Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns is a prestigious school for any unicorns whose talent can help to better the future of our country of Equestria. Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns or C.S.G.U. has many programs of interest for any and every student. Whether it be magic or arts C.S.G.U is the best school for you. Apply now for your help in a better future today!

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“Bon Bon I can’t believe I’ve been accepted!” Lyra squealed hugging the pamphlet. “Think about it! I’m going to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns!”

Bon Bon smiled at her friend looking around as passer-byers watched the ecstatic mare.

“So when do you go?” Bon Bon asked.

Lyra pulled out another piece of paper and held it in her hooves. “The acceptance letter says in two weeks I have to be in Canterlot.”

The mares finished their lunch and began walking. Lyra drifted into her memories. Her ponyville friends had always complimented her skills at playing the lyre. They would cheer after her performances and continue to encourage her, but Lyra never thought of her ability to much extent. It wasn’t until SHE appeared. Her eyes closed as her mind filled with the memory.

Lyra was to perform in the Ponyville music hall. After another great performance Lyra and Bon Bon began to head out when a gray earth mare stopped them.

“Are you Lyra Heartstrings?” The mare asked.

Lyra’s eyes had widened at realizing who was speaking to her. Unable to speak she merely nodded.

“My name is Octavia, I wanted to congratulate you on your performance today. I also wanted to make you an offer after seeing your ability.”

Lyra couldn't speak. Octavia, The Octavia, the best cellist in Equestria was here speaking to her. Lyra could only stutter until Bon Bon elbowed her. “T-thank you.” She finally blurted.

“Yes, as I previously said I have an offer for you.” Octavia continued.

“Y-yes.” Lyra stuttered still too dumbfounded to speak coherently.

“Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns has hired me as a talent agent for any unicorns with skills in the musical arts and I believe you are a perfect candidate.”

This time Bon Bon let out a gasp. Lyra squealed with joy. “Really! Oh my gosh! Yes!”

“You will still need to audition, but with your talent you’re a shoe-in.” Octavia continued.

Lyra was about to squeal again when realization struck, “Wait, I don’t think I can afford it...” She said dropping her ears. Bon Bon to lowered her smile.

“No worries, C.S.G.U. is non-profit, this school is for those of talent not wealth. The school is funded by Princess Celestia.” Octavia assured her.

“I guess that makes sense.” Bon Bon said happy for her friend.

Octavia set-up an audition date for Lyra and left. Her mind shifted to another memory. Lyra was an a large room. Four official ponies in suits looked at her. She stood there, her lyre levitating in her golden aurora. They looked at her dismissively and told her to begin.

Lyra trembled afraid of failing. She turned and saw her friend Bon Bon stand at the door smiling encouragingly. With a deep breath Lyra began to magically pluck at the strings, she played an old tune her father taught her, the tune that had given her the cutie mark she now had.

She finished playing and looked at the ponies, they were furiously writing on their clipboards madly discussing amongst themselves. One looked up and told her she may leave.

“Am I in?” She asked.

“You will be notified through mail.” Another answered monotonically.

Lyra and Bon Bon excited ready to go back home.

“Lyra! are you even listening!”

Lyra snapped out of her memories and saw Bon Bon glaring at her.

“Sorry Bon...” She chuckled.

The next two weeks were a mess of packing and good-bye parties hosted by the one and only Pinkie Pie. The final day came and Bon Bon stood with Lyra at the Ponyville train station.

“I’m gonna miss you Ly.” Bon Bon sniffled.

“Hey I’ll visit, it’s not like i’m leaving for ever Bon.” Lyra whimpered. A train whistled and Lyra boarded it, waving to her dear friend.

And so Lyra arrived to her new school and home. Days passed and her life fell in to schedule, music history, method, orchestra practice and so forth. Oft she would sit down in the library and just read the history books. Her music history class often sent her there anyway.

Upon one day she walked down the aisle when she came across another student looking through the books. The mare seemed to be squinting at the the book spines and mumbling. In her aurora she held a pair of broken glasses.

“Can I help you?” Lyra offered.

The mare looked at her. “Yeah please, i’m looking for a book called Anthropology and You.”

“Um...ok.” Lyra said and began to look for the said book. After searching for some time, she found it and gave it to the mare.

“What’s anthropology?” Lyra asked.

“Anthropology is the study of human beings and their history.” The mare responded.

“Humans?” Lyra asked.

The mare fixated the broken glasses to her eyes and began to skim the book. At last she stopped at a page and showed Lyra.

On the page was an upright-simian like creature. It only had fur on it’s head. It stood on two legs like diamond dogs, but the forelegs were shorter and the weirdest parts was that on each leg it had five protrusions coming out of the tips.

“What are those?” Lyra asked pointing at the protrusions on the forelegs.

“Those are fingers, they’re like claws but made out of skin and not sharp.”

“That’s weird...but cool. Do they really exist?” Lyra asked.

“Yes they do.”

Lyra thought for a moment, “what’s the class called?”

“Anthropology 101.” The mare responded.

“Cool, I have a spare space in my schedule. Is there any space in that class?”

“Um...yeah there is only six of us...ponies don’t really care...” The mare sighed.

“I’ll talk to my advisor, it sounds interesting.”

So several visits, request forms and meetings later Lyra was in the class. Finally Lyra was to attend her first day.

She walked through the building hall finding the room, it was in an old empty part of the building in the lowest floor. Upon entering she found several more weird things. Charts of the human structure. A skeleton of them stood in the corner. On a counter sat a globe with continents she had never heard of or seen the shape of. The mare from the library came from a crowd of students.

“Oh hey, you got in! My name is Study Bright, I’m the teacher aid for this class.” The mare smiled.

A few moments later an old stallion with a graying mane came in.

“Ok my little ponies time to start learning.” He said in a playful voice.

Lyra walked to him, “Um...I’m in this class...”

The professor looked at her and shuffled through some papers he carried. “Ah yes, Ms. Heartstrings, tell me why did you join our little class?”

Lyra looked at him unable to answer. “I-I don’t know... humans just look interesting. They have fingers and it looked cool.”

“Very well, ok class sit down, today we will be...” The Professor began teaching. Lyra sat down next to Study. She listened to the professor fascinated with everything she heard.

The months passed and Lyra soon found herself enveloped with the idea of humans. She spent days pouring over anthropology books. She studied every aspect, learning every bone of a hand. Every time she asked about living humans her teacher and even her fellow students would only remain vague. But nonetheless she continued.

Occasionally she exchanged letters with Bon Bon telling her of her discoveries. At first she told her of her music classes, her performances and so forth, but in time she wrote about human culture and life. Bon Bon never seemed as interested in it, but nonetheless replied supporting her friend.

Lyra continued to study, her grades on her other classes became mediocre while in anthropology she had the highest mark. Her advisor worried for her, but everytime Lyra dismissed it.

Lyra still loved playing her lyre. She did performances, she could still make ponies cry with it’s beauty. No other lyre players in C.S.G.U. could play like her. But ever since she discovered humans her thoughts became occupied with them. Oh how she would love to meet one! See their world, talk to one, feel their hands.

And so the school year passed this way. At the end of the school year, she decided to visit her beloved friend.

Bon Bon stood at Ponville train station. waiting for the Canterlot train. After fifteen long minutes, it finally rolled in. Smoke covered the air, but when it cleared Lyra stood at the other end. The mares ran to each other and hugged.

“I’ve missed you so much!” Lyra exclaimed. Bon Bon squeezed her in agreement.

The two mares headed to Bon Bon’s home. The whole time Lyra spoke of her classes mainly anthropology. At last the two arrived to the home.

“And so humans have to wear clothes because...” but Bon Bon cut her off.

“Lyra, all you’ve talked about is humans. Is that all you did? What about orchestra or your lyre?”

Lyra blinked. “Oh yeah I did many fancy concerts and stuff. I even performed for the Princess. Anyway so humans... “ She continued unphased. Bon Bon only sighed.

On a day of her vacation, Lyra and Bon Bon were eating at a local restaurant.

“So then when humans are sad they don’t drop their ears, they...”

“ENOUGH!” Bon Bon interrupted. “Lyra, all you have talked about is humans. Humans this, humans that! You’re whole visit has just been you babbling about this...this nonsense!”

Lyra looked hurt, “Nonsense? It’s not nonsense. Theres so much more humans are...”

“No! I don’t want to know.” Bon Bon cried.

“Well sorry I thought a friend would care about their friends interest!” Lyra bursted.

“Don’t you say that. I have bared through this since you went to that school. Lyra just stop!”

Lyra abruptly stood. “Fine! Then I won’t talk about it. I won’t talk to you at all!” Lyra threw bits on the table and left.

Lyra and Bon Bon did not speak for the rest of her vacation. The final day came and Lyra left sad and alone. Upon her first day, she was called to her adviser's office.

Her adviser sat at the desk, next to her stood Octavia. “Lyra, I was discussing with Ms. Octavia about your grades last year and the classes you requested for this term.” The adviser said.

“Lyra, do you remember why I offered you the chance to come here?” Octavia followed.

Lyra looked between the two mares confused. “Because I play the lyre well?”

“Yes, and as I looked at your class requests I noticed that the majority of them have to do with anthropology, not music.” Octavia continued.

“Lyra, dear, Unicorns who come here come to study on subjects of their cutie mark. If a unicorn is gifted with magic they learn spells and such. A pony who is talented with anthropology studies such. And you my dear have been gifted with the lyre, so therefore that is what you would study.” The adviser said with the tone of a caring mother.

“So only one anthropology class?” Lyra asked.

“No, none at all.” Octavia said bluntly.

“Lyra, you will not be taking any more of those classes while here. You shall be studying to further your skills with the lyre. “ The adviser looked at Lyra’s face. “If you don’t like this you could stop attending.”

Lyra looked down, getting into this school had been a gift, she couldn't throw it away. “No it’s ok. No more anthropology for me. Is that all?” The mares nodded and she exited.

Lyra felt bone-crushing defeat in her heart. She loved her lyre and would always, but anthropology had been something else, she had loved it. Sadly she walked away, her hooves shuffling. All she could do now was say goodbye to her professor and either way she had to return a book to her teacher.

She would miss her teacher very much. He had lent her books no other students knew about. The professor always answered her questions. He was part of the reason her fascination of humans became so strong.

Finally she arrived to the classroom and knocked. The door opened and inside stood he, shuffling folders.

“Hello, I wanted to return this book.” Lyra said shyly.

He looked at her and took the book, ”Ah yes. I don’t see you in my list for this years students. You seemed to like this class so much.” He spoke.

“I loved this class, but I need to start focusing on improving my talent.” She motioned toward her cutie mark regretfully.

“Oh what a shame. I had so many things planned this year. “ He responded.

“I wish I could.” She sighed. “It may be silly, but I would dream of visiting their world. I would want to go live there forever. Be human.” She giggled softly.

The professor eyed her. “Well... I shouldn't, but since you were such a great student... I think I could have helped you with that.”

Lyra stared at him, “how?”

He began to walk indicating her to follow. “You must tell no one of this.”

They walked over to the corner of the classroom were the human skeleton stood. He pushed it aside. His horn glowed green and a door appeared out of the seamless wall. Opening the door he lead her in. They stood in a small room. On the other side a tall mirror was hidden under a cloth.

“Now Lyra, do you really want to visit the human world?” He asked again.

“Yes! I would give up anything to go! Anything!” She cried.

“Very well.” With a swift movement he removed the cloth to show an elaborate mirror.

The mirror seemed very old. It was carved with strange symbols and it’s surface covered in dust. The professor blew dust of it’s surface and motioned for her to stand in front.

Lyra walked to it and looked at her reflection, gasping at her image. A female human stood there. She had golden hair and her eyes were a light aquamarine blue almost mint.

Lyra lifted one of her forelegs, the image mimicking her. She opened and closed her mouth the human copying her.

“I-Is that me?” Lyra breathed.

“Yes, this mirror was found in the ancient ruins of the castle of the Royal Pony Sisters.” He answered. “But it’s not just a mirror...it’s also a portal.”

“Lyra looked at him, “a portal?”

"But to use it one music use magic." He continued. "It powers the mirror. But...it will drain your magic. You will not have magic in their world.”

“But-but I could be human? Live in their world?” She asked.

“Yes, but there's more.” His face straightened. “If a human doesn't give you proof of their affection in one week’s time of your arrival you shall turn back into a pony. Thought not a pony like this, but a dumb beast of burden.”

A little gasp escaped her. She remembered the day the professor had explained a ponies role in the human world. The way they lived and were treated. But to be human! She could meet the creatures she had studied and loved. And nothing held her back, many loved her music, but a new great lyrist would be born again. To be human...well, when would she get to be human again. She thought of Bon Bon, the pony who had been her friend.

“I’ll do it.” Lyra affirmed.

“Great.” He grinned. “Focus all your magic on the mirror and walk through it.”

Lyra’s horn glowed as she passed all her being through, and with quivering steps she walked. She found herself passing the mirror. She winced as she felt like knives stabbed at her chest, but slowly she reached a across. The last thing she heard was her teacher laughing.

At opening her eyes she found herself laying on sandy beach, just over the tide. She blinked at the sand and crawled out of the water. Quickly she noticed the change. She stood on two legs (quite wobbly), she had hair, and hands! Hands! With fingers! She slowly stood and looked at herself, luckily she was dressed. Study Bright had mentioned that humans don’t walk around naked like ponies.

After several steps she could walk normally, she walked until she came across humans. They played and swam in the water. Beach-going humans! She squealed with joy and ran to them, tripping over her two new legs.

Lyra stood opened jaw at all of them. She stared at each one, recognizing the characteristics she was taught. Young, old, fat, skinny, female, male. And they all had fingers!

They all chattered and laughed in their human way, when another noise caught her attention. A lyre... she looked around and found a small band playing in a gazebo. In the middle of the group was a male human, he held a lyre and plucked at it with his fingers, producing a beautiful melody.

Amazed she walked over joining the crowd. Truly this human would have gotten a cutie mark of a lyre. She closed her eyes listening. To play was one thing, but to hear was another. The song ended and the crowd cheered.

“Thank you, thank you. Now sadly this is the last of the today, but I will play again.” The human called to the crowd.

As the crowd left Lyra came closer to the male.

“Hi, I just wanted to say you play beautifully.” Lyra complemented.

The male human looked at her dismissively. “Thanks,” and continued to put his things away.

Lyra frowned at his behavior, “but... you messed up on the final chord, the key was too high.”

At this he looked up, “no I didn’t.” He answered bluntly.

Lyra chuckled. “Yeah you did, but it still sounded very nice.”

He glared at her and walked up to her. “I am one of the best musicians, I think I would know if I messed up.” He continued glaring.

Lyra huffed and steeled herself. “Hey, don’t get huffy with me human. Look, you don’t have to feel ashamed everyone messes up once in awhile.”

“Oh really? Here.” He picked up his lyre and gave it to her. “Show me.”

Lyra held it in her hands and twitched her new fingers getting a feeling of them. She breathed and began to play his song. She had her eyes closed, playing it by memory and finished with a different chord than he, which did indeed sound better.

He stared at her flabbergasted. “How...how? That is an ancient composition that few can play!”

“Um...I don’t know I just copied what I heard...and fixed it.” Lyra answered.

“Play something else.” He demanded, by now the rest of the band had left.

Lyra began playing her father’s tune, she by now felt accustomed to the motion of her fingers. She finished and looked at him.

He stared at her and took the lyre back. “That was beautiful. You have to teach me it.”

“Well...it’s a bit complex...” She began.

“I don’t care. I will learn it.” He said vehemently.

“Well, I have have nothing to do...” She began, but was stopped.

The human grabbed her wrist and pulled her away, “Come I have another lyre at home.”

The male dragged her out of the beach and into the streets of the local town. At last he stopped dragging her and instead allowed her to walk.

“I have a solo in an orchestra performance in a few days, I want to play that. My name is Eric Prince.”

Lyra continued to follow him hardly listening to what he said. She stared at everything around her. She watched the cars and tall buildings. Humans walking everywhere.

“...So thats how I got a scholarship there.” He continued unknowing that she was not listening.

“Oh yeah...uh huh...” Lyra answered looking around.

“Hey are you listening?” Eric asked.

“Oh...sorry. So...um... you’re great at the lyre...” She chuckled.

“Yes, I am. But you play well too. Hey I don’t even know your name, what is it?” He asked as they continued to walk.

“Oh, it’s Lyra, Lyra Heartstrings.”

“Lyra Heartstrings? Heh...that’s cute... a lyrist named Lyra Heartstrings.” He chuckled.

“Hey! Well what kind of name is Eric Prince? Are you even a prince?” She retorted.

He looked at her and laughed. “ A prince? Heh...no...think i’m a prince? We barely met and getting a little crush on me?” He teased.

Lyra blushed unknowingly. “What! No! Never mind.” She looked away.

She didn’t know much about humans, but this one seemed like he would be handsome. She glanced at him again. His hair was jet black and had robin blue eyes. Maybe this could be the human. She remembered the professor telling her that a human had to show her affection. Could this one be it?

“We’re here.” He spoke.

Lyra hadn’t been paying attention to where they were headed. She found herself standing at the entrance of a small house.

He entered followed by Lyra. Inside was a clutter of sheet paper, stands, and various music related accessories.

“Sorry about the mess, I was going through a craze surge trying to figure out what to play for the performance. But then, you showed up.” He said walking through the mess.

Lyra followed him into the kitchen. Gaping at all the human things. The human clothes thrown about and all these things she had never seen before.

“Do you want coffee?” He asked. She nodded and he began pouring grounds into some strange machine.

“I’ve just realizing that I randomly plucked you of the beach and dragged you here. I’m sorry about that.” He said facing her.

“Oh it’s ok. I-I really don’t have anywhere else to be.” Lyra hesitated.

“Ok then, well here,” he said handing her coffee.

She took it rejoicing at the easiness of picking it up with hands.

Afterwards Eric took out another lyre and handed it to her. They sat in the living room of the home playing the chords together.

“You’re playing those chords too separately. Like this,” and demonstrated.

And so they continued playing into the night. With much coffee and laughing the two had a great time.

“It’s getting late. I’ll give you a ride home, where do you live?” He finally asked.

Lyra looked down at her feet, watching her toes through the sandals. “I don’t live anywhere.”

“What do you mean?” He asked puzzled at the revelation.

“Um...I don’t have a home. I just know I’ll be around for at least a week...” She sighed having fully realized her situation.

He looked at her long face, “Well...I’ve got a spare room. You could stay for awhile until your situation changes.”

Lyra’s eyes lit up and smiled. “Really! Thank you so much! I promise I won’t be a burden!” She cried.

And so indeed she stayed, Lyra helped Eric learn the song and quickly he was able to play perfectly. The too had become great friends, playing at the beach for passer-byers, walking around the city and just becoming better friends.

“Why do you like gloves so much?” Eric asked her one day as they walked through the mall, on the 5th day of her stay.

“They are just so cute! It’s like a little sock for each finger.” She giggled.

Eric just laughed. Lyra had become a great friend for him. Sure at times she acted strange like saying “everypony” from time to time, but that didn’t matter. With just those five days his life had become better with her around. He truly felt like he could trust her with anything.

“Look a candy shop!” Lyra squealed and pulled him to it.

“Would you two like to try a free bon bon?” The worker asked.

Lyra took one and stared at it. Bon bon. She had kept thinking of Bon Bon her whole time in this world. Every time she would catch herself wanting to show Bon Bon everything she saw, or just talk to her. She wasn’t even mad any more, Lyra just missed her. But there was no more going back, it was too late. Lyra lived in fear though.

She had to have someone show her affection somehow and her time was running out. She only knew Eric, but she didn’t know what the professor had meant by affection. A hug? A kiss? She had hugged Eric before, but not in a romantic way. Lyra saw him as a friend, but if it was a kiss she would have to force him and herself to fall in love.

“So Eric, why do you live so alone? Don’t you have a family or a girlfriend?” Lyra asked as he ate another bon bon from the bag they had bought.

“My family lives in another city and as for a girlfriend, no. Haven't found the right one. But it doesn't matter.” He replied.

“Oh, ok.” Lyra said. She could now try to fall in love with him and it would make it easier. She quickly glanced at him and thought. ’Lyra you have to love this guy or else!’
[

“Why do you ask?” He turned to her.

“Oh just curious...” She nervously dismissed.

“What about you? Here I know nothing about you and yet you’re living in the room across the hall in my home.” He asked.

“Oh well, um...I kinda come from far away... Hey look! Those pants are so cool!” She chirped and ran off.

The next day came and Eric sat in the living room practicing for his solo to come the following day. Lyra sat next to him watching and correcting.

“I just can’t get to that last note fast enough!” He yelled after missing up. “Why do I keep messing up?"

“Hey come on, it’s just one note, you’ll get it.” Lyra encouraged.

“Well it’s annoying! These stupid hands just keep messing up!” Eric exclaimed.

“Your hands aren't stupid! You play beautifully.” She smiled and took his hands in hers and squeezed them.

He looked at her surprised and blushed. “Thanks. You’re a great friend. I’m glad I meet you.” He took his hands out of hers and began playing again.

‘Friends.’ She thought. ‘I’m running out of time. What do I do?’

She listened to him play, finally after so many tries he was able to play the chord correctly. He cheered in happiness. Lyra hugged him tightly as if trying to convey her intentions to him by hugging him. He hugged her back, but let go shortly.

“Thank you so much Lyra.” He beamed and stood up. “It’s getting late and I should go to bed. Tomorrow morning is the big day.” He walked to the hall, but stopped and turned to her. “I’m happy to have become your friend.” And with that he left.

Lyra stood in the living room, saddened. What was she going to do? Had she been a fool to so easily come. What a foal she was!

The next morning came with a bustling of getting dressed and ready. After several panic attacks and a mishap in the kitchen they finally arrived at the concert hall.

Lyra entered with him, constantly she she would watch him. Today had to be the day. She would find a way for him to fall in love with her.

Eric got ready and left to join the other musicians, leaving Lyra in the backstage area. Lyra watched the concert trying to ignore the fact that her time was about to run out. She would only have a few minutes after the concert before time ran out and it happened.

An intermission was held and Eric came back stage. Eric walked to Lyra.

“My solo is coming up next, it’s the last part. I’m getting nervous.” He chuckled.

But before Lyra could respond they were interrupted by a woman.

“Hello, My name is Vanessa Change. Your solo has been cancelled, instead you shall do a duet with me.” She looked at his eyes and they flashed. “I think you know this one.” She said handing him sheet music.

Eric’s eyes flashed green, to quickly to be noted. “Yes, that will be wonderful.” He answered.

“What! A duet! Eric what about the song you've been slaving over?” Lyra protested.

Eric turned to Lyra blankly. “I would love to do the duet.” He took Vanessa’s hand and kissed it.

Eric walked off with Vanessa leaving Lyra standing there alone. Intermission ended and Vanessa walked out with Eric into the center stage. Lyra didn’t listen to the song they played and just sat mournfully until the concert ended.

The musicians flooded the backstage. Lyra’s time was running out, she had to find Eric, and tell him she loved him, even if she didn’t. But when she found him, he was kissing Vanessa.

Lyra stood there frozen watching, people shoved past her and left the hall. When the kiss ended all the people had left only leaving them three.

Eric stood as Vanessa walked up to Lyra and smiled.

“It looks like your time is out.” Vanessa grinned.

A clock’s bell outside was heard and and Lyra was engulfed in a flash of light. Pain stabbed at her. As if knives stabbed at her, the pain intensified, but suddenly stopped. She looked down to see the damage and saw something completely different. Her body had become black, her four legs were cracked and black, Lyra was a changeling.

She looked up at Vanessa. “You fool, you went straight into my plan.” Vanessa laughed.

A flash of green light engulfed Vanessa and she became Lyra’s professor. Lyra gasped in horror. Again a flash, but this time in front of her stood none other than Queen Chrysalis.

“No, not you again.” Lyra trembled, her insect like wings shook. “Why? W-why am I a changeling?” Lyra quivered. Eric stood green-eyed in the corner.

“You little fool! When you put your magic to the mirror, you didn’t give it just magic, you gave it part of you. Your image.” She laughed. “Not only can there be love between lovers, but also between friends. Now I have one more little changeling and that stupid human to feed on. Your friendship has grown so strong, it will satisfying me for a long time.” Chrysalis cackled.

“No!” Lyra the changeling ran to Eric. “Eric! Eric wake up! It’s me Lyra! She shook him but to no avail. She cried and hugged his waist, “You’re my friend I can’t lose you!”

She felt a hand touch her head and she looked up. “Lyra what happened to you?” Eric stared at her than at Chrysalis. “What the heck is that!” He cried.

“You fool!” Chrysalis screamed. She grabbed Lyra and pulled her away. A portal opened behind Chrysalis and began to enter.

Eric ran to her and grabbed on to Lyra’s forelegs. “No! Lyra I don’t know what is going on, but I won’t let this cheese-legged freak take you away!” He pulled at her trying to release her from Chrysalis grasp.

“Let go you human! I will at least take away my changeling!” She screamed.

“No!” Eric yelled. He shifted his weight and pulled at one of Chrysalis’s legs. “Lyra is my friend! I don’t care what she looks like! She is my friend and I care for her!” Eric’s hand began to burn Chrysalis.

Chrysalis screamed and let go of her, Lyra fell into Eric. Chrysalis looked at her leg, cracks had appeared in the shape of a hand where he had touched her.

There was a golden burst of light and another portal appeared. Out from it came Princess Celestia quickly followed by Bon Bon.

Celestia looked at Chrysalis in surprise. “Chrysalis, what are you doing in the human world?”

“If it isn’t Princess Celestia.” Chrysalis snarled. “I don’t know how you got here, but this is not your domain. You have no power here!”

Celestia looked at the changeling, “Princess Celestia! Bon Bon, It’s me Lyra!” She cried within the scared embrace of Eric.”

Bon Bon stared at the changeling, recognizing the voice. “Lyra.” she whimpered.

“This may not be my land, but that is my pony, release her.” Celestia commanded.

“It is too late Celestia, she is a changeling now.” Chrysalis growled.

Celestia looked to the two embracing beings. “Human, do you really care for her, look at her, is she still your friend?”

Eric looked up and stared at the changeling. It looked back at him a sadness in it’s generic eyes. “Yes.” He proclaimed. The creature smiled.

“Embrace her, hold her. Pass your friendship to her and don’t let go.” Eric didn’t know why he obeyed the talking horse, but he did. He grabbed on to it squeezing it, it as well grabbed on to him. He held it tight, he didn’t care that it’s jagged horn cut him or that its ragged skin hurt.

A bright light emanated from them, it solidified into a beam that struck Chrysalis. She screamed in horror as it engulfed the queen. Bon Bon shook behind Princess Celestia. Chrysalis was pushed through the portal she had originally made and it closed after she passed.

“You may release.” Celestia told the two.

Eric let go of the changeling. Bob Bon ran up to it and embraced it.

“Lyra, what happened!” She cried.

Lyra tried to answer but all that came out was the buzz of an insect. She held her mouth in shock.

“She is losing herself.” Celestia bluntly said.

The changeling coughed, “how...didzzz... you findzzz me?” She asked.

“I couldn't stay mad at you so, I came to look for you.But no one had seen you any where. I even tried to brake in to find you, but I got caught.” Bon Bon answered.

“I was notified of the brake in. Your friend came to tell me about the fight you had and how she wanted to apologize. I offered to help her find you.” Celestia followed.

“So we looked all over the campus. Finally somepony said they saw you head toward your anthropology class.” Bon Bon continued.

“We looked around the classroom and found your professor locked in a closet, from there I was able to deduce the rest after he told me about the mirror.” Celestia finished.

Eric looked at the changeling, “Can you help her? I mean this isn’t what she looked like before, she was a p-pony like you two, right?”

“Yes human, she was a pony.” Celestia answered. “But to change her back would bring great sacrifice.”

The three other beings looked at Celestia.

“A human who really cared about her would have to give up their life, so that she may replace their life in this world and become a changeling or she could leave here with us never to return, and both of you having no memory of having met.”

Eric look at the changeling. Both knew who this human would be. It shook it’s head and moved away from him, “I can’t askzzz you to do thizzzz.”

“But I don’t want to forget you. You’re my friend.” He cried.

“No, I wazzzz. Princess let’zzz go.” Lyra began to cry, Bon Bon held her friend shakly.

“Very well.“

Celestia’s horn shined and the portal opened again. A second golden flash came and covered the changeling. The changeling became a light aquamarine blue and and was Lyra again. “Let us go Lyra.” Celestia said as she motioned Bon Bon to enter the portal. “Upon passing the portal your memories shall be erased. Bon Bon and Celestia entered it, leaving Lyra with Eric.

“You were a great friend.” She kissed his cheek and ran through the portal.

Author's Note

If this story felt to rushed I apologize, but it was done intentionally. Each chapter it suppose to be a short story and it got very long. As well if you think it was too long, sorry.

I've been trying something different in which I drift from the fairy tale a little. Tell me if I should continue like this or follow the original story line.

Also I didn't know whether to use the Disney version or the original. I used a bit of both in this one. So again tell me which you prefer.

Any questions, comments, mistakes or suggestions please tell.