"

"So that means that you do understand what it's like to work hard, you would never hurt the ones you admire the most?"

"Whatever do you say, rookie, where are you trying to get with all of this nonsense?"

"We, I, saw your own mother and she is well aware of what you're doing," said Lyra feeling weary. "I listened to her stories about you and I think you don't belong with the forces of evil, maybe you need to try harder to succeed and not take the easy way out."

Pinkie Pie continued," IT'S SO TRUE! Very true indeedy, the magic of friendship has taught us that we can get along with any single creature no matter how they might be. Being rejected is not a reason to use spooky magic...or whatever it is."

Kinght Shade's attitude continued to be indifferent, "You know...you're boring me with your overrated things about magic and friendship so much, why don't you just take a break, seriously, you look a fright!"

Lyra held her beloved instrument firmly. She took ownership of the situation and continued to think that the insolent yet charming little colt was worth fighting for.

"I can't rest until you understand well the meaning of my magic, " she shouted. A beautiful and turquoise light emanated from her body at the same time a force lifted her ten feet above the ground. Musical notes gradually appeared in thin air. Lyra's pupils went blank yet she was still conscious of these supernatural events. It was the same feeling that she got when she was that night at the Festival trying her best to protect any pony else yet she was not afraid at all. In fact, the sensation was so refreshing as she had released her true spirit and it was beyond wild.

Some notes escaped from her lyre;
I still have faith in you,
hold on and do that for me,
I still believe in you...

"What's going on?" asked Knight Shade stunned.

For there's a special place,

where you and I can be,

I still believe you can,

to find that promised land

And if you think it through

it's now or never, kid

you need to look inside yourself

forget about what you did.

The dark pony of Greyville was starting to feel intimidaded with this melody which brought memories of his childhood.

"That sounds like an old lullaby Mother sang to me when I was so much younger..." he sobbed, "Why, why are you doing this to me?!!!"

Lyra kept on playing with such sweetness and passion that she no longer looked upon Knight Shade as a rival but only a lost child.

I still have faith in you,

there's greatness inside you

please don't weep, my dear

there's not a thing to fear

"Wow! That was VERY VERY impressive," cried Pinkie Pie while she swang from side to side.

All the other ponies slowly began to wake from their trances for the dark magic of the Lyre was weakening. Luckily for Lyra, BonBon reacted to the soft music and cried, "Lyra...that's my Lyra singing!"

There's not a thing to fear…

"Stop it right now! I can't stand it any longer," said Knight Shade even more furious. He took off his cape and grabbed the Epic Lyre to counterattack the unicorn, yet she only responded now in a maternal and protective way.

"Dearest Knight Shade, tell me why have you corrupted your dreams?"

"Why are you talking that way, don't you understand you have become my enemy?"

"But it was your dream...those things must never be wasted," continued Lyra.

Knight Shade shook his head and smiled, "But I do have one and it is to conquer you all!"

"A sad vision it is yet it can be changed. What good is there having all these ponies worshipping you every single day when you realize that none of them love you. They are imprisoned against their will, even you..."

"Leave us alone, you know nothing at all," shouted the colt, "I am happy with what I have , I am some pony, why do you insist in shattering my dreams?"

"I don't shatter things," said Lyra, "My wish is to make every pony happy yet the road to true happiness isn't always easy, it's not done overnight."

"What about using magic, Mother told me so!" said he.

"It's true that it helps aplenty but it's purpose is not to be manipulated like you have done. Is this what you actually want, do you consider this place a paradise?"

"Yes I do!" he said.

"Your dark heart will only make the lyre cause grief and despair, I can make these Shadowers go away so you can see how awful this really is."

The mint colored unicorn ceased to play and closed her eyes while a stronger wind produced by the sneaky Night Shadowers came closer to the young colt. The sound produced from the legendary instrument forged by powerful ponies such as Starswirl was now gruesome and began to vibrate in an ever so violent way.

Lies is what she speaks
the lyre your true love it is

"Something's not right here," said Knight Shade struggling to hold the instrument, "Why won't it work in my favor now?"

The Lyre of Legend
is the perfect excuse
to steal your heart
an offer you can't refuse!

"NO!" he shouted, "This wasn't meant to be evil. It never will be! I didn't want to hurt them, so innocent, so graceful..."

You shouldn't doubt
why waste your time thinking
how these ponies are slowly sinking?

"All I wanted was to be a great musician, some pony loved and respected by all...all this because...because...I wish to loved." Knight Shade couldn't resist any longer and tumbled down to the ground, the weight of the lyre was so great for him.

The Night Shadowers continued with their wicked chants.

I do say, my dear sisters," said one of the goulish mares, "That colt couldn't resist HER," as she said pointing to Lyra.

"So true it is," said another, "Perhaps she will give in."

Chapter 9: Gratitude

Lyra opened her honey colored eyes little by little and noticed she wasn't stuck in the cave anymore but instead in her old fluffy bed.

The crisp Summer sunlight invaded her room and announced a new day. Lyra threw some pillows over her head in repsonse but her efforts were pretty bleak.

A familiar voice brought her back into reality.

"Lyra Dear...I see you are awake, come now, it's getting late," said BonBon while she shook her from side to side,

"...but the rehearsals haven't started yet, BonBon...wait a minute, BonBon?" and she continued as she startled, "You ok, kid? Did we win? Did we get the Lyre back?"

BonBon calmed her down, "Alright, alright, of course everything came out perfect, everypony else is safe and sound."

Lyra hugged her pal effusively and filled her with sweet kisses, "I simply can't believe it, you're looking squeaky clean, all you colors are back and that girly smile..."

"Oh, stop it you! You made an awesome job as well, now I want to you to come down and join us, I got a special surprise just for you!" said the pony.

"That sounds great! But what about Twi and Pinkie and the rest of the gang?"

She took Lyra by the hoof and guided her downstairs for breakfast but instead she found the house adorned and a wide banner which spelled, "HOORAY FOR LYRA!"

"Oh, there you are, where have you been, sillypants?" said Pinkie Pie approaching her.

"You, you did all this for me?" said Lyra a little bit touched.

"Yes!" cried the ponies. All of them were pretty much gathered; AJ, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity and of course last but not least Twilight Sparkle.

"You did a fine job, sugarcube! You sure taught that varmint a thing or two, why he had us all rounded up for no reason!" said Applejack.

"Lyra...I'm truly sorry I ever doubted you, you are an amazing unicorn afterall," said Twilight while she hugged her friend.

"Awww, thanks but I didn't do it all by myself, it was him too..." referring to Knight Shade of course.

"Is that so?" said Rainbow Dash slightly mad, "Let me at him and teach him not to mess with my friends ever again!"

"Calm down, you don't wan't to make a scene, afterall Lyra had enought faith in Knight Shade to make him change his mind, isn't that right?" asked the purple unicorn.

"Yeah, well, I guess maybe he was just confused, by the way, does anypony know where he went/"

"Well, um," said Fluttershy in her usual manner, "We really don't know, only the villagers in Ponyville were left after we woke up."

"Yes, and luckily I happen to have the Epic Lyre in my hooves and we must return it to Canterlot Castle at once," said Twilight proudly.

"So Knight Shade disappeared, just like that, without even saying goodbye?" said Lyra disappointed.

"Is it me or does everypony forgot that this a party?" said Pinkie Pie. Lyra rushed out of the house to watch the once enchanted Ponyville and fully restored putting away the memories from the night of the Summer Festival.

Suddenly, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom appeared and tackled the minty colores unicorn to thank her efforts.

"Wow Lyra! I didn't know you had those fantastic and terrific powers!" cried Scootaloo.

"Actually it was the magic that came from within," she answered modestly.

"Yes! You sang so pretty, could you teach me that, could you, could you?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"I am very flattered by you guys, I never expected to draw so much attention, I was doing what was right by helping a friend."

"Oh..." said Applebloom with sneaky eyes, "I bet I know what yer talkin' 'bout...you like that colt, didn't you?"

Lyra slightly blushed and said, "Nah, I'm just saying that because musician ponies always stick together and to be in harmony and peace, it's like a well tuned instrument.'

"Alright then..." said Scootaloo cutting in the conversation, "I thought exactly the same thing because that was a really cool tune you came up with and in the very last minute!"

"I think we already did that some time ago, although I can't remember, my mind is rusty," said Lyra.

"Go on then, Twilight is waiting for you!" cried Sweetie Belle.

"Right! Where are my manners, duty calls!"

The purple unicorn approached her, "Oh, there you are! Princess Luna is meeting us at Canterlot Castle!"

Lyra had all sorts of mixed feelings bubbling inside her and gladly accepted.

This time Twilight had mastered her teleporting abilities and zapped with her main pony friends to the castle.

Once they arrived to the throne room they passed through the stained glass windows which carefully recorded all the adventures they lived, including those from ancient times. Lyra felt a little bit nervous for she had hardly been in the presence of the Regal Sisters except for the times she had played at recitals. Still she considered she wasn't worthy of such honors. She just walked gracefully and felt like a winner.

Luna stared back at them with a very serene attitude and smiled gleefully.

The ponies gathered in a circle and made way for the talented unicorn musician.

"LYRA HEARTSTRINGS!" cried Luna in her usual Canterlot Voice, "Step forward, child."

Lyra proceeded with caution.

"Are you fully aware of what went on within these walls?"

"Ahem, I'm not quite sure, Your Highness..."

"Please, call me just Luna..."

"Luna...but we recovered the Epic Lyre and it's safe and sound without a scratch, I think it even looks better than the last time you saw it."

"And we are deeply thankful for your cooperation," said Celestia, "What we really want to highlight is another fate you did."

"Well if you're referring to the magic I unleashed I guess that was sort of...spontaneous."

"Of course it wasn't!" said Celestia, "You blindly believed in the magic that comes from the bottom of yout heart and linked it to the melodies you played to help another pony in despair.

You see, the Night Shadowers are always feeding upon the ones who doubt themselves and that's when they get stronger."

Luna nodded, "True it is. You managed to restore faith in a total stranger by chasing the shadows away, and I must admit that takes guts!"

"You gotta give Twilight and Pinkie Pie; we learned so much in this journey and it was almost quite impossible to believe that Knight Shade had something good inside him, but when we saw inside his memories we found out that he was just pursuing the same dream as I was. Besides, I always knew he could never hurt us."

"Young filly, you have shown wisdom beyond your age and for that you are destined for greater things," said Celestia.

"I...don't think so, I'm so absent minded and lazy, I'm late for practice and..."

"That's not relevant as of now, it can be fixed," said the royal guardian of the Sun, "for you have a noble heart and can't hide it. If there is anything we can do to make your life more pleasant just say so."

"Really?" said Lyra bouncing, "Well, I kinda liked the idea of playing in front of a really big audience."

"THEN SO IT SHALL BE!" cried Luna raising her hoof, "True t is that the Summer Festival was shattered but there's always time for a second chance."

"But then again it's not fair that I'm the only one who gets to perform. I'd need my buddy Vinyl and Tavi but especially Knight Shade...I think...I think..." she sighed.

"Yes, Lyra?" said the voice of a young colt. The girls felt excited to have him back even if Rainbow wasn't 100% ok with the idea.

Rarity cried,"My, my, look who came to see you, how romantic!"

"Knight Shade!" cried Lyra.

"Of course it's me, in the flesh. I couldn't leave without thanking you for bringing me back to normal. I realized what a terrible mistake I made because I was so afraid to fail and chose to trot the wrong path."

Lyra stroke her hoof against his and replied, "You know what, that's OK, it could happen to anypony."

"I never thought that the Epic Lyre was more than just a prodigious instrument."

"Well, duh, that's because it's "epic"! It's so cool that you're here, anyway."

The pale coated pony came closer to the regal sisters and stood crestfallen, "My sincere appologies, my ladies, I guess this action makes me nothing but a vulgar thief. Whatever punishment you choose I accept it bravely."

Celestia looked down on him and said, "It's not the custom of Equestrians to punish an outsider so harshly but yes there is an important lesson to be learned. Taking things by the force to cheat and boast as a lifelong temptation. However the road to success is usually plagued by these ordeals and make take years of practice and perfection. You will be pardoned but will not cease to practice until you become one of the best."

"I don't undestand, what's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"We cannot retain you in Equestria, the doors will always be wide open for you. When you are ready and become a fully fledged musician visit us again besides your mother must miss you greatly."

"I know, she just couldn't bare to see me like this," he said.

"HUZZAH!" cried Luna, "Above all things you can still visit your new found friends and Lyra."

"Are you sure? After I was so rude and arrogant with you pony folk?"

"Absolutely," said Celestia.

"Awesome, that means that you get to take actual lessons!" said Lyra.

"INDEEDY DOO!" cried Pinkie Pie.

"YEE-HAW! I'm glad that was finally settled," said Applejack.

"I'm just glad I can sleep well tonight, "said Rainbow Dash.

"Summer's almost over but we still have plenty of things to do!" said Fluttershy.

Twilight stood quietly thinking what a reliable pony Lyra had become amidst her sillyness.

Later on that afternoon the purple unicorn went back to the comfort of the old library to find Spike and his pet Peewee as she wrote her usual reports on friendship.

" Dear Princess Celestia:

Boy has this been a great summer!

I learned that sometimes you can encounter ponies who you know so little which you can count on without asking anything in return. That was what I discovered with Lyra Hearstrings, ven though we haven't been the best of friends it's never too late to change your mind about them.

On the other hoof, she trusts any single pony so blindly and never seems to be afraid of anything. It's no doubt that I should learn a little bit more from her."

Inside her little cottage, the minty colored unicorn gazed at the starry sky while she wrote with an enchanted quill on a scroll,

"Dear Princess Luna:

It was about time they let me do the talking! I'm actually very grateful for having the opportunity to play among my best friends. Sometimes a musician needs to face the competition yet it can also be very helpful and should never make you feel jealous no matter how good other ponies play.

When you give it all you got you'll always be cool no matter how big or small the venues are. That's why I refused to take the Epic Lyre so easily like Knight Shade did because success comes when you least expect it.

I will never forget this wonderful summer because I gained lots of things including the repect, recognition and trust from everypony else and for sure I'm on my way towards a great future."

"Are you alright, Dear? asked BonBon.

"Yes, I've never been happier in my entire life! Ya know, I wouldn't mind if you whipped me up another cup of that delicious mint covered chocolate, with extra mints!"

BonBon chuckled, "Oh, Lyra, when you will you ever grow up?"

"I think I just did! And it feels TERR-IFIC!"

Chapter 8: A Slight Temptation

Look here, newcomer, the Epic Lyre could be yours, take it and see your fame and fortune soar!

"No, Lyra, don't, PLEASE!" cried BonBon desperately, yet Lyra couldn't seem to step out of her trance levitated with ease. For a split second she turned to her friend.

"I know that voice...that sweet lubby dubby voice," the unicorn whispered.

"Go on, Deary, she craves to make you famous," said the spectral mare while she raised the powerful instrument in mid air.

It is about time you learned where you must be,

take it now and play so full of glee!

Your dream so firm it is,

you cannot resist!

Lyra thought and thought to herself so much ignoring evrypony else around her that possessing the Epic Lyre would pose such an incredible honor but it still wouldn't be right to keep it.

"It's truly such a generous offer, you guys..."

"Yes, yes, yes, take it from my hooves, it really, really suits you!" cried the shadows.

"...But I won't. I refused it from Knight Shade and I'll do exactly the same thing as of right now."

"But so it is that you've taken down this foe and so will you do it with many, many more!"

"No, you won't make me! It's true that it's a legendary treasure of my clan, the best by far yet we also respect the power and wisdom contained in it!" shouted Lyra making the light surrounding her more intense casting lighting with a dash of turquoise.

"I am aware that this noble instrument wants more and it's telling me I should make a wise decision, so, I wish, I wish...to give somepony a second chance!"

Pinkie replied to that, "Wow, now that's sounds definitely a funtastic idea, isn't it BonBon?"

The earth pony with curly, candy coated mane said concerned, "I've seen those trances happen to her before, like she was absent from this world but tell me who exactly is she fighting?'

Pinkie continued, "Shh, this is getting good..."

Lyra turned to the frightened Knight Shade who all tuckered out and said, "Here, play with all you might and all your heart, never forget that there's so much magic in it, much more than you could ever imagine. To give this joy to others is a thousand times better than watch their empty bodies suffer and rot."

The lyre which had inspired discord was handed over to the young colt. Confused he said, "You, wish to give it back, just like that? Have you gone berserk?"

"It's never too late to have a change of heart, it has chosen you for it knows that your soul is not obscure," said the turquoise pony.

And as she spoke all of the other mares and colts slowly began to roll their eyes and patiently waited for a resolution. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie bit her lip and shrugged her cotton candy tail.

Knight Shade doubted and said, "I...I CAN'T! I will only make things worse for you, how do you know I won't betray you?"

"I never heard you play being the real you, please, just this once, help us...' said Lyra while suplictaing. The glow in her eyes was fading away and BonBon couldn't help feeling blue as well.

"For the love of Celestia, do as she says!!!" cried BonBOn desperately, "can't you see she is pain?"

The pale coated colt got up and looked to the bewitching spectres. From his perspective they felt truly horrible instead of sweet and enchanting. A feeling of disgust invaded him but at the same time ignited the bravery he needed and cried, "Alright then, you got me into this and now I shall teach you a thing or two about talent!"

There a was time you looked down on me,

and full of fear I couldn't see,

the one you sought was full of lust

and in regret I feel so lost.

This time is right I choose to stay

and show my colors and shine bright

for I'm fearless and okay

not just a shadow full of fright

And the Shadows quivered

Stop now, quit it!
Your foul shrieks are not exquisite!

"Keep doing it, I think it's working!" cried Pinkie Pie.

In response Knight Shade kept playing some low notes and shifted quickly as if he used the lyre as a guitar. The audience of three awake ponies which seemed to increase little by little gave him something to look forward, they really enjoyed this moment afterall.

I musn't hesitate,

I gotta fight and win this game,

you make this sound so amazing
'
cuz you give it all you got

and together we will beat the fear

and become just one.

"A big mistake you're making, big, big, big ,misstake you're making!" said the spectres, "even our hooves are shaking!"

"Look, Lyra has recovered her glow," said Pinkie Pie feeling refreshed. Every other pony woke up from what seemed a long peaceful slumber. Twilight's coat recovered its natural lavender color. As she became more conscious she repeated, "That song is so upbeat...did I miss something?" Then she turned and watched in awe how Lyra glowed like a shooting star in a clear sky.

"I..can't believe it," she said in a lower voice. "The Epic Lyre, it sounds better than ever!"

The notes spawned from the instrument quickly dissolved the black mist of the Night Shadowers who shrieked like a bunch of bats and began to retreat.

The turquoise unicorn descended with ease. By then she felt completely exhausted for she had never displayed her magic to such a great level.

Twilight rushed to her side and so did Knight Shade, BonBon and Pinkie.

"Now, don't you worry'bout me, guys but don't be mad at him, it's not entirely...his fault," she mumbled.

"Sweetie, be strong, okay? You're gonna be just fine," said BonBon holding her hoof.

Lyra closed here eyes deeply sighing while every pony else contemplated as she was being said goodbye from a terrible dream.