Out in the middle of the Everfree Forest was Lyra Heartstrings, staring at the massive tree in front of her. The tree had weird-looking masks hanging in random places along the limbs and bark. Some were on the ground, and had little candles in the eyes that gave the tree a much creepier vibe. The plant also had strange markings in different colored paint. Her eyes shifted towards the windows. There were random flashes of lights, telling her that the zebra was home.
It was midday when she had entered the forest. The sun was shining, and there wasn't single cloud in the sky. With the sun out, this should be a fairly easy journey to Zecora's. Lyra thought, as she entered the vast woods. What she had not planned on was it to be so dense that no light penetrated the tree's thick growth. The darkness consumed everything, even with Lyra’s glowing horn, it was impossible to not trip over roots and jump at every sound heard. The Everfree forest was a force to not to be trifled with.
She stood there still gazing at the zebra's tree. I don't know if can do this... Her heart was in her throat and the green mare's stomach felt queasy. This had to be hardest decision of her life, and she was doing it for what? A human? This would have to be most unprecedented event in Equestria. No pony in their right mind would want to be sent to the human world. Though for Lyra she was thinking more clearly than she had her entire life, but her nerves were still getting the best of her.
Transporting yourself to a different world was considered forbidden magic long lost to all ponies. Anypony caught attempting or researching a way to leave their world was considered an outcast. This was the law set by Princess Luna. Her reasoning was, “If you don't want live in Equestria, then why should we know that you exist at all?” In a way, she had a point, but she assumed that everypony should be happy there. What if there was one mare that wasn't happy? Her past relationships ended with heartbreak and depression. This desire was all that she had left. Her last hope to be truly happy with the one she loved. A human named Eric.
She had been having dreams about Eric for over two years. He was a tall, somewhat masculine man about the age 22. He had black, short hair with hazel eyes. The dreams would consist of sex, and them lying together talking about how they felt about each other. They were so vivid that Lyra was determined to find a way to the human world. She had been to every library (except for two) in Equestria searching for the answer, but always coming up short.
Lyra was pretty much alone most of her life after her parents passed away two years ago. The few friends she had, she told them about her dreams and determination to find the human. They pretended like they understood, but, the next day, they never talked to her again and avoided any contact with her. It wasn't the avoiding part that depressed Lyra, but being lied to her face is what cinched it. Even her once best friend, Bon Bon, left her. After she had lost her friends, she had trust issues with every pony, and rarely talked with any of them. That was until the day she met, Twilight Sparkle.
* * *
They had met a year ago on a sunny afternoon, while Twilight was in her library re-organizing the bookshelves. She was dancing around happily with her eyes closed, making each book float to their proper place among the shelves. This activity was always fun for her. She would think of a new ways to arrange her books every other week or so, just have a change of some kind.
Lyra had entered the library in the middle of this performance, and giggled softly at the purple mare’s enthusiasm. She could tell that the librarian had the same passion for her books as she did when playing her harp. Reading was a big part of Lyra’s daily routines, but to Twilight reading wasn’t a routine... It was a way of life.
Once Twilight was done, Lyra made a small cough to make her presence known. The librarian froze in place, and turned to face her unknown guest. Her, face was completely red, realizing that she had a captive audience. As she spoke, Twilight’s voice cracked some. “I-I am sorry... I didn’t-”
Lyra waved a hoof dismissively, and was still giggling. “Hehe, don’t worry about it. I rather enjoyed the show.”
“Well... Thanks.” The purple unicorn paused and made a sheepish smile. Then continued. “So, how may I help you today?”
“Crap... Ummmm,“ Lyra said while scratching her head with her hoof.
Twilight chuckled. “Did you forget already?”
“No... “ Lyra stared at the unicorn for second, and then face light up with a large smile. “OH! now I remember. I came here to a find a book on famous unicorns of Equestria.”
Oh my gosh, a pony interested in Equestrian history! Twilight jumped up and down saying “yes” repeatedly.
Lyra stared at the ecstatic mare bouncing in front of her. “Uhhhhhh...?”
Twilight heard the green mare's voice, stopped her charade, and blushed again. “I’m sorry. It’s just that... “ She rubbed the back of her head. “You’re the first pony to come in here interested in reading about Equestria’s greatest unicorns. They are an important part of our history, and most ponies forget that without them, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Lyra grinned. “I completely agree. When I was a filly, I was always told that any part history is important. No matter how boring it is.”
The grin on Twilight was too big for her own face.”Amazing! You sound just like my old school teacher Ms.-”
“Historical?” Lyra said while raising an eyebrow.
The purple gasped. “Ho-how did you know?”
“I was also went to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, so we ended up in the same class together.” She gave a sheepish smile. “Twilight Sparkle”
Twilight’s jaw dropped. “I-I had no idea. I never paid much attention to anypony while in school.”
“Yeah, I know. You were always studying, striving to be best, and I respected you for it”
“Thank you.” Twilight said while blushing. “Though now I know friends are, or maybe, more important than my studies.”
I don't know about that, but whatever you say Twilight. Lyra nodded and raised a hoof to shake. “Names Lyra Heartstrings.”
Twilight shook it. “Nice to meet you Lyra. Now let's go get you that book, and would you like stay with me to chat for awhile?”
Lyra insides churned. This had been her first friend in over a year, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for another one. The smile on her new friend's face was different from anypony she had ever met. There was kindness and understanding behind the purple mare's smile. Well I guess give this one more go. I won't reveal anything until I know I can trust her.
“I would love to.” The green unicorn beamed as she trotted past Twilight.
Unbeknownst to Lyra, Twilight was checking her out with her mind racing. This is amazing. I wish I got know her back in school. She as smart as me, and is gifted in magic. Truly a wonderful mare to become friends with, ooorrr... Twilight cocked her head sideways to get a good look at Lyra's flank. I hope maybe we can become more than just friends.
* * *
A bond was formed between them after this first encounter. They would read together, share stories of their life, and discuss their theories on magic. The inseparable friends spent almost every day with each other. It was Lyra's longest friendship she had ever been in, and she was happy. Though there was one thing that still nagged her every night. She wanted to tell Twilight of her secret. I hope she will be more compassionate compared to my other friends.
Lyra and Twilight were sitting in the library enjoying a moment of peace with their books. Though there was slight creaking noise every so often coming from Lyra as she fidgeted around in her seat.
Her friend tried to ignore the sound, but with each creak of the chair seemed to grow louder and echo in her ears after every movement the harp player made. Her book closed, looked over at Lyra with a concerned look. “What's wrong? You're not acting like yourself today.”
Lyra sighed, set her book down, and pushed it away from her all while staring at the table. “I-I have tell you something important Twilight.”
The librarian's heart began pound fast against her. I hope this is what I think is...
“But... “Lyra looked around as if looking for something. “We need to discuss this in private. You think we could go to your room?”
Twilight’s heart skipped a beat at this question. Oh My Celestia. Sh-she wants to go ahead and cut to the chase. She nodded at Lyra, and took the lead upstairs. It's a good thing Spike is out helping Rarity. I get to have this mare all to myself. It took everything she had to resist from jumping up with delight.
Once they were upstairs, Lyra went in front of Twilight and sat down at the edge of the bed fidgeting with her her hooves.
Twilight stared at her nervously. She is being too quiet. This must be really hard for to admit to me. Oh, if she only knew how much I cared for her... What if I just said something? The ignorant mare opened her mouth a bit before she was cut off by Lyra.
“Twilight, I am in love with a human!” She said in a loud, rasped whispered.
The librarian's mind shut down, and her heart sunk into her stomach. She's already in love?!... And he's a human! I mean she has told me about how obsessed she is with them, but in love with one? That's just ridiculous. Remaining calm, Twilight began in a monotone voice. “So you're saying that you're in love with a being from another world that you've never met. Am I right?”
Lyra nodded, and said. “Well that's not entirely true. We have met few-”
“You've been to the human world?!” The purple mare's eyes widen in shock.
“No, I haven't, but... “ Lyra's voice was in a whisper with her eyes looking at the floor.
There was a sigh of relief inside Twilight’s mind.
“I have dreamed about him for the last two years.”
Wh-what, and she considers these dreams as a connection of love? Is this pony crazy... Twilight remembered when she almost caused a riot over a friendship letter, and the warning from she sent herself from the future. I guess I could relate. She trotted next to the bed, laid down next to her friend, and asked, “Would you mind telling me about these dreams?”
The green unicorn smiled at Twilight. “Of course not, You've been so understanding about this. I was expecting you to think I was insane.”
Twilight gave a nervous laugh. “Well you've had to put up with my antics. It's about time I return the favor.”
“Fair enough,” Lyra agreed. “Though there is one thing that I don't think you'll like about these dreams.”
“And that is... ?”
A sly smile appeared on Lyra. “We have sex.”
Ugh, I think I'm gonna be sick. Why, oh why, am I in love with her. As calm as Twilight could possibly be, she said, “Yeah, if you don't mind. Please, skip that little detail. I don't mind you telling me about the sex you've had with your coltfriends, but that is just awkward.”
“Understood.” Lyra turned around and crawled the back head board of Twilight's bed with the purple mare next to her. They sat up against it as she began her story. Her voice was filled with excitement, and dreamy a look in her eyes.
“The dream would always start with us laying down on a bed. We stare into each others eyes and talk about anything we wanted to share. He would listen to me intently, as if nothing else he's heard mattered. He would even cuddle up with me as I spoke. His skin was warm, and his hands tickled the edge of my fur. He would stay silent most of the time, but when he spoke, his voice was a smooth, rich vanilla tone to my ears. I wanted nothing more than for us to talk for hours, but after awhile we would begin to kiss and so on and so forth.”
Twilight let every word sink into her. The thoughts of Lyra making out with a human made her stomach feel queasy, but she didn't let show. Instead, she gave her friend a polite smile, and asked, “So you think this human could actually exist?”
“It sounds ridiculous, I know, but these dreams are so vivid. How could he not be?”
Twilight felt a sharp pain in her heart. What if this human was real? It would make her so happy to see him. I may love her, but... The purple unicorn avoided looking at Lyra with a small frown as she spoke in a small voice, “I-I may know how to get you there.”
Lyra's heart skipped a beat, and stared at Twilight in disbelief. “You do?”
“Yes, I read it in a book called ‘Dark Rituals’ in the Canterlot Archives. It was vague on the subject, but it mentions that there is one race that knows how to send ponies to other worlds.”
“Who?” The green unicorn said with a desperate tone.
“Zebras.”
Lyra's jaw hit the floor. “That means... Zecora must know how.”
Twilight gave a slight nod.
The unicorn grabbed Twilight into a heartfelt hug. “Thank you so much, Twilly. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“You're welcome.” Twilight hugged back. “Seeing you happy makes me happy.” As she pulled away and gave Lyra the best smile could. Even if I have to give up my happiness.
Satisfied with Twilight's response, Lyra got up from the bed, galloped down her stairs, and out the front door. “Bye, Twilight. You are best friend a mare could have!”
Twilight slowly waved goodbye, then slumped into her pillow, and began to cry. The only mare I love is in relationship with a human. Oh, how pathetic could one pony be?
* * *
Lyra held her head up high, as she trotted towards Zecora's tree. I have been searching far too long to back down from it now. It's now or never. Once she had reached the door, the mare knocked on it three times when she heard.
“Wait, one sec. I'll be there soon. I'm just mixing up a potion for little Apple Bloom.”
Resistance to buck the door down was slowly weakening inside Lyra. She scrunched up her face, and waited patiently as she could.
Until, the door opened up, and Apple Bloom came bouncing out. “Thank you again, Zecora. My teeth are good as new, just like last time, “ She said cheerfully as the filly galloped away.
The zebra came to the door and waved the filly goodbye. Then turned towards Lyra and said, “Hello there, one who plays the lyre. Come on in, you have nothing to fear.”
Lyra slowly trotted in after Zecora. She was shaking slightly as she entered Zecora's home. It was rather warm inside from the fire that was burning under a boiling pot. There were a wide variety of smells that mixed together, making each it difficult to tell them apart, but together made the place smell horrible. Even with the fire going it was still rather dark.
Taking one of her candles off the wall with her mouth, Zecora ignited it with the fire, and light all the other candles hanging on the wall. She returned the candle, and faced Lyra. “These candles go out on their own when the door opens, I dare say. Now how may I help you on this fine day?”
“Oh, um, I am not sure how to say this, but... “ The unicorn gave nervous smile, and her voice cracked. “I-I, uh, want you... To send me to the... Human world.”
Zecora's expression darkened, and she began to close all the windows as quick as she could. Then trotted to Lyra with the same dark expression. “Who told you of our sacred ritual?”
Lyra was shaking more than ever now. The zebra had stopped rhyming, and was aggressively pushing her back against. Wh-what will she do to me if I don't answer, and if I do tell her. I don't want her to hurt Twilight.
“Hurry up. I am getting impatient.” Zecora growled.
“Twilight Sparkle! She told me she found it in a book.”
At that, the zebra's expression relaxed, and she back away from Lyra. “Oh, I see. Any friend of Twilight's is a friend of mine.”
The unicorn wiped the sweat off her brow, and calmed down.
“So would you be the one she calls Lyra?”
She nodded her head and answered, “Yes that's me.”
“Hmmm, and why do you want to Earth so badly?” Zecora took a small piece of chalk off one her shelves, and begun to draw on the ground next to the boiling pot.
“I-I want to find the one I have been dreaming of, Eric. He has been in my mind for years, and I so desperately want to be with him.” Lyra pleaded.
“Is that all?” The zebra responded still continuing to draw.
“That's all I have wanted for a long time.” Lyra could not see what she was drawing but from the way her head was moving it looked rather complicated.
“Good, because once you're are in that world. There will be two conditions.” She finished her drawing, took six candles off the wall, and placed them around the drawing at equal intervals.
“I don't care what they are, but you may proceed.” Lyra stated flatly getting somewhat impatient.
“First, I can only open the portal once every ten years, and will stay open for a week until it closes. So you have until then if you decide to come back. If not you'll will be stuck there for a long time.”
The unicorn waved a hoof a dismissively. “Yeah I won't be coming back. What's the second?”
Zecora turned and looked at her. “You will not be able to use magic.”
Lyra flinched at this. I have dedicated a large amount of my life to magic, and now I have to give it up. With a heavy sigh, She said, “I accept these conditions.”
Nodding and then pointing to the circle of candles, Zecora asked, “Please, stand in the middle of that so I can start the ritual”
Doing as she was told, the unicorn trotted on spot and stared at strange drawing. It had words in another language written all over it with pentagons crises-crossing over each other. Interesting.
Then Zecora began to chant a strange incantation that Lyra could not understand. As soon as she started, the circle of candles began to grow brighter, and everything that Zecora had drawn was glowing. Suddenly a vast wind began to blow from below Lyra, the circle opened up into a massive light on the floor, and, poof, she was gone.
One thing before you guys read this. I want you to know that when I mention humans not caring about there planet, and such. It is not some kind liberal bull shit, or anything. It is just the way Lyra feels when she's in city. I just wanted to make that clear. Also I was going to wait for my editor to check for any errors, but I get impatient. So you guys catch anything please let me know. I'm terrible at self editing. Enjoy. :D
Lyra's trip through the portal was instantaneous. There was no strange shock, or twisting sensations of her body. The only tough part was it throwing her out from other side of a brick wall onto the ground head sliding. Stumbling a bit as she got up. She tried to take in her surroundings, but everything was blurry.
After a moment of pain and all her senses returning, she started to cough from the dense, toxic air. It burned the insides of her lungs. Lyra fell against a wall, holding hoof on her chest as she tried to regulate her breathing. How does anything live like this? I'm practically suffocating. There was also an acrid smell that loomed in the air making her feel queasy.Her coughing began to mellow out, and she was soon able to breathe normally with still a slight sting in her lungs. It's not so bad. At least, I'm getting used to it. That smell though, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that. The unicorn then got up with her faced scrunched awkwardly, and looked around as she trotted down the paved road.
She was in a long, dark alleyway with trashcans all along the brick walls. There were some vents that were releasing steam from bellow the ground. That must be why I can't breath normally here. The lyre player stopped held her breath as she passed them. The walls had random graffiti painted all along it with words written sloppily, and posters of bands that were playing in some underground theater.
From the way things were looking so far, Earth was looking like a pretty disgusting place, and Lyra was beginning to have her doubts. I don't know... Everything about this place seems wrong to me. Do these human's even care about their home? She frowned at the thought erased it from her mind. It doesn't matter. So long as I can be with Eric, I don't care what they do.
As she got closer to the end, Lyra noticed the vast amount people going about their day, and loud bleeping sounds echoing down the alleyway. The excitement she was feeling was making her insides churn her legs shake. She began to creep slowly against the wall while edging her way around the trash-cans. I know none of these humans have ever seen some thing like me before, so I am not sure how they will react my presence. I probably shouldn't show myself, until I see Eric.
Luckily, at the end of the alleyway, was a big dark green canister for her to hide. With her back up against it, she turned her head peeked out from the edge, and what she saw made her jaw drop.
The bleeping sounds were coming from masses of metal vehicles of all different colors and shapes. Those are the strangest looking things I have ever seen. Then she looked up at some of the buildings, and they all had big moving pictures of certain products they were showing off. What in Celestia's name is a Coke?
She then got a good look at the humans. They were going about their day talking into strange devices, socializing with one another, and wearing the weirdest clothing she had ever seen. Lyra giggled at how ridiculous they looked. I don't think I would ever wear some thing that says “Got Swag” on it, and what is “I Heart NY”? It just sounds like a bunch of nonsense.
Lyra was completely distracted by the sights, and sounds of the city that she barely noticed a man that looked (she believed) exactly like Eric walk passed the green canister. Th-that's him. I can't believe it. It's actually him! She waited until there was a small opening in the crowd, and swiftly galloped through the crowd after him.
One young girl walking with her mother, spotted Lyra, and yelled out, “Look! There's a unicorn!”
Everyone that heard the yell, laughed at the young girl's naivety. They were all caught up in spontaneous imagination of the girl. That none of them even notice Lyra slip pass them to the end of the street corner where the so called Eric was waiting to cross the road.
This is my only chance. The unicorn thought, and sped up.
As soon as he was ready to cross, she jumped on him and the force made him fall to the ground with her on his back.
The man was in shock too afraid to move. I think I was just tackled by a dog. If I don't move maybe its owner will grab him.
As the weight of the animal was off him, a sweet girls voice said.“I-I'm sorry, Eric. I was too excited, and lost control. I didn't mean to hurt you.”
Now the man was really confused. He rolled over onto his back, and, what he saw, his mind could not comprehend. A freaking unicorn!
It leaned it's head in and looked at him with concern. “Are you all right?”
The look horror in the man's eyes made Lyra gulp and in a sad voice she said, “You aren't Eric, are you?”
He got up quickly and ran as fast as could across the road onto the next street, and disappeared into another crowd.
Lyra collapsed on the street corner, tears rolling down her eyes as she laid on the ground. I could have sworn that was him. This whole idea was destined fail from the beginning. I-I should have known that no one could love me, not even in another world.
In the midst of self pity, a crowd people, who saw the whole thing, were forming a circle around her. They all had some digital device out either recording a video, taking pictures, or calling some one they knew about this strange phenomenon in front of them.
Then loud sirens came from down the street. A couple of cop cars, news vans, and an animal control vehicle pulled up beside the mass amount of people. The cops came out, and backed up everyone out of the vicinity of the unicorn. The news crews was recording everything they saw, and interviewed any person that said they had witnessed the strange occurrence. All while three animal control personal walked over to the creature.
“What the hell is this thing?” one of them asked. “It's like someone took a small horse dumped into green paint.”
“I-I don't know. I've never seen anything like it in my life” Another man said while looking over the crying pony. “What do we do with it?”
Then a bulky man, who seemed to be their boss, shrugged. “I guess we should take it to the zoo, and they'll decide what to do this thing.”
The other two men nodded in agreement, one lifted Lyra carefully, and carried her to the back of their vehicle.
The distressed mare was too up set to even care as she hung limp in the man's arms. I don't care what happens to me anymore. All my dreams, and hopes of love eroding away like a wave lapping against a rock. Lyra closed her tear filled eyes, trying to picture the picture the purple mare. Oh, Twilight. I am such a fool. You were my one true friend, and I gave it up for an idiotic dream. I-I'm so sorry.
Animal control placed her in a cage, set in the back of their, and drove away after all three of them were inside.
* * *
It had been five days since Lyra had left for the human world, and the purple unicorn had shut herself in doors ever since. She refused any visitors, and ate her meals alone in silence. Lyra had meant a lot to her, and it made Twilight into an emotional wreck to see her go.
Spike had seen Twilight in this state several times. She only got like this when one of her last marefriends left her. They left This had gone for far too long for Spike's comfort, so he wrote a letter to Princess Celestia.
She was sitting at her massive hall dining table with her sister, and others from the royal court when Spike's letter appeared, and let out deep sigh after she had read it. The princess stood up and said, “I apologize to all of you, but it appears my student is in dire-straits. Do enjoy yourselves for the time being.” She bowed down to them, and they returned the gesture as she went out the front entrance's giant doors.
The white alicorn flew to Ponyville, and landed in front of the village's library. She knocked on the front door several times, and heard a yell from inside, “Please, go away! I'm feeling ill.”
“Twilight Sparkle, this is your mentor, Princess Celestia! I know you're not sick. Now open up this instant.”
The unicorn, inside the library, jolted straight up from her bed with her eyes round as saucers with tears still forming at the edges. Spike! What did I tell that little...
A more aggressive knock interrupted her thoughts. “Twilight! This is not a joke!”
After wiping off her face and smoothing out the fur, Twilight teleported instantly to the front door, opened it, and smiled at her teacher sheepishly as she peeked from the edge. “Ummm, Hi princess. What, uh, brings you here?”
“I think you know exactly brings me here my dear student. Spike sent me a letter saying that you have avoided any attempts of leaving the library, and eating sparsely. What is troubling you?” The alicorn's tone was gentle, but firm. She cared for her student deeply, but this kind of behavior is unacceptable.
Averting any eye contact with her teacher, Twilight said, “I-I can't tell yo-you” Tears fell from her muzzle.
“I am not only your teacher, Twilight, but I'm also your friend. Would you please let me in?”
Twilight obliged her, and slowly opened the door. The princess trotted inside, and turned around to face Twilight as she closed the door still not looking at her teacher.
“Now will you tell me?” Celestia asked
The unicorn quickly wrapped her teacher into a hug, and frantically cried. “I have done some thing horrible. She was so determined to go. I-I couldn't help but tell her how to get there. I thought I would be happy to see her...” A gold shoe hoof was pressed up against her mouth.
“Slow down my student. Your not making any sense.” Her eyes had a kind and gentle look on them.
Sighed deeply, and her voice calmed as she the told story. Celestia listened intently with the same kind look until Twilight told her about Lyra going to the human world. Her expression darkened , but she let Twilight finish.
Twilight started feeling a pain in her stomach as Celestia walked away from her, and started pacing. She must be really mad. Her silence is starting to worry me.
After the alicorn had paced across the library several times, she stopped, glared at Twilight, and talked with a growl. “Why did you do this Twilight? You know very well that it is forbidden to share dark magic with anypony.”
“I loved her. I just wanted to see her happy.” Twilight said solemly. “All she wanted was to be with Eric. She loves him.
Celestia frowned. “I understand that, but... there is a much more important reason why we made it a taboo to perform such magic.“
Raising an eyebrow, the purple mare asked, “Why? She never planned on coming back, so I didn't see any harm in it.”
“It was for own your own protection.”
Twilight gave a confused look. “I'm not sure that I follow. I have read about humans before, and they don't have a single passage saying they were dangerous.”
Her teacher shook her head. “It is true that a lot of them aren't, but there is a part of Equestrian History about them that you will not find in any book.”
“Wh-what?” Twilight stammered.
The Princess ighed, trotted up to Twilight, and put a hoof on her shoulders. “Sit down, and I will explain.”
She did as she was told. Then Celestia began.
* * *
“Earth and Equestria used to be part of one big world. The beings of that time lived together in harmony, just like we do now. We all agreed to split up the land equally, so that no race could be more dominant than the other. Until, a certain group of humans decided that their land wasn't sufficient enough for there needs. They started a long dragged out war that seemed like it would never end. Their ideals even infected the hearts many ponies turning against each other. The humans used this to their advantage, and could control a lot of the unicorn's magic. It was a very sickening part of our history Twilight. That is why you'll never find this in any book.
My mother, Solaria, was the queen of the ponies at the time, and when she saw the heart's ponies being corrupted. She sacrificed herself to separate our world from the humans. Not only that, but without her magic on the earth their planet is slowly dieing, while ours remains intact. Before her soul, and body disappeared, she left me with a stone that would give the unicorn temporary magic use, and zebras a ritual that only they could perform. She considered them the wisest of all races in Equestria.
There were very few sympathetic humans back in that time, and I am not positive that any of it has changed since then. Lyra's search for love there is not going to well. They haven't never seen the likes of us before, and when they do discover her. There is no telling what they will do.”
* * *
Twilight broke down into tears again, and Celestia wrapped a wing around her. “I am sorry Twilight, but that's way things are. I am sorry that I never told you this before.”
“I just can't believe that I sent my best friend to her own demise.” The students hooves in her face soaking up her tears. There must be some thing I can do. I just can't let it end like this. She removed her hooves and looked up at Celestia. “Is there any way I can save her?”
Celestia stared at Twilight. She must really care for Lyra if she is willing to go to such great lengths. “The ritual opens a portal world that stays open for only a week, and once it closes. It can not be opened for ten years.
The student eyes widen. “Sh-she left fives days ago. I still have time!” She excitedly got up, and hugged Celestia. “I apologize, but I must go save my friend.” Letting go and galloping out the library door, Twilight was blocked by Celestia's swift sped.
“One sec, my student” Celestia horn light up and she levitated her crown on top of Twilight. “The stone on that crown will grant you temporary magic use on earth. I have faith that you and Lyra will come back safely, but this is just a precaution.”
Twilight nodded, and warmly accept the gift as it shrunk some so it could fit her head. “Thank you princess. You have been more than generous to me.”
The alicorn stepped aside, and let Twilight gallop as fast as she could to the Everfree Forest. Once she reached outer edges of the woods, she light her horn as bright as could. Her heart was beating faster than ever had before, and her joints were screaming at her. Though no matter how much she ached, she pushed her way through the woods until she reached Zecora's.
She ran up to the door, and knocked loudly several times while yelling, “Zecora!” repeatedly. The door never opened. Where is she? I don’t want to break in, but I am running out time. Twilight slowly turned the handle with her horn light, and slowly entered the tree house, and instantly noticed the white beam of light coming from the ground. That must be the portal. Making the observation, she walked up beside, and stared at with confusion. I guess I'll just walk on it. With one hoof inside the portal, the beam grabbed her in, and, as said when Lyra disappeared, poof, she was gone.
* * *
Inside a cage in the middle of the New York zoo, was a unicorn sleeping on the ground curled up in a ball. Her appearance in the city caused a wave of excitement across the city. The zoo had gotten more visitors in a week than in one year. Children of all ages were ecstatic to see her talk, but, to their disappointment, she refused say anything or move from her spot. The caretakers say that the pony was also refusing to eat since she arrived, and scarcely drank any water. In her condition, they say, she could possibly die if she didn't eat anything soon.