Tugging at the Heart's Strings
My name is Lyra Heartstrings, and my life’s been really strange recently.
About a week ago, a wave of magic had spread all over Equestria and transformed everypony into unidentified canine/feline hybrids that are simultaneously dangerous and adorable, just like the parasprites that ate my pie all those years ago. I’m still waiting for the princesses to explain why, or at least give us advice on what we’re supposed to do. I became some kind of cat with fur in a lurid shade of green that makes me want to puke. I’ve tried dyeing it, but it bothered me on an instinctual level.
Despite all of that, life goes on in Ponyville, though I can’t imagine what’s happening elsewhere. Today, I went to Clover Café, which was still in business as if nothing had changed.
“I’d like a glass of water, please,” Bonbon said. She was sat on the opposite side of the mushroom-shaped table, and she’d been turned into into a fox whose fine, tan fur is accented by gorgeous ears that resemble the fresh leaves of spring, and the same goes for her tail. I can only guess it was because she had tan fur as a pony. Or maybe it’s because she occasionally buys cacti. I don’t know everything, okay?
“And I’d like some sparkling carrot juice!” I exclaimed. Lemon Hearts had told me that Sassaflash loves the Carrot family’s speciality, so I thought I’d give it a try. Unlike a normal cat, I can still digest some plants.
“Why didn’t you order a hay milkshake?” asked Bonbon, once the waitress had left. “You usually do. Is something the matter?”
“Huh? I’m fine,” I replied. “It’s just that I tried one at Sugarcube Corner the other day, and it tasted dis-GUST-ing! Must be my new tongue. But at least I didn’t order the most boring drink imaginable,” I teased. “Is it because you’re a plant now?”
“Probably,” replied Bonbon. “I haven’t felt the need to eat since I was transformed. Though that reminds me, are the Cakes okay?”
“I think so. I wasn’t in Sugarcube Corner for very long.” I replied. “Although, I haven’t seen Pinkie in a while. Wonder what she’s doing?”
“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen any of Twilight’s friends recently,” she said. “Do you think they’re out on a mission?”
“Probably,” I replied. “Maybe, as we speak, they’re finding a way to change us all back to normal!”
The waitress returned with their drinks and placed them on the table. Bonbon drank her entire glass of water in one go.
“Is that another plant thing?” I asked after taking a sip of my sparkling carrot juice.
“I think so,” Bonbon chuckled. “Say, how are your friends from Canterlot doing?”
“No idea,” I replied. “Haven’t seen them in a while. I think that Minuette would be one of the fish ones, Lemon Hearts would be one of the electric ones, and Twinkleshine would be one of the ribbon ones.”
“By that reasoning, shouldn’t you be mint green?” Bonbon teased.
“Hey!” I snapped, but we both quickly laughed it off. “What about your friends?”
Bonbon’s tone became serious. “Have you heard about Carrot Top?”
“Golden Harvest? Yeah, I’ve heard,” I replied. “Wasn’t her house damaged?” Bonbon nodded. “I hope she can afford repairs...”
“Then it’s good that you’re supporting the Carrot family business.”
“True, true,” I nodded. “Speaking of which, how’s your business going?”
“I haven’t had any customers at the Sweet Shoppe all week,” Bonbon replied solemnly. “I don’t think anypony can even eat sweets any more.”
“Or at least, nopony is brave enough to try...” I deadpanned. “I’m not gonna risk it,” I quickly added as I noticed that Bonbon had raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to be a pony again?”
“I’m... not sure,” replied Bonbon.
“WHAT?!” I gasped, catching the annoyed stares of everypony in the vicinity. “I mean, howcome?” I added softly.
“Ever since I was transformed, I’ve felt more... at peace?” Bonbon replied uncertainly. “It’s hard to explain. It feels like I’m at one with nature.” It took me several seconds to think of a good response... and then my heart raced as I remembered something I’d already planned to do today.
“If you want to be surrounded by nature, I’ve got the PERFECT place for you!” I exclaimed. “Wanna go to the- WHOA!” To emphasise my point, I slammed my paws on the table. I thought that since they were softer than hooves, it would be harder to knock the glasses over... but I was wrong. Instead, I ended up lapping up my drink as it spilled all over the table, while Bonbon couldn’t help but giggle.
“Why did you bring me here?” Bonbon asked, admiring the scenery as we walked into the park. I can’t help but notice that ever since everypony was transformed, the weather has always been clear skies and still air.
“I’ve got a surprise for you!” I teased.
“And why do you need to bring me here to see it?”
“Because this is where we first met!” I exclaimed as we approached a white bench that overlooked the river. I climbed onto it and sat upright.
“Oh! I remember now,” Bonbon replied, sitting down on the grass in front of me. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she reminisced. “I heard the most wonderful singing voice...”
“...And you were the first pony to pay attention to me when I was busking,” I finished. “Do you want to hear that song again?”
“Yes please,” Bonbon replied, smiling.
I pulled my golden lyre out of the saddlebags that were too big for me now - not with the telekinesis I could thankfully still use, but with my paws. Playing it physically just feels more authentic, y’know?
I strummed the lyre and began to sing. It was a slow, five-minute ballad about a lonely mare who wandered the world, desperately seeking love. I’d composed it myself; when I first sung it all those years ago, it reflected the rut I was going through, deciding to become a wandering musician because I had no idea what else to do with my life. Now, it made me reflect on how far I’d come. Bonbon’s blank, brown eyes weren’t as expressive as when she was a pony, but her tears of joy told me all I needed to know.
After I finished, Bonbon stomped her front paws on the grass in applause. They didn’t make that same wonderful, thunderous sound as hooves, but it’s the thought that counts. I could sense an aura of admiration from several other former ponies around the park - literally. Ever since I became a cat, I’ve been able to feel others’ strong emotions in the gem on my forehead. It doesn’t hurt, it’s just like... have you ever thought so hard that you’ve given yourself a not-headache? It’s kinda like that.
I took a deep breath. The time had come.
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” I said. “I’ve been waiting for the right time to give this to you. Our circumstances may be strange right now, but what do we have to lose? I don’t know if we’ll ever be normal again, but...” I pulled a diamond ring out of my bag. “Will you marry me?”
Author's Note
I’ve never written romance before. If you have any tips on how to write that, please let me know.
