Prejudicesby That Weird ChickChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 1There wasn't anything wrong with her hometown. It was a great town, but well, eventually things get boring as each day is the same as the next. So she decided to move. Far away. To a place called Ponyville. The balloon ride took forever. She almost finished a book and was about to move on to another, when her ride went BUMP! Her book went flying out her hooves and closed unmarked. "NO!" Lyra cried out. "Who dared lost my page?!" She got up and found her balloon floating beside another balloon. Inside, a male pony looked around confused. His coat was greyish brown and his mane and tail brown. He had expressive blue eyes and his cutie mark was a rose. Was this some kind of joke? "Wh-what?" Clearly disoriented, his eyes wandered a bit before seeing her. "Whoa." Lyra wasn't impressed. She sighed. That sort of reaction was normal from ponies about her. Her contrasting pink and blue mane and tail, her bright turquoise coat and yellow eyes. She radiated weirdness and her huge soft pink spectacles weren't any help either. And her cutie mark. Who had EYES as a cutie mark? Not that he has seen it. Yet. "We can't be there already," the male pony in the other balloon said. "No," Lyra answered exasperatedly. "We aren't. Your balloon bumped into mine and made me lose my page." She glared at him. "Hey whoa," he put his hooves up in surrender. "I am not to blame for that! Blame my balloon! Or the wind! I was just sleeping!" "Oh," her temper rose, "your snoring must have shaken the balloon into bumping into mine." "I do not snore that loud!" His ears turned pink at the tips. "Yeah, right," Lyra agreed sarcastically. "Any of this wouldn't have happened if you didn't decide to move today." "I didn't! I was supposed to arrive yesterday!" He answered indignantly. "The weather hasn't been good," he grumbled, looking away. "Oops! Sorry about that! That would be my fault!" A pegasus flew to their side. She had rainbow mane and tail, a blue coat and a red blue yellow lightning from a cloud cutie mark. "Hi! Welcome to Ponyville! I'm Rainbow Dash. Sorry about the weather but it should be alright today. Gotta dash bye!" Rainbow Dash flew off, leaving a streak of rainbow trailing. "I'm Eon Lite. I'm from Marelaysia," Eon offered his hoof to shake. "Lyra Booklet from Booklyn," a bit reluctantly, she shook his hoof. "I'm sorry about your book, Lyra," he apologized even though it wasn't his fault. "It's alright," she opened the book exactly to the page where she stopped and marked it. "I remember where I stopped." Eon let out a puff of air, clearly relieved to have avoided a fit. "Then why were you so mad if you knew you could find it again?" "They're my best friends," Lyra muttered, looking down. Normally, a normal pony wouldn't have heard her, but surprisingly, Eon did. "Aw, s'alright, little filly. You're bound to make new friends here." Their balloons gave a little jolt and "Hey! We're here!" Eon cried out in surprise. Lyra was speechless. Without a word, she took her things and went for the library, not once looking back. Chapter 2Hello?" Lyra called out. The library was absolutely amazing. Embedded in a tree and almost completely filled walls of books. "Wow," Lyra breathed. "Gah!" A purple and green dragon came down the stairs and bounded towards her. "Hey, I'm Spike!" "Please don't burn my books!" Lyra begged. "No no, Spike doesn't burn books," a purple unicorn assured her. Her eyes, coat, mane and tail were different shades of the same colour. Her mane and tail had a purple and a pink streak. She also had a fringe which Lyra found likeable. She didn't understand her cutie mark though. Were they sparkles? "This library wouldn't be here if I couldn't keep my fire under control, would it?" Spike asked her rhetorically. "I'm sorry," Lyra looked down. "Aw, it's okay." Spike gave her a hug. "You must be Lyra Booklet. I'm Twilight Sparkle," the unicorn introduced herself. "Thank you so much for letting me live with you," Lyra shook Twilight's hoof. "No problem! I was on my way to Sweet Apple Acres to meet my friend Applejack. You should join us," she invited. Twilight laughed when she saw Lyra hesitating. "Don't be nervous. Applejack is a great friend to have. And here in Ponyville, it's not hard to make friends. I remember my first day here." Twilight's tone sounded wistful. Spike rolled his eyes. "She was impossible. She didn't want to make friends at all!" Twilight laughed again and trotted for the door. Lyra joined her. Along the way, Twilight told Lyra her story with Spike adding in every now and then. "So your magic is magic?" Lyra asked Twilight Sparkle in awe. Her mind started racing with theories. "Truly, your field is wide. Basically you have no limits to what you can do." "Sure, I guess. I just have to study the spell first," Twilight blushed modestly. "Oh look we're here!" Sweet Apple Acres was a wide arable land filled with apple trees. In front of them, there was a barn where a little filly laughed at something her grandmother said. Lyra looked around in wonder, her mind already imagining the farm family's daily life; what it would be like to have your future cut out for you. "Hey Twilight!" The little filly's voice twanged. Her coat was yellow and her mane and tail red. She had her mane tied up in a bow bigger than her head. Her eyes were round, happy and yellow. "Hey, Spike! Who's your new friend?" "This is Lyra Booklet," Twilight introduced the young pony as Applebloom. "Have you seen your sister, Applebloom?" "Why, she's bucking apples with Big Macintosh somewhere. Come on, I'll take you to them!" The little pony skipped into the orchard and the others followed. Besides the grandmother. Applebloom asked Lyra everything. Where she was from, if Booklyn was nice, why did she move, did she like it here and so on. Lyra found herself describing things in great detail. "Wow," Applebloom marvelled at one point of her interview. "You should give a talk at my club with my friends. We're called the Cutie Mark Crusaders because we don't have our cutie marks yet. Maybe you could tell us how you got your curious looking cutie mark." Applebloom peered at it. Embarrassed, Lyra looked down and was grateful when another voice twanged, "Applebloom are you bothering Twilight and her friend?" A farm pony trotted over. She had blonde ponytailed mane and tail, her eyes green and her coat the exact colour of apple juice. She had three red apples as a cutie mark and she wore a cowpony hat. "Well hello there sugarcube. I'm Applejack, Twilight's friend. You must be new in town. What's your name?" "I'm Lyra Booklet," Lyra shook the pony's hoof. "Very nice to meet you. Applebloom wasn't a bother, really. Not much. I'm used to ponies being curious." "Striking, isn't she?" Applebloom asked her sister. "Eeyup," came a deep voice behind Applejack. Lyra looked to see a big male pony with a red coat and eyes, mane and tail the same colour as Applejack. His cutie mark was the cut side of half a green apple. Lyra's preferred apple. So this was Big Macintosh. Lyra's heart tripped on its hooves. Immediately, she looked at anything but him. "A new comer eh? I bet Pinkie's heard and thrown a party at Sugar Cube Corner," Applejack said. "She did one for me when I first came," Twilight remembered. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Applebloom cheered. Chapter 3"Um is this necessary?" Eon asked, flustered as pony after pony came in through the door to join the party Pinkie Pie threw upon meeting him. He never knew ponies such as these who would gladly attend a party for a stranger. "Of course!" Pinkie Pie cheered. Eon was beginning to learn that cheering WAS talking normally when it comes to her. "I do this for every celebration for every pony!" That would explain her balloon cutie mark. Pinkie Pie was about the happiest pony Eon's met ever. Her coat and curly mane and tail were two different shades of pink and her eyes were blue. She has not stop smiling since Eon's seen her. Part of him wondered if it hurt. Pinkie Pie was introducing him to every pony who came. From the back of the party, all the way to the front door which opened to reveal a filly, a pony, a big male pony, a purple unicorn with a baby dragon on her back, and "Lyra!" Eon hugged her. He didn't even know why. He just saw her, a familiar face among a sea of ponies and he just felt relieved. Even though he didn't know her anymore than the rest, it was a huge irrational relief to see her. Behind him, Pinkie Pie flew up and gave the longest gasp, he wondered if her lungs could take anymore. Behind Lyra, the big pony was looking down at them with a blank face. The others seemed astounded. Lyra struggled. "Eon! Let go of me!" Basically the whole party stopped and was looking at them. "I got her!" Rainbow Dash bursted through the door dragging a soft yellow pegasus with pink mane and tail. Her teal eyes were down with embarrassment and her cutie mark showed three butterflies. Every pony jumped and Eon let go of Lyra. Rainbow Dash noticed nothing and dropped the pegasus on the floor. She landed with a soft "oof!" And Eon dashed to her. "Are you okay?" He asked in concern. She looked at him and their eyes met. Eon heard nothing; only his heart beating louder and her soft short breaths gaining speed. "I-I'm alright," she said in a soft whisper. "My name is Eon Lite," he told her as he helped her up, still staying close even when she recovered. "I'm Fluttershy," she told him in a tiny whisper. Only a pony with ears like his could hear. Fluttershy. The most sweetest adorable pony he's ever met. Immediately, he was taken. There was no pony now, no pony but Fluttershy that was his top priority. Fluttershy looked away, glanced at him and drifted gracefully towards Pinkie Pie who was somehow still midair but had her mouth to the floor. She suddenly came to life. "You," she pointed to Eon, "she," to Lyra, "you guys-" "Arrived at the same time together," Eon confirmed. "Not together together!" Lyra looked flustered, she risked a glance at the big male pony behind her. "We arrived on different balloons but we bumped in air," she explained. "Whoa, really?" Spike asked. "Yep," answered Rainbow Dash from the refreshment table. "I was there. Turns out this one," she pointed to Eon, "was supposed to arrive yesterday but I didn't know and the clouds were really thick so he couldn't land." "I was stuck there for an entire day!" "But the weather is clear today and he bumped into her," Rainbow Dash pointed to Lyra. "A double arrival?!" Pinkie Pie shouted in glee. "This calls for a celebration!" "Uh, Pinkie? We're at a party," the country pony twanged beside Lyra. She put her hoof around Lyra as Twilight introduced her to her friends. Eon turned to face the big male pony that flustered Lyra. He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted when Lyra called for him. He trotted over to her circle. "What were you doing with Big Macintosh? What did he say?" "Nothing. He didn't have the chance to," Eon shrugged. Put down, Lyra introduced him to the ponies with her. Twilight Sparkle, the purple unicorn that came with her. They've both met Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie, the host pony that wouldn't be quiet nor stop bouncing. Rarity, a white unicorn with a big purple spiral mane and tail. Her cutie mark is three diamonds and she fluttered her heavily lashed blue eyes at him. Applejack, the country farm pony and her little sister, Applebloom. "Big Macintosh is her older brother," Lyra added. "And this is Fluttershy..." No pony. "Fluttershy? Where did she go?" "Aw man, she left didn't she?" Rainbow Dash complained. "I'm gonna get her." Applejack held on to her tail. "No, Rainbow Dash. Just leave her be." Eon was disappointed but empathised. Fluttershy was obviously a shy pony and he probably startled her with his sudden strong concern. At least he was sure he was meeting her again. Chapter 4Fluttershy went back home in a dizzy. Who was that stallion she met at the party? Eon, he said his name was. Eon Lite. Why did Rainbow Dash had to drop her so suddenly in front of him?? Pink in the cheeks, Fluttershy shut the door quietly and stood there hiding her face from her pet bunny, Angel. Angel had none of that. Harshly, he slapped her hooves from her face and tried to read the emotions behind it. Quite suddenly, for no reason at all, Fluttershy bursted into tears. Angel was startled. Nothing made sense but he comforted her anyway, offering his soft hide for her to cry in. The party lasted forever and honestly, both Eon and Lyra were bushed. It made sense for Pinkie Pie to go on forever, but they wondered how the other ponies endured. Then again, none of them had been on a long balloon ride. Fortunately for them, Twilight seemed to understand and ended the party. The ponies filed out, wishing them a goodnight, seeming genuinely happy to have two new ponies in town. Rarity invited them to come over to her boutique someday, murmuring something about Lyra's striking colours and Eon's good looks and clothes. "I'm sure I could make you both look amazing." Applejack and her sister gave Lyra a hug each. "Ya can come over anytime and help us find our cutie marks," Applebloom hinted. Both newcomers shook Big Macintosh's hoof but Lyra did so without meeting his eyes. Rainbow Dash mock hit Eon and tousled Lyra's mane. Pinkie Pie chattered incoherently nonstop. Lyra hugged her pet baby alligator, Gummy for whom she had a deep fondness for. At last, they called it a night and went their separate ways, Lyra with Twilight and a sleeping Spike on her back. At the tree, Lyra declined Twilight's invitation to sleep in and instead flew up and settled on a cloud and slept. Eon wandered back to a cottage at the edge of the town where things were quiet except the sounds of the nocturnal animals. Lulled by their harmonic song, Eon slept, his mind still on the beautiful yellow pegasus he just met. One by one, the ponies of Ponyville dropped asleep after quite a hard party Chapter 5Eventually Eon and Lyra's newness wore off as Ponyville became their home and they became a part of Ponyville. Eon worked for Sugarcube Corner, where his good nature and ability to talk to just about any pony came useful. Even Zecora came to find him a nice pony to be around. Lyra helped Rainbow Dash with the weather although she really needn't to. In truth Lyra worked on little days. Most of the time, she enjoyed the company of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Other times she read. Lyra read everywhere. On a cloud, in the library, in town, during lunch. Truly, every pony agreed she and Twilight were well matched to live together. Fluttershy was not often seen roaming the streets, but Eon managed to bump into her on the days she was. Sometimes they literally bumped into each other. Eon found out where she lived after wandering around the grounds of Ponyville. He easily got along with most of her critter friends, but her pet Angel seemed to skeptically dislike him. Sweetie Belle, Rarity's younger sister, assured him that Angel didn't like anypony and had an odd way of liking Fluttershy. Of the many ponies, Lyra had come to be privately closest to Fluttershy. She didn't miss the small universal moment the pony had with Eon and for his sake, she managed to wriggle into Fluttershy's confidence. Surprisingly, Angel approved of her which Lyra found heartwarming. And so they made it a routine where Lyra's cloud would eventually float over to Fluttershy's home and she would visit. They would have a tea party or picnic there or sometimes on a hill and Fluttershy's critter friends would join. Another pony Lyra got along well with was Applejack. Lyra found that her agility had increase drastically after gracefully dodging the falling apples that was bucked on her first visit alone to Sweet Apple Acres. Applebloom marvelled at her ability and Applejack found it admirable. Big Macintosh agreed with an "Eeyup" which made Lyra went as red as the apples she dodged. Her newfound ability was a surprise to her too. One that Lyra liked to do. After getting caught doing it high in air, (there was a gap in the clouds that supposedly hid her) Granny Smith asked her if she would like to use her ability to get rid of the bad apples that fall before they reach the basket below them instead of "wasting it on doing loop de loops where no pony could see anyway" and Lyra gladly accepted. And so life in Ponyville went on contentedly. Eon became friends with everypony which made him look real good in Pinkie Pie's book. Lyra began learning of Fluttershy's feelings of Eon and helped her to make sense of them. Angel wasn't particularly happy to learn that Fluttershy liked Eon a bit more than as a friend. Her other critter friends were happy that Fluttershy had found a special somepony. As Fluttershy and Lyra's friendship grew, as did her crush on Applejack's brother and Eon's crush on Fluttershy. Fluttershy began sharing everything with Lyra, even her opinions, which she never spoke aloud. Lyra was honoured to be her friend and as Fluttershy asked her over for a sleepover, Lyra broke. Literally as the Fluttershy brought forth chocolate milk (Lyra's favourite), Lyra bursted to tears. Immediately, a dozen critters swarmed her. "Oh my!" Fluttershy fluttered. "Did I offend you somehow? I didn't mean to, I promise!" "N-No," Lyra blubbered. "It's just that you've given me everything and I've done nothing!" "Oh, but you have," Fluttershy insisted. "You've helped me and my friends make sense of everything. You notice everything and understand them. Truly, you have been a great friend!" "You are kind, Fluttershy," Lyra smiled through her tears. "And you are the first to have figured out the meaning of my odd cutie mark." Lyra looked at the eyes on her rump. "But it isn't odd at all!" Fluttershy reassured her. Angel made a sound to say that it was fairly odd and the other animals looked bashful. "I will tell you this. My biggest secret," Lyra sounded grave. "But you must Pinkie promise to keep it." All the critters and Fluttershy made the gestures as the solemnly promised, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, Stick a cupcake in my eye." "I didn't know when I realised it directly," Lyra began. "But I always knew things. Sometimes it's a feeling in the air, but most times, it's the slightest gestures that indicate the things I knew and understood. I could see past every trick in a story and I could understand everything a pony feels. At one point, I guess it just dawned on me that hey, this is something I did effortlessly everyday. It's not a bad thing and I knew my limits so this is maybe what I am to be. There was a shine on my flank and the eyes appeared. So my power is in my eyes. I see the tiniest things that can giveaway to big thing. I always used it to help those around me but when I tried to use it in certain situations involving myself, well I find that it isn't reliable." Angel chittered accusingly at her. Fluttershy frowned at him, "biggest secret doesn't mean most embarrassing secret." Angel chittered again. "I'm not saying that!" Fluttershy crossed her hooves to indicate that it was a closed matter. "He has a point," Lyra understood. "You trust me deeply and told me your feelings and opinions of things, something you don't tell everypony. Sometimes I just wish I could use my talent to help myself you know?" "Ah," Fluttershy nodded in understanding. "Big Macintosh." Immediately, Lyra turned red. She figured it was obvious, but she didn't know it was THAT obvious. "I know what you mean," Fluttershy continued. "I get that feeling myself." Lyra couldn't believe her ears. It was obvious that Fluttershy liked Eon, but by the tone of her voice, it was probably a bit more than Lyra figured. "You should talk to him, you know. He really likes you." "Really?" Fluttershy sounded astonished. "B-But I can't! I-I-I'm to shy." "And so is he," explained Lyra. "But everytime you two bump into each other, he won't stop looking at you. Even as you walk away, his eyes follow you. I don't think he'll do anything until you make the first move." The very idea of it scared Fluttershy, but determined to change the topic, she agreed feebly. "Oh, okay, I'll try. You should talk to Big Macintosh too. I want you to have your happily ever after too." Lyra's brain ran frantic by the very thought of it. "Alright, it's only fair." "You must also Pinkie Promise not to tell any pony anything that happened tonight." That was an easy thing to promise. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." And so it was done. The mares had to make the first move to get the stallions of their dreams. Chapter 6"Oh hey, Fluttershy, what brings you here?" Eon had a pleasant surprise the next morning at work. "I was planning on treating myself but I don't know what." There was that adorable blush again that just kept winning him over. "Say no more. I'll treat you myself," Eon announced gallantly. "There's really no need for that," Fluttershy was delighted. Maybe Lyra was right; maybe he did like her. "Hey, it's no big deal. That way you can save your money for treats for you animal friends." Or maybe he just cares about the animals, Fluttershy thought gloomily. Pull yourself together, Fluttershy! "W-Well, i-if you insist. But I don't even know what I want to get," Fluttershy's forehead creased adorably in serious thought. "Leave that to me, fair mare. I'm sure I can come up with something worthy of you," Eon made her sound like royalty. It was a bit uncomfortable, but pleasing all the same. "Okay," Fluttershy blushed again. "I-I'll just sit over there," she indicated to a table within sight. "As you wish," Eon's mind was already whirling with a rather complicated but sure to win her recipe. There was a row of apple trees getting bucked that day after she cleared the skies. Lyra rode a cloud over to Sweet Apple Acres where she saw the Apple siblings laughing as they made their way to the trees that needed bucking. Big Macintosh didn't say much but he seemed to be enjoying himself. Applejack seemed the happiest and when she laughed, Applebloom looked up to Lyra's cloud and winked. "So," Applebloom's voice sounded mischievous. "I heard Lyra's coming to help." Big Macintosh seemed startled. "Why yes," Applejack answered, "the filly volunteered since she had nothing to do today." "Lyra isn't a filly! She's just a bit short for her age," Applebloom defended her. "Well, I'm sorry then. I didn't mean to offend. But it is great that she's coming," Applejack amended. "I like Lyra. She's a great pony!" Applebloom cheered. "Eeyup," agreed Big Macintosh. Whoa. Lyra was dumbstruck. He thought she was a great pony? She HAD to tell Fluttershy. Lyra did a little silent celebration up on her cloud. "Where is she, anyway?" Applejack looked around. At a speed fast enough to make Rainbow Dash proud, Lyra swooped down, scooped Applebloom up and spun her around in air. They were both laughing from adrenaline by the time they swooped back down. "Lyra, have you been listening?" Applejack looked accusingly at her. "Eeyup," Lyra answered with a giggle. Applebloom was still hysterical on the ground. Big Macintosh seemed to be looking at anything but the turquoise pegasus. The first time Lyra's going to meet his eyes, and he looks away! This was a first because Eon told her that Big Mac was ALWAYS looking at her. Deciding to push her luck, Lyra addressed him. "Hey Big Mac!" Big Macintosh looked at her and Lyra almost swooned. There was something in his eyes; exactly like Applejack's but entirely different somehow. It was like Lyra was falling all over again, but her wings won't work. "Lyra." Oh my Equestria. Applebloom stopped laughing to look at her brother. Applejack's jaw hung open. All of Ponyville probably just went silent as well. "How are you doing?" Big Macintosh's gorgeous green eyes never left her yellow ones. "Fantastic." Lyra was beginning to understand that universal moment Eon had with Fluttershy; because she was having one of her own with Big Macintosh. "I feel fantastic," Lyra murmured. "We should get to work!" Applejack bucked the tree above them. Big Macintosh and Applebloom jumped out of the way and Lyra got rid of the bad apples before they fell. Applebloom's eyes were wide as saucers but they all got back to work. Applejack bucked apples perhaps a bit harder then usual whereas her sister had a big grin that almost rivalled Pinkie Pie. Lyra kept sneaking glances at Big Macintosh whose eyes she met everytime she looked. And so the afternoon went on, the tension never once leaving the air. Just when Lyra thought Applejack or Applebloom had cooled down, they would catch Big Macintosh looking at Lyra and get all worked up again. When their job was done, Lyra's wings were worn out so she just had to walk home to rest them. Granny Smith heard and insisted that Big Macintosh walked her home. Applejack was on the edge of protesting, but Applebloom and Granny Smith pulled her away, both giving Lyra a knowing smile as they did so. "Eon! That was certainly the best treat I've ever had!" Eon turned the colour of a strawberry. "It was nothing." Fluttershy knew otherwise. She had a decent look into the kitchen from where she sat. And she saw Eon doing a series of adding and mixing and all those baking moves with a very deep furrow on his brow, a sure sign that he was concentrating very hard. "It must have been a very complicated recipe. Oh, I'm sorry to have troubled you so much." Eon blushed a little deeper. He hadn't planned on getting compliments when he offered to walk her home. "Really, Fluttershy. It was nothing. I meant it as it is. A treat." And what a treat it was! It had been a lovely afternoon. After Eon had finished the masterpiece treat, he kept her company as she ate it. Pinkie Pie volunteered to take over for the rest of the day after giving Eon what seemed like a knowing look. Lyra must have been right! Eon must really like her! "I have to make it up to you somehow! How about helping me help my bear friend clean her den tomorrow? Her claws are full from taking care of her cub." Eon wasn't sure he liked the idea of going into a cave with a protective mother that had claws, but if Fluttershy wanted him to, he'd do it. "Alright, just stop with the compliments okay? You're embarrassing me." Eon looked down as one blush faded into another. "Besides, I'm not the one who deserves to get compliments." "Who then?" "Why not the most exquisite mare in all of Equestria. The kindest, most graceful and beautiful pegasus ever born?" Fluttershy didn't get it. "Lyra?" "No, silly filly," Eon laughed softly. "You," he told her as he gently bumped her. "Wha-" Fluttershy was speechless. Up ahead, a laughter was heard. "Who else would be out after dark?" Eon and Fluttershy squinted through the fog that had developed without them noticing. Lyra came trotting beside Big Macintosh who didn't look anywhere else but the pegasus beside him. They both appeared to be obliviously happy and Lyra was laughing at something Big Macintosh had said. "Lyra!" Fluttershy whispered-cried. "Fluttershy? Hey! And Eon?! Oh wow. What's going on here?" Lyra gave Fluttershy a hug but stayed close to Big Macintosh. "I could say the same to you," Eon told her with an impish grin at the same time Fluttershy told her, "Eon was just walking me home." "Aw how sweet of you, Eon," Lyra cooed. "Big Macintosh here was doing the same for me." "Eeyup," Big Macintosh smiled at her. Lyra started feeling the start of another universal moment. "Well that was fast," Fluttershy interrupted, breaking the spell. She risked a glance at Eon. "First thing tomorrow morning," Lyra promised her. "Now, we best get inside before the fog is too thick to see through." And so all four friends said their good byes and parted into two groups. Each simply enjoying the company of the other pony while their walk lasted. Chapter 7"He is such a great colt, Lyra. He treats me like I'm, like I'm...like I'm a princess! I don't deserve him. Yet..." Fluttershy sighed dreamily. "I know what you mean. I could almost swear that whatever is in between Big Macintosh and I is like magic! Or something!" Lyra tried and failed to describe something in perfect detail for once. The ponies giggled and shared their opinion of what was the perfect afternoon. Eon woke up with thoughts of Fluttershy. He replayed the day before's events and edited it to one where he was more impressive and cool and collected and Fluttershy was totally taken by him. But it wasn't a total flop, he cheered himself up, maybe Fluttershy is confused. He had somewhat made it clear that he liked her, he had been himself and they had enjoyed each other's company. He wasn't a bad pony and it was natural for Fluttershy to be a bit confused. He understood that. When Lyra made her way to Sweet Apple Acres that day, Applejack cornered her before she managed to reach the other Apples. "Now you look here, Lyra. I like and respect you and all that but whatever it is you're playing with my brother has to stop. We can't have him distracted and not doing his work right. Sweet Apple Acres need him and we need him as he is. I don't want to hurt your feelings, Lyra, but I'd appreciate it if you stop whatever it is that is between you and my brother." Applejack looked beseechingly at her to understand. Lyra's heart hurt. Nothing even had the time to start between her and Big Macintosh. Lyra was pretty sure that he was her destiny, as cheesy as it is, but she liked Applejack. She was a great friend and an admirable pony. Lyra was also sure that she didn't want to be on AJ's bad side. Although it made her sick inside, Lyra heard herself say, "A-Alright, Applejack. If it makes you happy." "Yeehaw! Thank you, Lyra. Thank you so much," Applejack was happy as Pinkie Pie. It made Lyra hurt even more. "Are you alright, sugarcube? You're looking green." Oh haha. Lyra got it. Because her coat was turquoise. "Lyra! Lyra!" Applebloom cheered as she and Big Macintosh made their way to them. He had a soft smile on his face that hurt Lyra because of her promise to his sister. She flew away on a cloud before they could reach her. Big Macintosh and Applebloom were confused. "Where did Lyra flew off in such a hurry?" Applebloom asked, her tone sounding hurt. Big Macintosh's eyes followed Lyra's cloud until it was out of sight. "I don't know," Applejack answered honestly. "She was looking a bit greener than usual." "What did you say to her?" Big Macintosh asked. "If she was okay. She didn't answer and just flew off." Applebloom didn't believe it. She figured that Applejack had said something else, something that probably made Lyra feel sick as she was. "I'm going after her," Big Macintosh said. Both Applebloom and Applejack started protesting. But Big Macintosh waved them shut. "You can't stop me. I am going after Lyra." Not knowing where the hay Lyra even was, Big Macintosh went to find someone who might.
Chapter 1There wasn't anything wrong with her hometown. It was a great town, but well, eventually things get boring as each day is the same as the next. So she decided to move. Far away. To a place called Ponyville. The balloon ride took forever. She almost finished a book and was about to move on to another, when her ride went BUMP! Her book went flying out her hooves and closed unmarked. "NO!" Lyra cried out. "Who dared lost my page?!" She got up and found her balloon floating beside another balloon. Inside, a male pony looked around confused. His coat was greyish brown and his mane and tail brown. He had expressive blue eyes and his cutie mark was a rose. Was this some kind of joke? "Wh-what?" Clearly disoriented, his eyes wandered a bit before seeing her. "Whoa." Lyra wasn't impressed. She sighed. That sort of reaction was normal from ponies about her. Her contrasting pink and blue mane and tail, her bright turquoise coat and yellow eyes. She radiated weirdness and her huge soft pink spectacles weren't any help either. And her cutie mark. Who had EYES as a cutie mark? Not that he has seen it. Yet. "We can't be there already," the male pony in the other balloon said. "No," Lyra answered exasperatedly. "We aren't. Your balloon bumped into mine and made me lose my page." She glared at him. "Hey whoa," he put his hooves up in surrender. "I am not to blame for that! Blame my balloon! Or the wind! I was just sleeping!" "Oh," her temper rose, "your snoring must have shaken the balloon into bumping into mine." "I do not snore that loud!" His ears turned pink at the tips. "Yeah, right," Lyra agreed sarcastically. "Any of this wouldn't have happened if you didn't decide to move today." "I didn't! I was supposed to arrive yesterday!" He answered indignantly. "The weather hasn't been good," he grumbled, looking away. "Oops! Sorry about that! That would be my fault!" A pegasus flew to their side. She had rainbow mane and tail, a blue coat and a red blue yellow lightning from a cloud cutie mark. "Hi! Welcome to Ponyville! I'm Rainbow Dash. Sorry about the weather but it should be alright today. Gotta dash bye!" Rainbow Dash flew off, leaving a streak of rainbow trailing. "I'm Eon Lite. I'm from Marelaysia," Eon offered his hoof to shake. "Lyra Booklet from Booklyn," a bit reluctantly, she shook his hoof. "I'm sorry about your book, Lyra," he apologized even though it wasn't his fault. "It's alright," she opened the book exactly to the page where she stopped and marked it. "I remember where I stopped." Eon let out a puff of air, clearly relieved to have avoided a fit. "Then why were you so mad if you knew you could find it again?" "They're my best friends," Lyra muttered, looking down. Normally, a normal pony wouldn't have heard her, but surprisingly, Eon did. "Aw, s'alright, little filly. You're bound to make new friends here." Their balloons gave a little jolt and "Hey! We're here!" Eon cried out in surprise. Lyra was speechless. Without a word, she took her things and went for the library, not once looking back.
Chapter 2Hello?" Lyra called out. The library was absolutely amazing. Embedded in a tree and almost completely filled walls of books. "Wow," Lyra breathed. "Gah!" A purple and green dragon came down the stairs and bounded towards her. "Hey, I'm Spike!" "Please don't burn my books!" Lyra begged. "No no, Spike doesn't burn books," a purple unicorn assured her. Her eyes, coat, mane and tail were different shades of the same colour. Her mane and tail had a purple and a pink streak. She also had a fringe which Lyra found likeable. She didn't understand her cutie mark though. Were they sparkles? "This library wouldn't be here if I couldn't keep my fire under control, would it?" Spike asked her rhetorically. "I'm sorry," Lyra looked down. "Aw, it's okay." Spike gave her a hug. "You must be Lyra Booklet. I'm Twilight Sparkle," the unicorn introduced herself. "Thank you so much for letting me live with you," Lyra shook Twilight's hoof. "No problem! I was on my way to Sweet Apple Acres to meet my friend Applejack. You should join us," she invited. Twilight laughed when she saw Lyra hesitating. "Don't be nervous. Applejack is a great friend to have. And here in Ponyville, it's not hard to make friends. I remember my first day here." Twilight's tone sounded wistful. Spike rolled his eyes. "She was impossible. She didn't want to make friends at all!" Twilight laughed again and trotted for the door. Lyra joined her. Along the way, Twilight told Lyra her story with Spike adding in every now and then. "So your magic is magic?" Lyra asked Twilight Sparkle in awe. Her mind started racing with theories. "Truly, your field is wide. Basically you have no limits to what you can do." "Sure, I guess. I just have to study the spell first," Twilight blushed modestly. "Oh look we're here!" Sweet Apple Acres was a wide arable land filled with apple trees. In front of them, there was a barn where a little filly laughed at something her grandmother said. Lyra looked around in wonder, her mind already imagining the farm family's daily life; what it would be like to have your future cut out for you. "Hey Twilight!" The little filly's voice twanged. Her coat was yellow and her mane and tail red. She had her mane tied up in a bow bigger than her head. Her eyes were round, happy and yellow. "Hey, Spike! Who's your new friend?" "This is Lyra Booklet," Twilight introduced the young pony as Applebloom. "Have you seen your sister, Applebloom?" "Why, she's bucking apples with Big Macintosh somewhere. Come on, I'll take you to them!" The little pony skipped into the orchard and the others followed. Besides the grandmother. Applebloom asked Lyra everything. Where she was from, if Booklyn was nice, why did she move, did she like it here and so on. Lyra found herself describing things in great detail. "Wow," Applebloom marvelled at one point of her interview. "You should give a talk at my club with my friends. We're called the Cutie Mark Crusaders because we don't have our cutie marks yet. Maybe you could tell us how you got your curious looking cutie mark." Applebloom peered at it. Embarrassed, Lyra looked down and was grateful when another voice twanged, "Applebloom are you bothering Twilight and her friend?" A farm pony trotted over. She had blonde ponytailed mane and tail, her eyes green and her coat the exact colour of apple juice. She had three red apples as a cutie mark and she wore a cowpony hat. "Well hello there sugarcube. I'm Applejack, Twilight's friend. You must be new in town. What's your name?" "I'm Lyra Booklet," Lyra shook the pony's hoof. "Very nice to meet you. Applebloom wasn't a bother, really. Not much. I'm used to ponies being curious." "Striking, isn't she?" Applebloom asked her sister. "Eeyup," came a deep voice behind Applejack. Lyra looked to see a big male pony with a red coat and eyes, mane and tail the same colour as Applejack. His cutie mark was the cut side of half a green apple. Lyra's preferred apple. So this was Big Macintosh. Lyra's heart tripped on its hooves. Immediately, she looked at anything but him. "A new comer eh? I bet Pinkie's heard and thrown a party at Sugar Cube Corner," Applejack said. "She did one for me when I first came," Twilight remembered. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Applebloom cheered.
Chapter 3"Um is this necessary?" Eon asked, flustered as pony after pony came in through the door to join the party Pinkie Pie threw upon meeting him. He never knew ponies such as these who would gladly attend a party for a stranger. "Of course!" Pinkie Pie cheered. Eon was beginning to learn that cheering WAS talking normally when it comes to her. "I do this for every celebration for every pony!" That would explain her balloon cutie mark. Pinkie Pie was about the happiest pony Eon's met ever. Her coat and curly mane and tail were two different shades of pink and her eyes were blue. She has not stop smiling since Eon's seen her. Part of him wondered if it hurt. Pinkie Pie was introducing him to every pony who came. From the back of the party, all the way to the front door which opened to reveal a filly, a pony, a big male pony, a purple unicorn with a baby dragon on her back, and "Lyra!" Eon hugged her. He didn't even know why. He just saw her, a familiar face among a sea of ponies and he just felt relieved. Even though he didn't know her anymore than the rest, it was a huge irrational relief to see her. Behind him, Pinkie Pie flew up and gave the longest gasp, he wondered if her lungs could take anymore. Behind Lyra, the big pony was looking down at them with a blank face. The others seemed astounded. Lyra struggled. "Eon! Let go of me!" Basically the whole party stopped and was looking at them. "I got her!" Rainbow Dash bursted through the door dragging a soft yellow pegasus with pink mane and tail. Her teal eyes were down with embarrassment and her cutie mark showed three butterflies. Every pony jumped and Eon let go of Lyra. Rainbow Dash noticed nothing and dropped the pegasus on the floor. She landed with a soft "oof!" And Eon dashed to her. "Are you okay?" He asked in concern. She looked at him and their eyes met. Eon heard nothing; only his heart beating louder and her soft short breaths gaining speed. "I-I'm alright," she said in a soft whisper. "My name is Eon Lite," he told her as he helped her up, still staying close even when she recovered. "I'm Fluttershy," she told him in a tiny whisper. Only a pony with ears like his could hear. Fluttershy. The most sweetest adorable pony he's ever met. Immediately, he was taken. There was no pony now, no pony but Fluttershy that was his top priority. Fluttershy looked away, glanced at him and drifted gracefully towards Pinkie Pie who was somehow still midair but had her mouth to the floor. She suddenly came to life. "You," she pointed to Eon, "she," to Lyra, "you guys-" "Arrived at the same time together," Eon confirmed. "Not together together!" Lyra looked flustered, she risked a glance at the big male pony behind her. "We arrived on different balloons but we bumped in air," she explained. "Whoa, really?" Spike asked. "Yep," answered Rainbow Dash from the refreshment table. "I was there. Turns out this one," she pointed to Eon, "was supposed to arrive yesterday but I didn't know and the clouds were really thick so he couldn't land." "I was stuck there for an entire day!" "But the weather is clear today and he bumped into her," Rainbow Dash pointed to Lyra. "A double arrival?!" Pinkie Pie shouted in glee. "This calls for a celebration!" "Uh, Pinkie? We're at a party," the country pony twanged beside Lyra. She put her hoof around Lyra as Twilight introduced her to her friends. Eon turned to face the big male pony that flustered Lyra. He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted when Lyra called for him. He trotted over to her circle. "What were you doing with Big Macintosh? What did he say?" "Nothing. He didn't have the chance to," Eon shrugged. Put down, Lyra introduced him to the ponies with her. Twilight Sparkle, the purple unicorn that came with her. They've both met Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie, the host pony that wouldn't be quiet nor stop bouncing. Rarity, a white unicorn with a big purple spiral mane and tail. Her cutie mark is three diamonds and she fluttered her heavily lashed blue eyes at him. Applejack, the country farm pony and her little sister, Applebloom. "Big Macintosh is her older brother," Lyra added. "And this is Fluttershy..." No pony. "Fluttershy? Where did she go?" "Aw man, she left didn't she?" Rainbow Dash complained. "I'm gonna get her." Applejack held on to her tail. "No, Rainbow Dash. Just leave her be." Eon was disappointed but empathised. Fluttershy was obviously a shy pony and he probably startled her with his sudden strong concern. At least he was sure he was meeting her again.
Chapter 4Fluttershy went back home in a dizzy. Who was that stallion she met at the party? Eon, he said his name was. Eon Lite. Why did Rainbow Dash had to drop her so suddenly in front of him?? Pink in the cheeks, Fluttershy shut the door quietly and stood there hiding her face from her pet bunny, Angel. Angel had none of that. Harshly, he slapped her hooves from her face and tried to read the emotions behind it. Quite suddenly, for no reason at all, Fluttershy bursted into tears. Angel was startled. Nothing made sense but he comforted her anyway, offering his soft hide for her to cry in. The party lasted forever and honestly, both Eon and Lyra were bushed. It made sense for Pinkie Pie to go on forever, but they wondered how the other ponies endured. Then again, none of them had been on a long balloon ride. Fortunately for them, Twilight seemed to understand and ended the party. The ponies filed out, wishing them a goodnight, seeming genuinely happy to have two new ponies in town. Rarity invited them to come over to her boutique someday, murmuring something about Lyra's striking colours and Eon's good looks and clothes. "I'm sure I could make you both look amazing." Applejack and her sister gave Lyra a hug each. "Ya can come over anytime and help us find our cutie marks," Applebloom hinted. Both newcomers shook Big Macintosh's hoof but Lyra did so without meeting his eyes. Rainbow Dash mock hit Eon and tousled Lyra's mane. Pinkie Pie chattered incoherently nonstop. Lyra hugged her pet baby alligator, Gummy for whom she had a deep fondness for. At last, they called it a night and went their separate ways, Lyra with Twilight and a sleeping Spike on her back. At the tree, Lyra declined Twilight's invitation to sleep in and instead flew up and settled on a cloud and slept. Eon wandered back to a cottage at the edge of the town where things were quiet except the sounds of the nocturnal animals. Lulled by their harmonic song, Eon slept, his mind still on the beautiful yellow pegasus he just met. One by one, the ponies of Ponyville dropped asleep after quite a hard party
Chapter 5Eventually Eon and Lyra's newness wore off as Ponyville became their home and they became a part of Ponyville. Eon worked for Sugarcube Corner, where his good nature and ability to talk to just about any pony came useful. Even Zecora came to find him a nice pony to be around. Lyra helped Rainbow Dash with the weather although she really needn't to. In truth Lyra worked on little days. Most of the time, she enjoyed the company of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Other times she read. Lyra read everywhere. On a cloud, in the library, in town, during lunch. Truly, every pony agreed she and Twilight were well matched to live together. Fluttershy was not often seen roaming the streets, but Eon managed to bump into her on the days she was. Sometimes they literally bumped into each other. Eon found out where she lived after wandering around the grounds of Ponyville. He easily got along with most of her critter friends, but her pet Angel seemed to skeptically dislike him. Sweetie Belle, Rarity's younger sister, assured him that Angel didn't like anypony and had an odd way of liking Fluttershy. Of the many ponies, Lyra had come to be privately closest to Fluttershy. She didn't miss the small universal moment the pony had with Eon and for his sake, she managed to wriggle into Fluttershy's confidence. Surprisingly, Angel approved of her which Lyra found heartwarming. And so they made it a routine where Lyra's cloud would eventually float over to Fluttershy's home and she would visit. They would have a tea party or picnic there or sometimes on a hill and Fluttershy's critter friends would join. Another pony Lyra got along well with was Applejack. Lyra found that her agility had increase drastically after gracefully dodging the falling apples that was bucked on her first visit alone to Sweet Apple Acres. Applebloom marvelled at her ability and Applejack found it admirable. Big Macintosh agreed with an "Eeyup" which made Lyra went as red as the apples she dodged. Her newfound ability was a surprise to her too. One that Lyra liked to do. After getting caught doing it high in air, (there was a gap in the clouds that supposedly hid her) Granny Smith asked her if she would like to use her ability to get rid of the bad apples that fall before they reach the basket below them instead of "wasting it on doing loop de loops where no pony could see anyway" and Lyra gladly accepted. And so life in Ponyville went on contentedly. Eon became friends with everypony which made him look real good in Pinkie Pie's book. Lyra began learning of Fluttershy's feelings of Eon and helped her to make sense of them. Angel wasn't particularly happy to learn that Fluttershy liked Eon a bit more than as a friend. Her other critter friends were happy that Fluttershy had found a special somepony. As Fluttershy and Lyra's friendship grew, as did her crush on Applejack's brother and Eon's crush on Fluttershy. Fluttershy began sharing everything with Lyra, even her opinions, which she never spoke aloud. Lyra was honoured to be her friend and as Fluttershy asked her over for a sleepover, Lyra broke. Literally as the Fluttershy brought forth chocolate milk (Lyra's favourite), Lyra bursted to tears. Immediately, a dozen critters swarmed her. "Oh my!" Fluttershy fluttered. "Did I offend you somehow? I didn't mean to, I promise!" "N-No," Lyra blubbered. "It's just that you've given me everything and I've done nothing!" "Oh, but you have," Fluttershy insisted. "You've helped me and my friends make sense of everything. You notice everything and understand them. Truly, you have been a great friend!" "You are kind, Fluttershy," Lyra smiled through her tears. "And you are the first to have figured out the meaning of my odd cutie mark." Lyra looked at the eyes on her rump. "But it isn't odd at all!" Fluttershy reassured her. Angel made a sound to say that it was fairly odd and the other animals looked bashful. "I will tell you this. My biggest secret," Lyra sounded grave. "But you must Pinkie promise to keep it." All the critters and Fluttershy made the gestures as the solemnly promised, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, Stick a cupcake in my eye." "I didn't know when I realised it directly," Lyra began. "But I always knew things. Sometimes it's a feeling in the air, but most times, it's the slightest gestures that indicate the things I knew and understood. I could see past every trick in a story and I could understand everything a pony feels. At one point, I guess it just dawned on me that hey, this is something I did effortlessly everyday. It's not a bad thing and I knew my limits so this is maybe what I am to be. There was a shine on my flank and the eyes appeared. So my power is in my eyes. I see the tiniest things that can giveaway to big thing. I always used it to help those around me but when I tried to use it in certain situations involving myself, well I find that it isn't reliable." Angel chittered accusingly at her. Fluttershy frowned at him, "biggest secret doesn't mean most embarrassing secret." Angel chittered again. "I'm not saying that!" Fluttershy crossed her hooves to indicate that it was a closed matter. "He has a point," Lyra understood. "You trust me deeply and told me your feelings and opinions of things, something you don't tell everypony. Sometimes I just wish I could use my talent to help myself you know?" "Ah," Fluttershy nodded in understanding. "Big Macintosh." Immediately, Lyra turned red. She figured it was obvious, but she didn't know it was THAT obvious. "I know what you mean," Fluttershy continued. "I get that feeling myself." Lyra couldn't believe her ears. It was obvious that Fluttershy liked Eon, but by the tone of her voice, it was probably a bit more than Lyra figured. "You should talk to him, you know. He really likes you." "Really?" Fluttershy sounded astonished. "B-But I can't! I-I-I'm to shy." "And so is he," explained Lyra. "But everytime you two bump into each other, he won't stop looking at you. Even as you walk away, his eyes follow you. I don't think he'll do anything until you make the first move." The very idea of it scared Fluttershy, but determined to change the topic, she agreed feebly. "Oh, okay, I'll try. You should talk to Big Macintosh too. I want you to have your happily ever after too." Lyra's brain ran frantic by the very thought of it. "Alright, it's only fair." "You must also Pinkie Promise not to tell any pony anything that happened tonight." That was an easy thing to promise. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." And so it was done. The mares had to make the first move to get the stallions of their dreams.
Chapter 6"Oh hey, Fluttershy, what brings you here?" Eon had a pleasant surprise the next morning at work. "I was planning on treating myself but I don't know what." There was that adorable blush again that just kept winning him over. "Say no more. I'll treat you myself," Eon announced gallantly. "There's really no need for that," Fluttershy was delighted. Maybe Lyra was right; maybe he did like her. "Hey, it's no big deal. That way you can save your money for treats for you animal friends." Or maybe he just cares about the animals, Fluttershy thought gloomily. Pull yourself together, Fluttershy! "W-Well, i-if you insist. But I don't even know what I want to get," Fluttershy's forehead creased adorably in serious thought. "Leave that to me, fair mare. I'm sure I can come up with something worthy of you," Eon made her sound like royalty. It was a bit uncomfortable, but pleasing all the same. "Okay," Fluttershy blushed again. "I-I'll just sit over there," she indicated to a table within sight. "As you wish," Eon's mind was already whirling with a rather complicated but sure to win her recipe. There was a row of apple trees getting bucked that day after she cleared the skies. Lyra rode a cloud over to Sweet Apple Acres where she saw the Apple siblings laughing as they made their way to the trees that needed bucking. Big Macintosh didn't say much but he seemed to be enjoying himself. Applejack seemed the happiest and when she laughed, Applebloom looked up to Lyra's cloud and winked. "So," Applebloom's voice sounded mischievous. "I heard Lyra's coming to help." Big Macintosh seemed startled. "Why yes," Applejack answered, "the filly volunteered since she had nothing to do today." "Lyra isn't a filly! She's just a bit short for her age," Applebloom defended her. "Well, I'm sorry then. I didn't mean to offend. But it is great that she's coming," Applejack amended. "I like Lyra. She's a great pony!" Applebloom cheered. "Eeyup," agreed Big Macintosh. Whoa. Lyra was dumbstruck. He thought she was a great pony? She HAD to tell Fluttershy. Lyra did a little silent celebration up on her cloud. "Where is she, anyway?" Applejack looked around. At a speed fast enough to make Rainbow Dash proud, Lyra swooped down, scooped Applebloom up and spun her around in air. They were both laughing from adrenaline by the time they swooped back down. "Lyra, have you been listening?" Applejack looked accusingly at her. "Eeyup," Lyra answered with a giggle. Applebloom was still hysterical on the ground. Big Macintosh seemed to be looking at anything but the turquoise pegasus. The first time Lyra's going to meet his eyes, and he looks away! This was a first because Eon told her that Big Mac was ALWAYS looking at her. Deciding to push her luck, Lyra addressed him. "Hey Big Mac!" Big Macintosh looked at her and Lyra almost swooned. There was something in his eyes; exactly like Applejack's but entirely different somehow. It was like Lyra was falling all over again, but her wings won't work. "Lyra." Oh my Equestria. Applebloom stopped laughing to look at her brother. Applejack's jaw hung open. All of Ponyville probably just went silent as well. "How are you doing?" Big Macintosh's gorgeous green eyes never left her yellow ones. "Fantastic." Lyra was beginning to understand that universal moment Eon had with Fluttershy; because she was having one of her own with Big Macintosh. "I feel fantastic," Lyra murmured. "We should get to work!" Applejack bucked the tree above them. Big Macintosh and Applebloom jumped out of the way and Lyra got rid of the bad apples before they fell. Applebloom's eyes were wide as saucers but they all got back to work. Applejack bucked apples perhaps a bit harder then usual whereas her sister had a big grin that almost rivalled Pinkie Pie. Lyra kept sneaking glances at Big Macintosh whose eyes she met everytime she looked. And so the afternoon went on, the tension never once leaving the air. Just when Lyra thought Applejack or Applebloom had cooled down, they would catch Big Macintosh looking at Lyra and get all worked up again. When their job was done, Lyra's wings were worn out so she just had to walk home to rest them. Granny Smith heard and insisted that Big Macintosh walked her home. Applejack was on the edge of protesting, but Applebloom and Granny Smith pulled her away, both giving Lyra a knowing smile as they did so. "Eon! That was certainly the best treat I've ever had!" Eon turned the colour of a strawberry. "It was nothing." Fluttershy knew otherwise. She had a decent look into the kitchen from where she sat. And she saw Eon doing a series of adding and mixing and all those baking moves with a very deep furrow on his brow, a sure sign that he was concentrating very hard. "It must have been a very complicated recipe. Oh, I'm sorry to have troubled you so much." Eon blushed a little deeper. He hadn't planned on getting compliments when he offered to walk her home. "Really, Fluttershy. It was nothing. I meant it as it is. A treat." And what a treat it was! It had been a lovely afternoon. After Eon had finished the masterpiece treat, he kept her company as she ate it. Pinkie Pie volunteered to take over for the rest of the day after giving Eon what seemed like a knowing look. Lyra must have been right! Eon must really like her! "I have to make it up to you somehow! How about helping me help my bear friend clean her den tomorrow? Her claws are full from taking care of her cub." Eon wasn't sure he liked the idea of going into a cave with a protective mother that had claws, but if Fluttershy wanted him to, he'd do it. "Alright, just stop with the compliments okay? You're embarrassing me." Eon looked down as one blush faded into another. "Besides, I'm not the one who deserves to get compliments." "Who then?" "Why not the most exquisite mare in all of Equestria. The kindest, most graceful and beautiful pegasus ever born?" Fluttershy didn't get it. "Lyra?" "No, silly filly," Eon laughed softly. "You," he told her as he gently bumped her. "Wha-" Fluttershy was speechless. Up ahead, a laughter was heard. "Who else would be out after dark?" Eon and Fluttershy squinted through the fog that had developed without them noticing. Lyra came trotting beside Big Macintosh who didn't look anywhere else but the pegasus beside him. They both appeared to be obliviously happy and Lyra was laughing at something Big Macintosh had said. "Lyra!" Fluttershy whispered-cried. "Fluttershy? Hey! And Eon?! Oh wow. What's going on here?" Lyra gave Fluttershy a hug but stayed close to Big Macintosh. "I could say the same to you," Eon told her with an impish grin at the same time Fluttershy told her, "Eon was just walking me home." "Aw how sweet of you, Eon," Lyra cooed. "Big Macintosh here was doing the same for me." "Eeyup," Big Macintosh smiled at her. Lyra started feeling the start of another universal moment. "Well that was fast," Fluttershy interrupted, breaking the spell. She risked a glance at Eon. "First thing tomorrow morning," Lyra promised her. "Now, we best get inside before the fog is too thick to see through." And so all four friends said their good byes and parted into two groups. Each simply enjoying the company of the other pony while their walk lasted.
Chapter 7"He is such a great colt, Lyra. He treats me like I'm, like I'm...like I'm a princess! I don't deserve him. Yet..." Fluttershy sighed dreamily. "I know what you mean. I could almost swear that whatever is in between Big Macintosh and I is like magic! Or something!" Lyra tried and failed to describe something in perfect detail for once. The ponies giggled and shared their opinion of what was the perfect afternoon. Eon woke up with thoughts of Fluttershy. He replayed the day before's events and edited it to one where he was more impressive and cool and collected and Fluttershy was totally taken by him. But it wasn't a total flop, he cheered himself up, maybe Fluttershy is confused. He had somewhat made it clear that he liked her, he had been himself and they had enjoyed each other's company. He wasn't a bad pony and it was natural for Fluttershy to be a bit confused. He understood that. When Lyra made her way to Sweet Apple Acres that day, Applejack cornered her before she managed to reach the other Apples. "Now you look here, Lyra. I like and respect you and all that but whatever it is you're playing with my brother has to stop. We can't have him distracted and not doing his work right. Sweet Apple Acres need him and we need him as he is. I don't want to hurt your feelings, Lyra, but I'd appreciate it if you stop whatever it is that is between you and my brother." Applejack looked beseechingly at her to understand. Lyra's heart hurt. Nothing even had the time to start between her and Big Macintosh. Lyra was pretty sure that he was her destiny, as cheesy as it is, but she liked Applejack. She was a great friend and an admirable pony. Lyra was also sure that she didn't want to be on AJ's bad side. Although it made her sick inside, Lyra heard herself say, "A-Alright, Applejack. If it makes you happy." "Yeehaw! Thank you, Lyra. Thank you so much," Applejack was happy as Pinkie Pie. It made Lyra hurt even more. "Are you alright, sugarcube? You're looking green." Oh haha. Lyra got it. Because her coat was turquoise. "Lyra! Lyra!" Applebloom cheered as she and Big Macintosh made their way to them. He had a soft smile on his face that hurt Lyra because of her promise to his sister. She flew away on a cloud before they could reach her. Big Macintosh and Applebloom were confused. "Where did Lyra flew off in such a hurry?" Applebloom asked, her tone sounding hurt. Big Macintosh's eyes followed Lyra's cloud until it was out of sight. "I don't know," Applejack answered honestly. "She was looking a bit greener than usual." "What did you say to her?" Big Macintosh asked. "If she was okay. She didn't answer and just flew off." Applebloom didn't believe it. She figured that Applejack had said something else, something that probably made Lyra feel sick as she was. "I'm going after her," Big Macintosh said. Both Applebloom and Applejack started protesting. But Big Macintosh waved them shut. "You can't stop me. I am going after Lyra." Not knowing where the hay Lyra even was, Big Macintosh went to find someone who might.
