The Best is Yet to Come

After a reunion years in the making Lyra led me to her house in Ponyville; a small two story building not far from the train station.

“This is where I live” she said opening the door; she then entered motioning me to follow. A cream colored earth mare with a blue and pink mane was siting on a red couch reading a magazine. She glanced over when she heard the door open and rose to her hooves when she saw Lyra enter. She started walking toward her till I entered than she just stopped; a look of puzzlement on her face.

“So this is your friend from long ago?” The mare asked; never taking her eyes off me.

“Yep” Lyra said nodding her head, “I met him while I was with my father abroad” She then held out a hoof toward me, “Bonnie, meet Amir” She than glanced up at me, “Amir this is Bon Bon or just Bonnie as I call her; She's my best friend from here in Ponyville” Bon Bon's facial expression didn't change that much after being introduced.

“Nice to meet you” Bon Bon said in a neutral tone; holding out her hoof.

“Ma'am” I say taking it into a hand/hoof shake. There was a bit of an awkward silence after that; Lyra's smile wavered a bit as her friend kept staring at me.

“So” Bon Bon broke the silence, “Lyra says your going to Canterlot for school?”

“Yes” I reply; nodding my head, “I was accepted in to Celestia's School; I start classes day after tomorrow”

“You where accepted there?” She asked; her eyes widening in surprise. I nodded my head in confirmation, “So that means your a mage?”

“Yes, Ma'am” She eyed me with suspicion; I honestly don't think she believes me.

“Can I see some of your magic?” she asked; her tone gave me the impression she was trying to test my story as if she was hoping to out me as a fraud or something. Lyra picked up on this as well; she scowled at her friend.

“Really Bonnie?” She chided her, “Amir has nothing to prove” Bon Bon glanced over at Lyra with a questioned look.

“You haven't seen him in how many years and your willing to believe him at the drop of a hat?” She asked in a sort of know it all tone.

“I would never lie to her” I bristled a bit from what this mare was implying. She turned her gaze back to me, “I can't do magic at the moment; I left my focus stone back at my room in Canterlot” Bon Bon gave me a sort of smug look; like I just proved her right. I fished around in my bag, “I do have my acceptance letter from the school though” I pull out the parchment and reach it to her. She takes it with a sarcastic look but as she reads it her expression changes from smugness to surprise and when she gets to the bottom and see Princess Celestia's signature and seal it changes to a look of horror. She glanced up at me like she was looking at a ghost.

“Happy now?” Lyra asked; some venom in her tone. Bon Bon's ears laid flat against her head as she shifted her glance between Lyra and me a few times; her mouth moving as if she's trying to say something but can't find her voice.

“I-I'm so sorry” Bon Bon finally said; handing me back the letter as if it was a priceless antique. I take it and stick it back in my bag; she is still staring at me with wide eyes, “I... I was afraid you were trying to take advantage her” I could see tears start to form in her eyes.

“Oh, Bonnie” Lyra said in a hushed voice as she placed a foreleg over her friends shoulder, “It's okay; you had good intentions. We understand, right Amir?” She glanced at me.

“No harm, no foul” I say; my feelings of hostility evaporating. I may be sore about it for a bit but I'll get over it, “She doesn't know me like you do” Bon Bon gives a teary smile as she tries to wipe her eyes.

“Come on; lets have dinner together. I'll order pizza and we can sit down, eat and get to know each other” Lyra said with a smile.

“Sounds good” I say. Bon Bon looks at me and smiles

“I'd like that too” She agreed.

The pizza arrived via pegusus in about 10 minutes; three boxes of veggie supreme pizza, a box of grilled celery, box of cheesy bread sticks and 2 bottles of soda. I helped Lyra pay for it despite her objections and soon the three of us where eating and having a merry time trading stories. The one that got the most laughs was a story from Lyra's time in Narn when she was frozen in place a 5 minutes because she forgot to dry her coat before going outside.

“I thought she was an ice sculpture at first” I said causing Bon Bon to cackle loudly while Lyra just blushed; looking indignant.

“It was a one time thing” she said not looking at either of us though the red on her face was quite visible; Bon Bon chuckled at her friends embarrassment.

“So why did you have to leave Narn?” Bon Bon asked; both Lyra and me looked at her then we turned to each other.

“I've.. kinda wondered about that too” I say to her; causing Bon Bon to look surprised.

“She didn't tell you?” Lyra didn't meet either of our gazes.

“No” I shook my head, “I don't think she even knew at the time. I only found out about it just as she boarded the airship” Bon Bon winced.

“I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to bring up a painful topic” She said to us as she glanced between Lyra and me.

“It's okay Bonnie” Lyra said; staring at her slice of pizza in front of her, “My father was a stubborn pony. We were allowed entrance into Narn as a scholarly pursuit but after a year the Narn royalty and he got into an argument” Her tone started to turn bitter, “My father was always comparing the Narn royalty to Princess Celestia; making them feel like the lesser because of they ways they were different” She glanced at me; an apologetic look in her eyes, “We were expelled because my father insulted them than refused to apologize. To this day he still claims the royal family was against him because he was a pony” Tears began to form in her eyes as she turned her gaze away me, “Our relationship as father and daughter has been sour ever since. He blames my friendship with you as a bad influence” I hug her not knowing what else to do; she is surprised by the embrace.

“Your father is your father; your are you” I say; not knowing how else to put my feelings into words. Lyra understood though; I didn't blame her nor do I resent her because of her father. She must have held onto that feeling of my reaction to the truth for years; once it was out and she saw I didn't hate her she began to cry. She returned my embrace; sniffing and sobbing like a small foal. After a moment we separated; both drying our eyes. Bon Bon smiled reassuringly at us.

“You mentioned it before but what is a focus stone?” She asked trying to change the subject once Lyra and me regained our composure.

“It's called a stone but it's usually a crystal or gem” Lyra explained, “See, normally Satyrs can't channel magic naturally as they lack something to use as a focus to draw magic” She points to her horn, “Like unicorn horns which are natural magic conductors” She lowers her hoof, “To get around this Satyr magi use certain types of gemstones and crystals to at as a conductor”

“Mine is an Amethyst stone” I add causing the mares to look my direction, “It's kind of orb shaped” I hold up my left hand, “It's sits on the back of a type of glove that I wear on my hand. Once on I can use it as a focus in a similar way a unicorn uses their horn”

“Fascinating” Bon Bon says.

We talk long into the night; eating pizza and just being friends. Afterwords the two mares head upstairs to their bedrooms; they offer me the couch which I gratefully accept. Once we say our good nights we all go to sleep; tomorrow Lyra and I have orientation for school; the thought of going to school with Lyra again excites me. It will be just like old times.

The next morning the three of us had breakfast together after which Lyra and me said good-bye to Bon Bon and headed for the train station.

“Morning Lyra” Someone called out; we turned to see a purple alicorn come up to us.

“Morning Twilight” Lyra greeted her, “What brings you out so early?”

“Just some quick errands. Are you heading for Canterlot?” She asked.

“Yep, orientation is today; Amir and me where heading there now” Lyra gestured toward me. Twilight looked at me and studied me a moment; her eyes lit up in realization after a moment.

“Oh, your must be from the new outreach program. Nice to meet you, I'm Twilight” she said smiling.

“Amir, Princess” I said introducing myself with a slight bow

“No just Twilight will do” she said waving her hooves.

“As you wish Princess Twilight” I say with a grin; Lyra proceeds to playfully hit me in the shoulder. Twilight chuckles; at least shes good humored.

“I hope you enjoy your time at Celestia's school” She says, “I went there too so if you need any help with anything I'm sure you could ask Lyra” she gestured toward the green unicorn, “myself” she gestured to herself, “or my other friends in Canterlot”

“Yep; I'm sure the girls will help you if you need it” Lyra said; grinning as she glanced at me, “You've already met Minuette but there is also Lemon Hearts, Twinkle Shine and Moon Dancer”

“Thanks; I hope I get to meet everyone” I say

We bid the princess good-bye and make it to the train; we take our seats as the train starts off.

“Didn't know you knew a Princess” I comment to Lyra; who's sitting across from me.

“Oh I've know Twilight since before she was a Princess; I figured she just moved on after she became one. Imagine my surprise when she approached me one day; to apologize of all things for being a 'bad friend'” Lyra explained.

“Now that she's a Princess she probably hold herself to a higher standard than before” I say; thinking on it, “Part of that is to take responsibility for your actions”

“Maybe; you shouldn't focus on the negative a lot though” Lyra sighed; than chuckled, “Twilight did always overthink things”

After a 10 minute train ride we were in Canterlot; once we were of the train we headed for the school campus. As we approached the grounds I saw a familiar mare heading inside.

“Mrs. Guiding Star” I say to the mare who looks up; she smiles broadly as we approach.

“Ah, good morning you two” she said with a warm smile, “I see you two managed to find each other okay” She glanced at Lyra, “The first thing this young colt did when he got here was ask about you than after he found out where you were he ran like a timberwolf was after him for the train station” Lyra glances at me with a look of light surprise; I don't meet her gaze as I'm too busy trying to hid the red on my face. She then smiles sweetly at me and giggles causing my face to go an even deeper shade of red.

“So orientation is at 8?” I ask in an effort to change the topic

“It is” Guiding Star says with a nod, “It will be held in the main auditorium”

“I need to stop by my room” I glance at Lyra, “I can unpack later but it would probably be best to get use to wearing my focus stone”

“Sure, we have time” Lyra agreed. We bid good-bye to Guiding Star and head for the dormitory. We enter the common room which unlike yesterday is now full of ponies. They notice us when we walk in and all conversations stop as they stare at me; It's enough to make me shift uncomfortably. Lyra on the other hand is mad.

“Don't you know it's rude to stare?” Lyra say crossly and loud enough for everyone to hear. Soon everyone turns their attention back to their conversations; I sigh in relief while Lyra huffs in annoyance.

“I'll never get use to that” I say as I walk up the stairs with Lyra.

“They'll get use to you than they wont do it anymore” She said with a bit of huff. We get to my room and enter; it's unchanged from yesterday with my suitcase still on my bed. I open it and pull out my focus stone.

It's much like what I described last night; its a black and silver glove made of both cloth and metal. It it finger less allowing me to still grip with my hand; the cloth part of it covers my palm and fastens at the wrist. The metal part covers the top of my hand in a silver colored plate; the amethyst stone embedded in the center shaped into the form of a dragons eye. I roll up my sleeve and pull on the glove; after fastening it on I ball my fist a few times causing the stone to glow a deep purple. I then hold out my hand and concentrate causing a purple aura to surround the lid to my suitcase; I turn my hand and flick my fingers upward causing the lid to shut itself. Using my levitation magic I move my suitcase from my bed into the cabinet; Lyra lets out a small chuckle afterwards.

“I see you got the basics down” She said

“Now I just need the advance stuff” I say with a grin.

We leave my room and head for the auditorium; on the way I see several ponies give me dirty looks. Seems some ponies aren't to fond of the idea of a non-unicorn in this school. The two of us enter the auditorium and find our seats. Soon other ponies join us and the orientation begins; Princess Celestia herself is present to greet the student body.

“Welcome everyone both new and returning students” she says in a sincere voice, “Today your instruction in the magic arts will begin. The halls of this school welcomed many of the most prominent mages and wizards in Equestria and they will welcome you as well”

“All unicorns anyway” someone in the crowd says; barely loud enough to be audible. I don't see who says it but I know that was meant for me; I'm the only non unicorn in the crowd. Princess Celestia's face darkens a touch; she heard what was said but didn't see who said it either.

“As I said, they welcome any who come to learn the secretes and mysteries of magic” She continued; scanning the crowd. He tone was still light but had an air of authority to it now, “So embrace your talents and with the help of your fellow students study hard to be the best you can” There was light applause as she finished speaking; The princess smiled and nodded to the crowd. After the princess many of the faculty introduced themselves and went over the courses they teach. Than general rules were laid out and events for the year.

After about an hour the students were dismissed; the rest of the day was ours to do as we wish; classes started tomorrow. Lyra and I exited the auditorium to see Princess Celestia waiting for us.

“You must be Amir” she said pleasantly, “I welcome you to the School for Gifted Unicorns” She glanced down a Lyra, “I see you have already made a friend in Miss. Lyra Heartstrings. That's wonderful” she beamed at us.

“Princess” Lyra bows her head, “Y-you remember me? I'm honored”

“Of course I remember you, my little pony” Celestia chuckles, “You are a friend of my former student Twilight as well as one of my niece's bridesmaids”

“Huh, never knew you rubbed hooves with so many of the royalty” I glance at her; a smirk on my face. Lyra blushed but said nothing; Celestia grinned at the two of us.

“I'm so happy you managed to find each other after so many years apart” she said; then her expression grew remorseful, “I wish I could have prevented Hard Copy's expulsion”

“There was nothing you could have done, Princess” Lyra said to the floor; her tone somewhat bitter, “Dad always was stubborn about his ideas. If he thought the moon was made of cheese he would argue with Princess Luna over it” She glanced up at the princess, “No surprise he thought Equestrian royalty was better than Narns because of their differences”

“That is a common thought among many here in Canterlot” Celestia sighed; she than turned to me, “I wanted to apologize for the off handed comment earlier. Some ponies dislike change I'm afraid”

“It's not your fault, Princess. Some just take longer to adjust” I say with optimism.

“Yes” Celestia agreed but the tone in her voice made it apparent she was concerned. The Princess bids us good-day and heads back to the palace. Lyra and I leave the campus so she can show me around Canterlot. As we approach the doughnut shop I visited yesterday we are flagged down by Minuette.

“Hey! Lyra, Amir welcome back” She says happily as she approaches us, “I was coming here to meet the rest of the girls; Come on they'll be happy to see you too!”

“That sound like fun” Lyra said smiling; she glanced at me, “I'll introduce you to the rest of the girls” The three of us enter the shop; Minuette waves at a yellow, white and cream colored mare.

“Hey girls! Look who I found!” She said; gesturing to Lyra and me.

“Hey Lyra, welcome back to Canterlot” The yellow mare says with enthusiasm.

“Is this your friend from Narn?” the white one asks pointing at me

“Yep” Lyra says as She, Minuette and I sit at the table with them, “Amir these are my friends Lemon Hearts” she gestures to the yellow mare with a blue mane, “Twinkle Shine” Gestures to the white mare with a pink mane, “And Moon Dancer” gestures to the cream mare with glasses. They all give different greetings.

“So your here all the way from Narn?” Moon Dancer asks

“Yes” I nod my head, “I'll be staying at the dormitory on campus during the term”

“How did you hear about the exchange program?” Lemon Hearts asked

“There was a flier posted around town asking for volunteers” I explained, “Celestia wants to open better relations with Narn so allowing promising mages to learn from Equestria's best seemed like a good way to bridge the gap” I glanced at my focus stone, “I'm the test case; I was chosen because of my promising scores and the fact I'm more familiar with equine interaction”

“Because of your experiences with Lyra” Twinkle Shine says not a question; I nod my head, “It's so great your here; Lyra has talked about you several times before. She thought you might have forgotten about her” I glance at Lyra who is currently staring at the floor.

“I could never forget about her; I've thought about her every day even till now” I say turning back to the others. Out of the corner of my eye I see Lyra glance at me; her cheeks red a bit. The girls make a uniform 'aw' sound.

“That's so sweet” Lemon Hearts says

We order doughnuts and coco while trading stories; the frozen Lyra one still a big hit as the mares laugh.

“Your never gonna let me live that down, are you?” Lyra says indignantly; her cheeks red. I chuckle; Then a thought comes to mind.

“If you don't mind me asking” I say to her causing her to glance at me, “How did you end up a Princess' Bridesmaid?” Lyra shifts a bit as if she doesn't like the topic.

“Well, I'm friends with Twilight so through her I met Princess Cadence” She says in a tone that makes me think she didn't really like to talk about the wedding.

“Yea, so did we” Minuette said gesturing to herself and Twinkle Shine, “We were her bridesmaids as well”

“The wedding was great though the brain washing bit I could have done with out” Twinkle Shine added; her expression changing to one of mild disgust as she says the last part. That gets my attention.

“Brain Washing?” I repeat; Lyra stares at her food.

“Yea, a changeling queen impersonated Cadence for a while before the wedding” Minuette said; her normally energetic tone dropped down to a normal one, “In order to keep up her disguise she brain washed me, Twinkle Shine and Lyra” She gestured to the others as she spoke, “She even sent us down into the crystal mines bellow the city to make sure Twilight and the real Cadence didn't show up”

“And Twilight thought she was a bad friend” Lyra muttered under her breath though everyone heard it. It was plain to see the event had an effect on her more than the others so we all just changed the subject from there.

Soon it was time for me to head back to the dormitory as curfew was an hour away; I bid good-bye to my new friends. Lyra mentioned she was staying with Minuette so if I ever needed her to just come get her. We give each other a quick hug then go our separate ways. I reach the dormitory okay; many of its residents are already in their rooms. I head to mine and notice something on the door; As I read it my heart sinks. Somebody taped a crude drawing of me to my door with a simple phrase under it:

GOAT GO HOME!