A Day Without Light, a Day Without Night
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A Day without Light, a Day without Night

A Day Without Light, a Day Without Night

Gold shimmered around the title page, flipping it. The storybook began.

'Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together, and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.

But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful and angry. She believed she should rule Equestria, and her bitterness transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. The elder sister, too, became corrupted but by power and wrath, and the greed in the elder sister's heart had transformed her into a evil mare of fire and hate: Corona.

Each alicorn vowed that they would rule the land of Equestria. They fought, devastating the land around them. Before they destroyed all of their once-peaceful land, they merged together to become a mare of night and fire- Nightmare Corona. She brought about a permanent eclipse with her great power- or so she thought. Reluctantly, their niece Princess Cadenza harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated the merged sisters, and banished them permanently to the sky to watch their little ponies. The young princess took on responsibility for both the sun and moon...'

"...and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since. Hmm... the Elements of Harmony story. Too bad it doesn't have any humans in it- in fact, humans should've given Cadance the Elements! That'd make the story even more amazing! I wish I could rewrite every myth with humans," I said, smiling and tossing the old book in the saddlebag next to me with a dreamy sigh. I was reading through this book of old mare's tales to see if I could find one with humans in it- I know they exist, I just need to compile enough proof! I'd show those professors, and then I could make a book about all the proof, and then... No, no Lyra. Don't get ahead of yourself, and do not flop moods again. I took a deep breath, calming myself, as I put my hoof to my chest. As I let out my breath, I move my hoof out in front of me. Cadance taught me that trick so I can stay calm, instead of getting worked up.

The top-most book from a towering pile of tombs floated down in front of me, its cover laden with dust. I took a deep breath, and let out a gust of air that scattered the dust on its cover. I used my teal hoof to skim the book, ready to go find more proof humans exist to file in my binder. Maybe I'll learn a few new music spells, if Twilight offers me a book on that. My left hoof reaches out for my lyre, which was cozily placed on a velvet, purple cushion. I quickly push the fully-skimmed book onto the floor and levitate the next over to me. With my left hoof I began strumming a tune on my lyre while scanning the new book- the song is called "The Alicorn's Medley." A passionate, powerful song and an old favorite of Canterlot's citizens- I like to believe it describes me, because, after all, I am a powerful pony as the princess's student and passionate about music. I cleared my mind of those thoughts, chiding myself quietly to stay focused. As my eyes glued themselves on the words and titles of the next book, galloping hooves faintly sounded. They sounded rushed, quick. The pony probably had something 'important' to tell Cadance. Or maybe my personal maid Spring Sweep found out I was studying again and was coming to clean up my organized chaos. It was perfectly orderly to me, but then again the floor in front of me... I cringed. My door slammed open, revealing a unicorn- not my earth pony maid Spring Sweep nor the alicorn Cadance.

"LYYRAAA! Come here, quickly!" A purple unicorn entered the room panting, and levitating a worn, old book in her magic. She dashed up, her hooves clicking lightly, dropping the book in my 'to-read' pile. Her deep purple eyes looked frenzied- along with her messy mane. It had so many hairs out of place and didn't go the least bit straight, and her tail matched it. I stopped playing my lyre. Twilight Sparkle looking like this meant business- not her with a new music spell for me to learn, or some mythology on humans. She needed me to do something important, or... I looked with widened eyes as my 'to-read' pile lurched forward. I yelped, and frantically powered up a strong levitation spell. Not my 'to-read' pile! I have to read those! Twilight's magenta aura combined with mine as we both tried to lift the stack of books. It was so large, however, that my magic was quickly failing to do much- Twilight was doing the brunt of it. Sweat was beaded on her forehead as she struggled to lift the pile. Her magic fizzled out.

CRRRAAAASHHHH! My books were scattered everywhere, combining with my messy pile of already-read books. I gaped in horror- the mingled piles, the giant mess, Twilight Sparkle carrying one book, the crystalline floor speckled with dust- wait, she was levitating a book? My eyes wandered suspiciously to Twilight. Maybe she was trying to test if I could control my mood swings? As soon as I thought that, I calmed myself using Cadenza's technique. My eye twitched a bit when I gazed at the mess again, but otherwise I felt calm. Like the eye of hurricane, the- the... Whatever. Twilight had the old tomb nestled on her back as she tried to neaten the mess into a row of book piles. Her effort was futile, though, as there were too many books. I concentrated on the old book and read the title- Predictions and Prophecies. I immediately raised my eyebrow- I highly doubt a book with predictions would have any human-esque beasts referenced in it.

"You have to read that! The worl-" Her eyes widened when a beep emitted from her horn, and with a flash she teleported away. Combine that with the blue flash, and I was blinking my eyes rapidly. Black spots clouded my vision, but I saw enough pink to know it was Cadance, my mentor. It made me smile dizzily although she might be annoyed I had made such a mess. She ignored it and looked at me.

"Lyra!" Princess Cadance leaned forwards, with a happy grin plastered over her face. "You're going to Ponyville!"

My mentor Princess Cadance had just told me I was going to Ponyville! I can't believe it! This is my first official field trip EVER as the Princess's student- in fact, this was my first trip out of Canterlot! Besides, if Cadance is happy about it that must mean it's going to be fun! This will be awesome! I hopped off the cozy couch and bounced excitedly, with a smile that could destroy storm clouds. The princess softly stared at me, and I quickly realized what she meant. I calmed myself, but still had a silly grin. The princess's magical aura materialized around my body as she spun me about her. She watched me spin around her with gleaming eyes- very mischievous-looking... Did she remember the prank from yesterday? Oooh, I hope she isn't going to get back at me by doing the same! I gulped and studied her carefully. Her wings were starting to fidget ever so slightly.

"This year I can finally let you run the Spring Love Celebration, Heartstrings! Twilight Sparkle was too busy going on about a myth," she said, "so you can do it alone! The theme for everything should be moon lilies and sunflowers, along with a few roses," she dreamily licked her lips, but shook her head and continued, "and remember to have the decorator put as much nature-related decorations as possible in the design- their cute little holiday Winter Wrap Up was yesterday so all the animals are back." Cadence stopped swinging me around, placing me back on the couch, and conjured up a list of things I had to oversee. My head swung around lightly, unsure where I should be looking. Cadance kindly nudged my cheek and I tried to levitate the list over to my eyes. I accidentally levitated some quills- point first!- towards me, so I quickly dropped them. The soft, ticklish feathers brushed against the alicorn's leg, causing her blush and suppress giggles. After smiling at her, I looked at the list- it hardly filled half the page and had basic bullets with sentence-long information. It was so simple, I could scarcely believe it was from Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, let alone any noble in Canterlot- check decorations, check weather, check food, and check music.

The decorations were done by a 'Rarity Unicorn,' the weather was managed by 'Rainbow Dash's' (and Lightning Dust's) pegasi team, and the food provided by the Apple family- an 'Applejack' specifically organized it. I snorted when I came to a bold, underlined line of text. 'Miss Lyra Heartstrings is not to perform for the Faire, or else.' My mentor had heard all my ballads and melodies before apparently. I can do new music... I brightened again though- I'd do her good!

"Soooo, when do I leave?" I asked, curious about the town below the mountain city. I knew it was definitely not as busy- the Princess had told me that much before. And I had seen a small straw roof before when I got to ride Cadance- as a filly, of course! She could never carry me now- not that she's weak!

"Now!" she answered with a happy grin. I quickly grabbed my saddlebag and started stuffing books into it. I paused for a moment, placing in my lyre. I delicately held it with my hooves, and, once it was tucked in, levitated the bag on my back. Soon I was levitating a bunch of books behind me- following Cadance, who had flown off into the hallways. I was running, frantically trying to follow Cadence's rapid flight while storing some small things in the saddlebag. I crashed into a pale servant- oh no, not Spring Sweep! I saw Cadance peeking around the turn.

"Miss Heartstrings? Why do you have so many books with you? Were you studying again? Lyyyraaa!" She shouted, stomping a hoof.

"Mhm, I was, gotta go BYE!" I quickly dashed past her while she vented her anger. I could hear her hooves clicking as she galloped to my library room. Cadance glided down the next hall, giggling at the exchange between glances ahead. But soon she dropped onto her hooves, and walked beside me. Her eyes had worry and instead of a smile she looked neutral.

"Lyra, can't you be friends with her instead of being her enemy? You need a friend besides me in the castle, especially since you don't go into the city," the princess said, and I could hear the concern in her voice. I scowled and looked at the floor. Whenever I get to have personal time with Cadance, she always talks about getting friends. With a dark look, I stared at Cadance's lavender eyes.

"You know why I can't trust anypony. You know I don't want anypony to end up like Moondancer. I just want to be left alone, Cadance," I said, trying to hide my emotions with a mask like Cadance can do. It didn't work, and a small tear leaked out. Cadance's eyes widened in surprise. I never usually cried about this, so why was I starting to now? My body shook as I tried to hold back wails, and Cadance sighed. We stood still.

"I know you hate me using this on you, but I can't afford for you to change moods like this- especially now. It won't hurt if you don't fight it, alright Lyra?" Cadance said, her glowing horn shooting out a glittering wave of pink. It headed straight for me, and I steeled myself, standing stiffly. The wave touched me, and I felt a warm sensation. It drifted through my body, relaxing my stiffened muscles and fighting my odd sadness. I tried to let it warm me, and let the excess magic flow out my horn. Cadance told me to not fight back again, and I slowly tried to calm down. I thought of the ocean, the sky, my lyre, music, anything to calm me down and relax me. The sadness left me and I felt happier- warm and happy. I smiled at Cadance, and continued down the hallway. She kept a hoof on my back.

We opened the door, and the sunshine entered the dim hallway. The hall behind us seemed cheerier, and more welcoming. Cadance retracted her hoof, and started flying. I shot by my fri- no, acquaintance Moondancer. She was also dashing, but towards the city instead. She smiled venomously at me, although any other pony would say it was sweet. Ever since, er, THEN, I knew to avoid her, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts- her and her gang. Luckily being the Princess's student made it possible to avoid them all the time, as I was taught everything by her. Noticing the lack of path in front of me, I skidded to a halt with my snout scraped against a stone wall. Moondancer, who was far off now, was chuckling at my misfortune. Cadance had stopped here, looking at me with excitement and ecstasy despite what had happened a minute ago. Her glee was obvious- a bright smile, sparking and fizzing horn, and wings lightly shifting forward and backwards. I've learned the signs of when Cadance is happy or excited- like, SUPER happy or excited. My expression was blank, though, because how was I going to get to Ponyville "now" other than climbing the wall and jumping off the cliff right there? Cadance must've noticed my face, and giggled.

"Don't worry, Heartstrings. I won't toss you off a cliff to die." She smiled, but it looked slightly... too happy. Oh no! She did remember my prank from yesterday! I prayed to a high being. I tried backing away as Cadance grinned at me.

"I am going to toss you off a cliff onto a dragon!" Suddenly the Princess levitated me as I frantically tried to run. No way was I going on a dragon! Dragons are bad, dragons are bad, dragons are BADBADBAD! I was only helplessly flailing in mid-air, though, and after Cadance wished me a 'safe' trip I got tossed. Cadance was now flying back to the castle as I plummeted ever farther from Canterlot. Sometimes that mare had a crazy sense of humor. I nervously started twiddling my hooves as the air whipped around me, waiting for her to zip back and save me. She didn't.

***

My aura around Lyra faded, and she started screeching. As I flew back to the castle, I giggled madly. That will teach her for putting hot sauce in my lunch! I smiled, and landed with a click on the marble balcony. My servant Feather Duster ushered me in, and began brushing my mane which looked very wind-blown. She also listed everything I had to go to after this- the new spa, the throne room, the dining room, the Lulamoon and Sparkle houses, Ponyville, the moon-raising balcony... Palace life can be so busy sometimes. I hope Lyra will be alright with her job- maybe she'll learn some responsibility. Maybe she'll make some friends. I sigh with a heavy heart- she's still too selfish to actually make some though. She'd never make friends unless she has a change of heart, unless she found out what good ponies are like.

"Princess? Aren't you coming? Those nobles at the spa will drag you here if they have to!" Feather Duster smiled, and began trotting out my door. I followed dutifully.

***

"Aughh! A dragon!" I screeched, panting heavily afterwards. Cadance trusted my safety with it, but it's menacing wings, and green eyes, and large snout full of fire, and... and... it's razor sharp claws! The polished claws reached toward me and grasped me tightly. I fearfully closed my eyes as I felt the hard squeeze. An irritable snort came from slightly above my horn. The purple dragon was looking at me, I saw, as I peeked open an eye. His snout was curled in a slight smirk, although his steeled eyes said otherwise.

"Dude, I won't hurt you. Didn't Her Royal Highness tell you that I was picking you up? I'm Spike, by the way," the- now that I heard its voice and saw it's size- young dragon then rolled his eyes and gently dropped me on his back. As I felt the air whizzing by us, I contentedly closed my eyes, savoring the moment. I forgot how amazing it felt in the sky. I slightly fell backwards at a strong gust of wind, and crashed into a wing. He twisted and turned, trying to straighten his flight. I was yelling, hugging his neck. He slowly started to fly smoother, and it was easy to see he didn't trust me anymore. The dragon was glancing up at me every few seconds, so when I stood up shakily on his back he snapped his attention to me. I glared at him, feeling some annoyance bubbling up inside of me. If he can talk, he should know some manners!

"Hey, dragon! I suggest you stop your staring and keep your eyes ahead of you! Learn some manners, why don't you?" I said, stomping my hoof on his scales. He quickly turned away from me. Luckily, I noticed the tiny town below us; Ponyville. It looked big enough to be a city, but as we got closer and some clouds cleared I realized the town had only a few ponies working in the streets. Just like Cadance had told me.

"I suggest you close your eyes now!" The dragon yelled, though for him it might be his normal voice. My ears were ringing, causing me to rub my ears rapidly. I felt chilly water drench myself, and noticed that my escort was no better. Water drops glistened on top of his scales, though he probably didn't feel the chilliness of it. Now the town was in full view- very quiet, small and ordinary. Not my style. A few ponies bought food from some stalls, while I saw some pegasi racing around the sky. Spike silently landed, and I hopped off. I started shaking the water off, but I couldn't get it out of my mane and tail effectively. The dragon waved a claw in front of my face.

"Hello, Equestria to Lyra? I have fire breath that can evaporate the wa-" I interupted the purple dragon, saying, "BUT you could burn my fur off!" I really didn't feel like forgiving him for flying me through the clouds- now I was soaked to the bone, freezing, and tired. Spike lowered his eyes with annoyance, and his tail tip drooped. I felt bad, but come on! There were tons of breaks in the clouds that he could've gone through, even if it slowed us down. I glared hard at him and gave him my two bits- not literally.

"Spike the beast, why couldn't you go through any of the very big and convenient clear spots? And don't you know fire burns ponies?" I hissed, my words laced with venom. I sounded exasperated, mad, and annoyed. Now he returned my glare, yet it was much fiercer than mine. I saw small wisps of smoke coming out his nostrils, which frightened me enough to back away a few steps. He seemed to notice that, and he let out a wisp of green fire. Spike crossed his forearms angrily, and muttered.

"Her Royal Highness warned me you were a bit temperamental..." I, of course, didn't hear that. By now (if I had heard that) I would've exploded into a fire pony, which would make me panic and jump into a nearby water source. So, since I did not hear that, I continued watching for flames or smoke.

"Well, Miss Lyra, if you had looked at those clear spots you would've noticed pegasi in them! And I would've likely hurt or hospitalized some of them! And why would I ever want to burn you to a crisp? Um, except for almost killing us both back there... Seriously, though, can't you actually think things through smarty-pants?" Spike huffed, and sat down. He told me that he'd wait there in case I needed a ride back to Canterlot- as if! I had everything I needed- excepting a mane dryer. Oh well, theres a spell for everything, and I learned one for a situation like this. I charged up the spell that I had learned to play my lyre differently than normal. Using the quick wind-magic, I blew the water out of my mane and tail. A few drops splattered on the ground, but I paid that no heed. I trotted towards the town square and shuffled through my saddlebags, trying to find my note. I remember it being shoved in there somewhere, and then I put in my lyre, a bag of bits, an ID with a royal stamp confirming my identity, and the list goes on. So that must mean... It clicked in my head and I dumped the contents of my saddlebag onto the ground. The note in question fluttered to the top of the pile, and I triumphantly grinned while gripping the note with my magic. Many a pony stared at my pile of belongings as they passed by.

Multitasking, I levitated the books I had brought into a neat stack and dropped them in my bag. Then I took my ID and my bag of bits and shoved those in too. Next I gently used my hooves to put my lyre in- although it was enchanted to be strong, fire-resistant and rust-resistant I wanted to be very gentle with it. My magic could easily break one of those spells, and that could ruin my lovely golden lyre. In fact, I enchant all my items to be fire-resistant mostly because of my, er, phobia.

With my saddlebag packed, I checked the list. First up is the catering, done at a "Sweet Apple Acres." Mmmm, those apples sure do sound good! Although Cadance prefers roses to apples for some very weird reason, mostly because roses had that 'soft, smooth feeling' as she ate one. Her royal chefs put roses in almost every dish, usually on the side with the thorns picked off. Actually, she probably likes roses because they are an expression of love. Hmm- I'll have to ask her about that later. I barely glimpsed the top of a tree on the far horizon. My eyes focused on that small patch of leaves, the bits of gold gleaming brightly. I built up my magic and imagined being next to the tree in the distance. I charged up as much of my magic as I could. i could feel a small ball of twisting and writhing energy, struggling to get away from my grasp. Ah, I loved that feel- I felt so... so in control when I felt that. My horn's glowing sphere of light- balanced on its tip- was released. The ponies nearby probably got confused- what was that big flash of light? The magic of the most amazing pony in the world, I thought pridefully.

When I blinked into existence with a mouthful of leaves, I collapsed. Teleporting was NOT my strong point. The tree branch groaned slightly, and leaned down. I spat out the leaves, and immediately began grooming myself as I backed away towards the trunk. Leaves all over myself would not make a good impression. My fizzling horn scorched some of my mane as soon as a spark touched it. I won't be able to teleport for several hours, at the least! I thought with a frown. Soon I heard a loud crack! as a tree nearby dropped its fruit, only to fall into some intricately woven baskets. I grabbed my list in a hoof, and checked for the caterer's name. A orange mare named Applejack... Certainly looks like her, if the orange and apple goes together.

The farm pony who bucked the tree looked very strong, and I fidgeted my hooves on the wood. Perhaps she would act be as tough as she looks? My eyes widened in fear at that thought. She would probably buck me all the way to Las Pegasus! With a deep breath and a pinch of courage, I started to slide down the trunk to the pony- an orange, muscled mare with three apples as a cutie-mark. I scrambled back up, though, when I heard hoof-steps coming from behind me. I was shaking fervishly, but also trying to peek at the ponies who made them. Maybe another Apple was here to beat me like Applejack might- wait, might. I strained my neck out...Peering out, a cream mare softly called out to the farmer with a good-willed smile. A pink-and-green pony was behind her. Applejack flipped around. Her eyes lit up with a sparkle, which was not a very good sign for those visitors. Cadance taught me how to identify if somepony is faking happiness- this way I know when to back off.

"Well, howdy! Welcome ta Sweet Apple Acres girls! Would you like to sample some of our food for the Spring Love Faire?" Applejack said, smiling. But I knew that smile was fake, and she didn't really want to talk now. In fact, her eyes were focused on the tree I hid on. But the rose pony acted oblivious to that fact, and opened her mouth to sigh. She also had a pleading look in her eye, and her smile trembled ever-so slightly.

"Y'all still want to try and cater fer the Faire? Ah told ya, we can manage." Applejack said, sighing. The cream one turned away with an understanding nod; her friend charged forward at the mare. She stood centimeters away from Applejack, eyes glinting with annoyance.

"Excuse me, Applejack. We want a stand at the Faire, not take the whole catering thing away. I mean, is it that important that you and your family get to cater EVERY SINGLE TABLE? Its only the food table in the Town Hall, and I'm sure your family has more than enough bits to last through the SUMMER," she said, emphasizing summer by prodding Applejack sharply. It was true though- summer was the best time to be selling food as Cadance arranged a variety of festivals to go to, herself included. Applejack glared at her with a dark chuckle, and she answered.

"But thats where all the business is at, Town Hall. Where everypony comes ta see the only alicorn in ponykind alive? Ah know the best places ta set up shop, and thats one of em, Daisy. Now, girls, would you like to sample some of OUR food or maybe ask nicely for a stand somewhere else?" She said. When the ponies stood silently, she turned and bucked my tree. WHAM! I fell forward and hit the ground, head whirling. Apples followed, and, since I knocked away the baskets with my fall, they piled on top of me. Thank you, Applejack. Really. I instead grinned.

"Hi! My name is Lyra Heartstrings, and I am here to check the catering for the Faire! I also would like some lunch, too, Applejack. Specifically, apple pie!" I bounced up and down when mentioning apple pie, drooling slightly. Some of my drool was flung right over, splatting on Applejack's hoof. I absolutely love pie! It's my most favorite food in all of Equestria! She looked at me with a very faux, phony smile that told me what she was thinking- "How bad will this day get?"

"Soooo, um. No pie?" I said uncertainly. She sighed, and told me how she needed to finish bucking these trees, AND pick up all the apples that were not bruised by hitting me or the ground. She said that the "kind flower ponies" would take me to her house, where I could sample some pie if there was any left. At that, I smiled. However, the flower ponies weren't as happy to be my forced escort. But the cream one immediately did what Applejack said she would. She began to trot cheerfully forwards, then turn to egg me and Daisy on. She continued quietly with a tour-guide attitude, mostly pointing out something like the "East Orchard" or the "Northern Orchard." The two mares were mostly quiet other than that, though. Daisy stomped along the earth with a frown evident on her muzzle. Soon I could see a big barn in the distance, along with a small farmhouse. The rose maned pony gestured to it, her inner tour-guide bursting forth again.

"That's Ponyville's own Apple family farm. Along with the trees," she said with a large smile, "and I trust you'll be able to make it there now. And here's a rose, in case their apples aren't your style." She winked, trotting away with her friend trailing her. I galloped towards the house, and prepared myself for deliciousness! When I arrived, though, many a pony were chatting and playing. Many, MANY a pony.As I eased through the crowd, I noticed every single cutie mark was apple related. Go figure, it's a family reunion I bet. Well, not expected. But as Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's prized student, I have to make sure to do her errand, no matter how horrible! With determination I pushed my way towards the table full of food. I scanned the tables, occasionally grabbing a fritter or dumpling and shoving it in my mouth. Such delicious treats, I thought, but no pie. After checking the tables 3 more times, I pouted. My hooves carried me to a yellow colt with one red apple as a cutie mark. I gulped a mouthful of oxygen, and then spoke. I made sure he would notice how much tension was bubbling and frothing inside me.

"Excuse me, mister, but WHERE ARE THE PIES?!" I yelled, gesturing wildly at the table. He looked confusedly at me, and then spied my cutie mark. He knowingly nodded lightly to himself. He laughed now, and I gazed at him angrily. Welp, he sure didn't care about my tension.

"Well, MacIntosh swooped by an' took the last one. Many apologies, miss. Name's Braeburn by the way." Braeburn proceeded to furiously shake my hoof, and merrily trot away. But....but.... there wasn't any PIE! How could they not have any left? Well, they probably have some stored for the Faire, but still. Couldn't they rustle up ONE for me? Didn't these ponies know who I was? The Princess's student, advisor, friend, musician, and, again, STUDENT! Buuuut, maybe they didn't know that, and I could play the one song that only Princess-approved ponies could. Heh heh heh, they were in for a surprise! I cleared a space on one of the many tables, and balanced on my hind legs. They firmly gripped the wood. I dropped my saddlebag and levitated my lyre into my hooves. Ponies already started to turn and face me, though most chattered on. I used my magic and started my song, amplifying it for all to hear. It had a regal air, and many were whispering quietly. Many ponies lightly stomped the ground at my professional playing. I nervously let my voice start to sing the lyrics.

"Sunshine, moonshine, everything shines! Everypony shine with hooooope!

Sunshine, moonshine, everything shines! The love and light the Goddess brings

Shall make you happily run and loooope!" I paused, my voice wavering. I always hated that one part because lope was a stupid rhyme, so I repeated the notes again, and continued in a stronger voice.

"Sunshine, given by the shining sun whom our Goddess raises each day!

Give hope for the future by lighting up our kingdom!" I sung high for the end note, and continued with confidence. Every note rung out with contentedness or happiness. The crowd gathered with smiles and occasional cheers. My voice became soft , even though my voice was still magically amplified.

"Moonshine, which comforts us at niiiiight; the Goddess keeps bay the friiiiight...

Let everypony quietly slumber while the stars guard us with their endless siiight." I wavered at the end, my throat choking up. I forgot to get a refreshment before singing. Hopefully none of these ponies knew songs as well as I, and hopefully couldn't tell when I choked up.

"Sunshine, moonshine, everything shines! Everypony shines with hooooope!

Sunshine, moonshine, everything shines!" I prepared to stage-whisper the next part, as Cadance does everytime she sings it. It used to be tradition to sing it at the Spring Love Faire, and I saw the older ponies smiling softly as they probably remembered the song from past Faires. I had cut the song short, although it was only a few sets of lyrics that were really mushy. Blech.

"Keep close... who you love.... the most." A plucked the last note, which rang loud and clearly into the silent crowd. I fell onto my other two legs, magically holding my lyre although I hoped it didn't get damaged from that. The crowd of Apple ponies stomped their hooves and cheered loudly. I saw a frail elderly mare come to the front of the crowd and start to talk to me.

"That was a lovely song, missy. I 'member when ah heard it all the time, from the princess herself. Was a real bonding song for the family, it was." I grinned politely, and asked the question that churned in my mind. Instead another bursted forth.

"Why won't Applejack let Daisy and the other flower pony have a stand for the Faire?" I asked, and quickly face-hoofed myself mentally. I meant to ask about apple pie, not the ponies I don't even KNOW! The green mare slightly frowned and answered my question.

"We don't mean to be mean to them young'ns, but we need the bits to run the orchard. Can't afford to have the stand where they want it." She sighed and slowly trudged towards the house's porch, and something compelled me to help the creamy mare of the two flower ponies for her generosity in lending me her time. I shuffled the I.D. behind me as I left the scene. I'd rather have one angry Applejack than a billion angry Apples. So I galloped towards where I met Applejack, preparing what I'd say to her.

I finally reached Applejack, who smiled graciously at me. I then took a deep breath and she waved a hoof.

"Ah could hear the song from here; Granny would tell me 'bout it sometimes. Let me guess, y'all wanna help those ponies by givin' them what they want. But please, miss- anywhere but the town hall." She said, firmly stating the last part. I gulped and tried to glare sternly at her while talking with an air of professionalism.

"I'm sorry, Applejack. But I believe that those generous ponies who gave me their time should be rewarded for doing so. They even walked the bulk of the distance and back after you did a quick lie to save yourself some apple-bucking time. Do not set up a stand in the town hall or I will get guards to...to.... do something bad!" I sounded childish when I squeaked fiercely at her. She gazed at me with a fire burning in her eyes, but sighed.

"Alrighty, then. Promise you won't sick them guards on me though. Save their bones for a bigger fight." She was admitting defeat! Woo hoo! Except, that threat was a little worrying... Never mind, l should go find those ponies or whoever took the last apple pie instead of mulling over a stupid threat! I smiled, and trotted back to town. I admired the apple trees' good condition even after getting bucked by that strong pony. I silently continued trotting forward, and prayed that I would be able to rest later.

After running towards Ponyville, I did a short teleport ahead into the town's area. I frowned slightly at my location. I was in a park, where I doubt I'd meet those ponies again. At least there were ponies here though! I paused for a moment to admire the lushness of the park, but then I dashed up to an all-purple mare giggling and playing with a foal. The little filly, who I'd later learn is called Alula, gazed questionably at me. The purple mare, however, smiled lightly although she glanced nervously around her. The filly turned away, opened the picnic basket, and gobbled up an apple slice.

"Hi. I'm, uh, Amethyst Star. But you can call me Sparkler, my real name is a mouthful. What do you need to know, um, miss?" She said with a genuine smile. Genuine! In Canterlot usually only Cadance ever had true smiles, but hers easily rivaled the princess's own smiles- which is saying a lot, because the princess is the god of LOVE and she'd know a lot about smiling. Though I do hope that she knows where the flower ponies are...

I gave an enthusiastic grin and bounced. At least I can finish my errands soon! The filly smiled, and continued munching down apples.

"HI! I'm Lyra Heartstrings, and can you please-oh-please tell me where I could find some flower ponies? Also may I have that slice of pie, thanks!" My starving stomach controlled my mouth to take a bite of the pie that was just taken out of the picnic basket. I put my ears back and smiled, knowing that was a very, very stupid thing for my stomach to do. The little filly frowned now, but then Sparkler turned to her with a big grin and lots of eccentricity.

"Don't worry, Alula! Just take a knife CAREFULLY and cut around the bite, silly! Then you can eat all the pie you want." The filly perked up when Sparkler cut around the bite in the middle. She tossed that piece to me, which I grabbed with my magic. I devoured it in chomp, and Sparkler giggled lightly at that.

"You have quite an appetite, Lyra. So, about your question. I DO know one of the flower ponies," Sparkler paused, almost as if to be dramatic, and spoke again. Her eyes had a distant, ominous look.

"Roseluck!" She then exclaimed cheerily, and munched on a slice of pie. Oh, this was PERFECT! Roseluck sounds like she would sell roses at the Faire, which is absolutely perfect because Cadance loves roses! Sparkler said something, but I tuned it out as I thought. I bet with some help she could make a ton of rose dishes, along with a few non-rose dishes for diversity. Sparkler noticed I wasn't paying attention and punched me lightly so I heard her next words.

"HELLOOOOOOOOO! Lyra String-bean?" Sparkler started waving a hoof in front of my eyes, using a horrible joke that made Alula giggle quietly even though she was looking warily at me. My eye twitched.

"I said that Roseluck lives on the other side of town, so you should-" I screamed in frustration. Not only did that pony insult my name and call me lanky, but that pony was on the other side of town! Come on, could this day get any worse? Well, actually, it already has been worse. I got soaking wet, rudely ignored, insulted to my face, and now the pony I want to reward is on the other side of town? Ugh! I can't take this anymore, I am going back to Canterlot forever. I break down in rage, tearing up the grass and jumping up and down angrily. I hope nopony other than Amethyst Star and Alula saw this.

"Awww, don't be sad Lyra. I'm sure you can't resist... THIS!" I glanced up at Sparkler, who was now using her magic to make her face twist and turn in hilarious ways. Then she opened her mouth and stuck her tongue out. I rubbed a hoof over my eye, and did something I did not expect.

"Don't call me Lyra String-bean again, or I'll make sure you won't ever consider it." I smiled weakly at her, and she started giggling when I playfully punched her. Then all three of us burst out laughing, and I hugged Sparkler. I've only met 2 ponies besides Alula, and one of them is already super funny and cheerful with me. I'll make sure we become- and stay- good, good friends for a long time. Alula suddenly let go of me and Sparkler, whom I now realized was a foal-sitter, and ran off to a pony calling her name. She let Alula jump on her back, and waved at us. Then the pony merely trots away.

"Okay, Sparkler, it was really fun meeting you! But I gotta run, so see you at the Faire!" I called out, galloping away. Apple pie does wonders- it fights hunger and replenishes energy! I pulled out my list and half-checked catering. Hopefully that pony had a ton of roses already prepared, and was willing to take her reward. The next thing on my list- which I now realized was actually the first item on the list- was check on the decorations. I smiled- an easy one. No long-distance teleporting, no Apple family crowd, just me and- hmm lets see here- a fashion designer. She must be an amazing decorator, being a fashion designer. Rarity must be the opposite of Applejack- you can tell by the names. Unless Rarity is a farm pony, or is messy, or.. You know what, never mind. Okay, here we are! The town hall- huh, it's kinda small for such a big event... Well, the pegasi will have to fly if there isn't enough, then. And the fillies and colts could stand on their parents' backs. Ugh, never mind again.

I stepped inside and bounded up to the white unicorn, who was looking at different ribbon colors. I leaped in front of where she was levitating ribbons. She dropped all the levitated objects and gasped in surprise. Before she could say anymore, I talked very excitedly. This couldn't go wrong, it was too easy! Drop a request from the princess, leave. Psssh. I could do this.

"Hi I'm Lyra! Theprincesswouldlikethedecorationstobenature-themed,thanks!" I tried to dash off, but she stood rigidly in front of me. She curiously glanced at me, looked behind me and sighed at an also white pegasus. Rarity whispered her name to me.

"Blossomforth." Instead of being angry or sad or, well, angry, Blossomforth looks overjoyed by hearing my words. Her cutie-mark, two flowers, told me enough about why she was happy. She must've snuck up when I interrupted Rarity's ribbon choosing.

"Oh, that's amazing! Lyra, thank you so much for thinking the way I do! Spring is a time of new life, so we should totally theme the decorations around nature." Blossomforth gave me a big hug and twirled around the hall, while Rarity fake smiled at me. She quietly asked for proof that I know the princess. I roll my eyes and levitate my ID card. She sighs once again, and starts changing ribbons green and murmuring about how animal fairs and plant festivals are hard to make decorations for. Trotting away, Blossomforth stops me again. She was jittering everywhere, but hugged me anyways.

"Really, thanks a TON for that," She hugged me quickly, "But I should apologize to Rarity- she doesn't want to change her purple ribbons green 'cause apparently green is a horrible color." Blossomforth said, flying over to the busy fashionista. I wonder why she doesn't take offense from that statement. Blossomforth mentioned something about flowers being different colors, and the unicorn shouted with joy.

"I-de-a!" She was almost squealing, but continued working hard. Her blue magic whizzed around the room, but she could only grab so much. Blossomforth had to continually pass her scissors, measuring tapes, and ribbons. Heh, she got roped into being the assistant! I smirked and left the town hall with a chuckle.

That wasn't exactly perfect, but it'd do. As I looked up at the sky, a whir of teal was clumping groups of clouds into a massive cotton ball, while some other pegasi bucked the cloud ball to make it disappear. Very clever. The sky seems to be almo- vwooooosshh. A quick, merciless shower of rain fell on my head, making my mane cling to my neck and my tail flatten to the ground. I angrily glanced up, and yelled.

"WHOEVER DID THAT BETTER COME DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!" I was quickly seething to the point where water started evaporating off. I never appreciated Cadance's pranks, so I am not going to start appreciating ANY pranks now. When a rainbow-maned pony came down laughing, I leapt on her. She was merciless to me, I was merciless to her. I leaped up and clutched her throat with my hooves and magic. A teal pegasus with a lightning colored mane flew a touch closer with a worried stare.

"Now listen here missy. My day has barely begun, and I have already had a ton of bad things happen. And when things start to get better, you ruin the good with an idiotic PRANK! Pranks ruin my day, and don't think I enjoyed them at all in Canterlot!" I screamed at the end of the sentence. She ended her chuckling and worriedly looked at me. Other pegasi looked at me as they slowly worked, knowing that this would't end well. The teal blur ignored me and focused on her work. She continued making large cloud balls, and pegasi scrambled to watch but do their jobs.

"Well, it was f-funny to me. And to a bunch of other ponies I bet." She glanced up at the pegasus with the lightning colored mane, who was too nervous to go down. When I let go of the rainbow pony with my magic to look at the other one, she struggled out and ran. Her wings opened quickly and she took off with a flash. They both darted off to a remote section of sky, where even I couldn't reach them with my magic. The teal pegasus who ignored me before flew down, and patted me on the back. I now noticed that her mane was a light yellow- so pale you'd call it white with a glance.

"Hey, um, don't get so down. Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust are just lousy, mean prankers. That's the truth, and sadly it will probably always be so. By the way, my name is Sassaflash. Call me if they give you trouble again, okay?" Sassaflash patted me awkwardly again, and took off. I got up, and had more passion to get this whole thing over with as quick as possible. Glaring at Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust, I turned and trotted warily to the other end of town. There I'd reach Roseluck's house with some "roseluck" and dash by Fluttershy's place- Fluttershy is the music composer. Was that a good joke? Hmm. Not really, but it was pretty clever. Who am I kidding, that stunk. I kicked a stone with a hoof as I continued plowing down the street.

Soon, I noticed a blur of rainbow "edging" closer. I stopped, and grabbed her with my magic before she crashed next to me. She was rubbing her head with a hoof and acted very down. I looked at her incredulously with a raised eyebrow. Awkward speaking commenced.

"Look, well, I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd react that way, and I thought you'd be fine with it. Cause when you came into town you used your fancy magic to dry yourself. Again, I'm really sorry." Rainbow Dash said, now hurriedly flying off. I saw Blossomforth wave at me with a smile, and then get yanked into the town hall again. I'd have to thank her later.

By now I was checking all the shop signs, hoping to find one that said "Roseluck" or "roses." That was not so, and the scenery became more open and suburb like. Soon I heard somepony humming, and lit up my horn. Concentrating on the tune, I used a locator spell which quickly dragged me to where the humming pony was. Dust smeared over my hooves, and then I smashed into a fence. A fence. I heard the crack as splinters showered over me and my spell deactivated as the humming stopped. I think Nightmare Sun was purposefully trying to torture me today. Hooves pounded towards me- three sets. One voice screamed.

"Our fence! The horror, the horror!" She screeched, reeling back towards the daisy pony. A lily was nestled in her mane, and I could tell that Daisy- oh, it's her!- was used to it by her rolling eyes and unamused expression.

"I'll pay for the fence, miss. It was my fault for not stopping you." The cream mare quietly said, who then gave me a hoof. Shaking splinters and dust off my coat, I gazed around. There were beautiful roses, daisies, and lilies growing all around the yard, and I had barely missed some of those flowers. Then I turned and saw the pony's cutie-mark. A rose!

"Oh YES, sweet Cadance, you must be Roseluck! Amethyst Star told me that you lived over here and that you grow flowers, specifically roses, and that is so perfect!" I excitedly said. Roseluck smiled a tiny bit. What a quiet and humble pony!

"So you see, I was checking with Applejack for the catering of the Faire. But then, you see, I heard your conversation from the tree! So I showed her my ID-" I absent-midedly showed Roseluck my ID, "-and then I told her that you get a table and then I ran to check the decorations and now I'm here!" I said, bunching every word together to tell her as quickly as I could. Then I noticed Roseluck gaping at my ID, and then whispered to me.

"So, the Apples.... aren't having the town hall table?" She said. I nodded very enthusiastically and smiled. When I gestured to her, and then to the roses I think it clicked for her. Roseluck grinned at me, and grabbed the ponies behind her.

"Daisy, Lily Valley! We can get the table we want! Now that the Apples aren't allowed to use that spot, we can! Oh, and that means Berry Punch can help us too, and.." I raised a hoof and silenced her, and she slightly frowned. She titled her head and gave a confused look.

"Now, Rose, Daisy, Lily, you may all use the table! Except I want only you three," I firmly glared at Roseluck, "to do it with a wide enough selection of food. So, Rose, you may do rose-based dishes which, might I add, the princess adores. Daisy, you can do daisy-based dishes instead if that's what you do. Then, um, Lily? You can do lily-based dishes if you know how to, so now you all should GET TO IT!" I ended with a firm nod and a tight smile. This might not work out too well. Now, music. I sure hope Fluttershy's name doesn't suggest what I think it does...

When I arrived at a cottage on the edge of the Everfree, a yellow pegasus was feeding some birds- though mostly giving them a drink of water. I wobbly stood on my hind legs and scrambled onto the Everfree Wall- a large stone wall that blocked out the Everfree's monsters who occasionally tried invading Ponyville. I lightly treaded a bit closer to my target, and when I saw her not looking, I galloped as quietly as possible. I was in front of her, although higher up. I made a flashy entrance by jumping in front of her, off of the wall dividing the Everfree from Ponyville. She cowered down and hid behind her mane, slightly trembling. I heard a small, "Eep!" I started excitedly asking her how the music as going, sometimes gesturing wildly with my hooves. A response was a incomprehensible mumble, and she slightly peeked out of her mane. When I beamed brightly at her, she darted towards her cottage and closed the door. Then about 6 birds flew up to me, looking sour. They horribly rasped a song, which I responded to by playing my lyre. I'd show them how to do a song!

"Su-unshine, moonshine, everythiiiing shi-i-ines! Da da da da da with hoooope!" I hummed, as I played my lyre with the melody. I suddenly stopped strumming, blushing wildly. I was "awkwardly" standing on two hooves and, of course, used my hooves to pluck strong notes. The birds had seemed entranced by it, but Fluttershy? Not so much. She was looking at me very timidly while peeking out the door, and tried to speak- albeit very quietly.

"Um, I-I'm really s-sorry. My b-birds have s-sore throats andcan'tsing!" Fluttershy peeped. She looked ashamed, and I awkwardly dropped to my hooves and stared. I sighed then, and I un-chained my necklace. The heart-shaped jewel in the center was surrounded by a lovely silver- the whole necklace was very much like Cadance's neckpiece. It always fit snugly around my neck, and Cadence had given it to me so I could communicate with her when I can't find her. Somehow I forgot about it. I started tapping the aqua crystal, and a tinted image of Cadence appeared.

"Hi Lyra! How are the preparations going? I bet they are going fine, or almost fine! So, whats the problem Heartstrings?" Cadence said cheerfully. She was smiling brightly. I swallowed and gathered confidence- she would understand.

"Everything is going fine, princess. But sadly Fluttershy's bird chorus doesn't have enough birds that are well enough to sing. Can you get me a list of all musicians living in Ponyville currently?" I smiled meekly at Cadence's picture as I heard her calling a servant for the list. The servant's hooves clattered loudly on the marble floor I saw, and the loud hooves soon returned. Soon the list was read aloud, and I stopped her at one name. One specific name.

"Cadance, Cadance, hold up. Did you just say 'Octavia Melody Philharmonic?'" I was very surprised to hear Octavia. Octavia was a very classy pony, and she always adored playing her cello at the fancy garden parties in Canterlot- and she loved it when I asked her to play the music for my graduation party! I remember one day she said she was moving- she seemed pretty confident- and never saw her since. Hmm. This was odd.

"So, Miss Octavia lives...hm, lets see here... on Mane Street! Sorry, but the ink smudged on her address; probably Miss Shining Bell's hooves- no, it's really alright Miss Bell. Have a nice time!" The necklace shined with light, and then it was a normal necklace again. Fluttershy looked shocked from what I could see- probably didn't know real magic- and mumbled that I didn't have to do that. When I rolled my eyes for, like, the fifth time today, she flinched and shut the door. I carefully tucked away my lyre and set off for Mane Street.

I slowly cantered on the edge of the street, sweat beaded on my forehead. I don't EVER want to do this again. A beige pony turned to me from Town Hall, and walked closer. She bowed deeply, and then glanced up at me from the ground.

"Hello. I assume you are Ms. Lyra Heartstrings? Princess Cadenza told me of your recent arrival, and I have been hoping you'd come to the town hall to speak with me. Now, come in, come in." The beige pony stood up and started ushering me towards the building. My mind whirled at all the possible spells- AH HA! Perfect one! My horn glowed a bright gold as I strummed my lyre also with magic, and the Mayor suddenly dropped to the ground, fast asleep. Sometimes that spell was very useful in situations like this. I panted, and my horn ached from using so much magic today. I glanced at the sky, seeing Sassaflash using a different technique than last time. The pegasi would line up the clouds to be in a straight line, and she'd kick one. That cloud would then send out lightning- from its sides, destroying the other clouds. Finally, Sassaflash would buck the storm cloud that released the lightning, effectively destroying it. I could've sworn she winked at me, but who cares? I need to find Octavia. I ran up to Sparkler- huh, when'd she get here?- and asked her about Octavia. Hopefully she would know, and then I could finally get my job overwith and read. My project, I just realized, needs to get closer to the final essay to present to Cadance- obviously she still denied their existence, even though she loved fairy tales.

"Octavia? Oh, she lives ove-" Just as she pointed her hoof, I dashed off. Sparkler frowned and loped away, to a store with a large bejeweled sign. I quickly knocked on the door to the house she pointed at. I was bouncing with excitement. My job would FINALLY be over! Wait, no, I still need to check off weather. I wonder who the captain is... When Octavia opened the door, I tackled her.

"Octavia! Quickly, agree to play for the Spring Faire!" I said, faking urgency. She had a shocked look on her face, which changed to joy. But then she looked almost sad, and sighed.

"Lyra, as much as I would love to, I'd need months of practice to perfect a song for an event like this. So, I don't think...Well, who am I kidding. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. But I need to practice the song at least 100 times to get it perfect!" I got off her and trotted around the room. That was JUST what I needed to hear. I come out of the blue and ask my foal-hood friend I hardly knew anymore to play at the Spring Love Faire for Princess Cadance and she says NO? I forgot how much of an oddball she could be! I turned and pouted at her, mustering the best acting skills I had. Tip my head a bit, water my eyes along with the puppy dog stare, anddd....

"Miss Heartstrings," she said rather formally, "I really have to decline- and don't you remember? That trick stopped working ages ago. And how can I afford to mess up in front of ROYALTY? Unless the song you have in mind is incredibly easy, then don't bother asking again." I started scowling, and considered the songs I had heard her play. Hmmm. A Royal Crown, Melody of Stars, Ballad of the Seaponies... Wait a minute! Octavia played Ballad of the Seaponies at my graduation party flawlessly! I smiled wickedly, as if I had an evil plan.

"Can you play... Ballad of the Seaponies?" She looked at me and sighed angrily. I then smiled normally, knowing that was her sigh of utter defeat.

"That is very simple for a master like me, BUT I will not guarantee my appearance. Hopefully you have a backup plan, Lyra." Octavia said, looking very ominous when she mentioned backup plan. Well, she certainly remembered my failure to prepare- although I got roped into this today! Meh, time to go. I can throw together an illusion of somepony playing an instrument, and play a song on my lyre. Easy! I politely waved my hoof and left her house. Now, to check the weather. Glancing at the far-off pegasi, I sighed, and galloped towards them, yelling. A yellow pegasus drifted down, scowling. She was the closest out of all the ponies.

"What is it? You know I have to be clearing the skies right now, don't you? Captain ordered double-time 'cause of your interruption." The pony said irritably. I jabbed a hoof at her, and asked what I needed to know.

"Bring me the captain of the weather team now! Official Canterlot business, apprentice of Princess Cadence. Chop, chop!" Ok, I was a bit demanding. But my legs were killing me- this job involved so much running! I hope I don't have to do this job again if I fail. Wait, but if I don't get to do this again correctly then Cadence won't trust me anymore! Luckily a pegasus flew right up to me as I finished thinking of bad things.

"Hello, Lyra. I would really appreciate it if you tell me what you need. I have to get this job done," Sassaflash said, lighting down on the earth. Luckily she'll be nice unlike that yellow one. I was honestly surprised that Sassaflash was the captain- wasn't it Rainbow Dust or Lightning Dash? Er, wait, is it Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust? Stupid confusing names.

"I need to know if the sky will be clear for tomorrow's Faire, and I don't want any-"

"Lies, I get it. We hopefully will be able to finish clearing the sky for tomorrow, although it might get foggy if we don't finish by sunset. Gotta go!" Sassaflash droned, then suddenly flew off. Fog? Oh no, oh no! That will absolutely ruin everything! Cadence will be so disappointed! No, she's too kind to do that. She'll just never let me do anything important again. Why would she understand? I am in charge of this, and I've gotta make it perfect for my mentor! Instead of heading to the vacant house for me, I strummed my lyre to start a beautiful, almost sad, song. I played my favorite, "Ballad of the Seaponies." It was the song Cadence had heard when she apprenticed me. The memory warmed my heart, and even when Sassaflash flew towards me I continued to play. I felt the world slipping away, my worries slipping, everything melting...

"Excuse me, but did you need me?" Sassaflash said while eyeing me weirdly. I embarrassedly put my lyre into my saddlebag, and blushed. I threw together a sentence.

"Yeah, um, I was hoping you could keep the fog away for tomorrow," I said, slapping myself mentally. Sassaflash looked thoughtful, and slowly spoke.

"Well, we could just move some of the clouds to Cloudsdale for building materials, so that it doesn't become fog tomorrow. But we'd have to work triple-time," I excitedly clapped my hooves and starting pushing her towards the sky.

"PERFECT! Hurry up, do your job! GO GO GO!" I was dancing. My job was done, I could sit and read! I could finally work on my pet project again! I checked off 'weather' on my list, along with finishing the check for 'catering.' I hummed as I strolled to my house, which apparently used to be part of a confection-making place. It was near Fluttershy's cottage, except more inside of the town. I used my magic and opened up the door. I was greeted by a dozen yelling ponies. The only pony I properly glimpsed was a pink and navy maned earth pony, with three wrapped candies as a cutie-mark. That must be my neighbor running the sweet shop next door.

"Hi Lyra! I simply had to give you a small surprise party, after learning about your awful day!" Bon Bon said. I gazed at her suspiciously.

"Oh, you didn't notice me when you got pranked by Rainbow and Dust? Not only pegasi saw that scuffle!" Bon Bon acted like it was just that: a silly prank that I over-reacted to. I cringed slightly as I remembered what I had done. I unwrapped a rusty colored candy and popped it in my mouth. I exploded with fire, and dashed towards where the kitchen was. I immediately turned on the water in the sink and gulped it down. Ok, that water wasn't very good. I think it tasted sour. At least it was cold, though.

"Lyra, I'm so sorry! I forgot to warn you about the red candies- they have peppers in them!" As I gazed incredulously at her, she explained that she likes to experiment with flavors. I rolled my eyes and left the kitchen, and one pony rushed towards me.

"HiLyra! IamsohappytomeetyouandIhopeyouforgivemefornotthrowingyouthispartymyself! By the way, I'm Pinkie Pie!" The pink mare exclaimed quickly, while smiling happily. Then she raced out the door, a pink trail in her wake. Overall this party had only 7 ponies besides me, one of them being Bon Bon. Instead of mingling, I climbed the stairs. Bon Bon called for me to have fun with a pout. I groaned at her, and continued on. Nope, this party isn't fun. My room had a large bookcase to store my research books and spell books- wow, thanks a ton princess! I put the few books in my saddle bag onto the bookshelf, and skimmed the titles of other books. "Legendary Creatures, All About Apes, Predictions and Prophecies; it had all the books in my read pile! Wait a second, Predictions and Prophecies? Maybe that crazy mage Twilight Sparkle put it in my pile by mistake. I definitely wasn't interested though. I doubt any of the stories in those included human proof, unlike All About Apes. That probably had tons of proof! I went over to the desk in the corner of the room, and saw a small, cursive note. Well, not cursive actually. Just very fancy horn-writing. I scanned the note.

Dear L. Heartstrings,

This is your house! Do you like it? It was the only vacant house I could find, so I am very sorry if it does not please you. Luckily if you don't like it you will not have to stay there long. Anyways, have a splendid Spring Love Faire!

All my love, Cadence

I flicked off the note, which I didn't realize had a P.S. on the back, which had many exclamation marks. It fell into a trash bin, and I levitated over one of my books. I then got out a binder labeled 'HUMANS EXIST.' I started reading, comfortably sitting on the chair behind the desk. I eagerly read, squee-ing when I found proof-like things and furiously scribbling them down into my binder. I continued going through my books long into the night, until I had fallen asleep on the desk, drooling onto Primate History's leather cover.

I woke up in the morning with a bed head, and surprisingly I was curled up on the rug. A small cup of pens was on the floor and said pens were scattered everywhere- not to mention a bottle of spilled ink. I groaned and looked outside. The sun was three-quarters of the way to midday. I suddenly panicked, messily flinging books onto a shelf and tossing the pens into the cup. I slept in TODAY of all days? Oh no, I've gotta hurry! The pens and the cup quickly fell with a thud onto the desk. I conjured up a brush from the bathroom and smoothed out my mane. It took several minutes and some tea before I went outside. The sunshine was beautifully accented because of the.. mist? Nonononononono! Mist will RUIN the Faire! Ponies were running around, probably... having a good time? Many ponies were using bits at some carnival-style stands with bright colors. I noticed that one stand was selling crystal berry pies- yum! I drooled slightly, but shook my head rapidly. Cadance can treat me to one later. As the Faire's caretaker today, I made sure everything was in order. I passed by all the stands, and not one pony was unhappy.

Well, except those two. Applejack and a small filly- her sister?- were trotting out of the town hall and Applejack whooped, as she continued closer to me.

"YEE-HAW! That was mighty kind of you to let me keep the table in town hall, Lyra. Thanks a million!" She said, trotting past me. I tilted my head in confusion, only to see a delighted Rarity and her (supposed) sister walking out the town hall. They acted similarly to Applejack and company. I guess they just saw how amazing the decorations probably look- maybe I should check them out too. But then a loud horn sounded, and my ears could tell how smoothly the sound slid off the horn's material. What a pretty sound.

"Come one, come all, to the annual jousting match! Unicorns who want to participate, gather in a group. Pegasi, earth ponies, you too!" The voice called. I trotted towards the large, dusty area the joust was to take place at, and selected a seat in the front row. 4 unicorns were gathered, along with a group of 5 pegasi and one with 3 earth ponies. The pony holding a shiny crystal horn frowned after scanning the groups. I recognized Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust in silver armor, both wearing cocky grins. A white unicorn with an electric blue mane grinned back at them- wasn't she blaring music at my party last night? None of the earth ponies were familiar. The referee, at least I think thats what he is, picked out Rainbow and a yellow and pink pegasus. He announced their names on the loud speaker.

"Battling to be the Pegasi's champion this year is... Dizzy Twister and Rainbow Dash!" He shouted, and the pegasi lined up at opposite ends of the arena. Dizzy Twister looked nervous, but looked at her opponent anyways. Rainbow was the opposite- grinning ear to ear and waving to the crowd.

"Ready... Set.... GOOOO!" Dizzy charged forward, and Rainbow mirrored her. Rainbow, however, ran with her wings pumping and hit Dizzy with more force. Rainbow Dust slid to a stop at the other end, and started cheering for herself. I got bored with the event, and stayed just to hear the jousting champions. A burly pegasus called Snowflake won, along with a 'Minuette' and 'Caramel.' I quickly trotted to the Town Hall when the joust finished, and settled on the floor. The decorations had beautifully designed flowers of ribbon, and occasionally there was an animal cut-out. Coincidentally, the mayor just called every pony inside so I stood up to avoid being trampled. I stood excitedly at the front, staring up at the balcony. Nopony was standing there, but Cadence would be there soon. She would.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming to this year's Spring Love Faire, and hope you've had a great time. Now, please welcome the shepherd of the moon, caretaker of the sun, and keeper of love- Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!" The mayor said, and we all stomped our hooves with applause. Soon, a stream of pink light gathered on the podium. It morphed into a large ball of magic- love magic, it seemed. With a bright flash of light, Cadence floated down onto the balcony with a gentle smile.

"Please, everypony- call me Cadence." She said, which the mayor nodded to.

"Ponies, send out the love and light gathered by having an amazing Faire. Now it is time for me to channel that love and light throughout all of Equestria!" She closed her eyes, and a wave of pink magic- similar to the pink magic before- was sent out her horn. I saw Octavia in the room's corner. She smiled at me. Octavia started sliding the bow across the strings, and I could hear the notes rising and rising higher and suddenly, they dropped. They continued on in a low and mysterious tone, and then she finished the piece off. The music seemed to be shorter than I remembered... Cadance's pink magic wave swirled and scurried around the room, until finally it went outside. Everypony, including the princess, went outside to watch the magic flow to the Crystal Tower. It dived and swirled and twirled! It was almost at the top of the Crystal Tower, which was glimmering brightly- but then Cadence cried out in pain and fell over. The pink magic was getting hit with deep purple magic, and soon the flow of the love magic disappeared back into the princess's horn. The magic had been quicker than light to get back to her. Then I heard the princess cry out again, but with hate. Everypony was screaming; the moon was slowly climbing towards the sun, the extra light making the mist glow ominously.

"Why hello my little ponies. Rejoice, for thy true queen is here!" A pale purple alicorn said while descending from the sky. Her mane was three colors- orange, yellow and midnight blue. But the colors were tinted black. And her mane and tail billowed like fire, except it didn't move up. On her head was a black crown with the same jewels on Cadence's own. I could sense magic, very ancient magic, tingling around her. Many ponies screeched louder, and tried to run. Wrong choice. A deep purple glow tinted my vision. I tried to move myself, but I stayed stock still. She was freezing us in place!

"Why are thou all screaming? Has this fool spread lies about me?" She lightly kicked Cadence, who grunted. She silently got to her hooves, and stared defiantly. She spread her stance, rooting herself firmly to the ground. The alicorn blinked curiously at her, but then uninterestingly looked at one of her polished black sandals with a yawn.

"I will not let you hurt my ponies. S-stand down." She said, standing firmly. However her voice had a wobble, which made me try to jump hoof to hoof. I could feel my legs starting to prickle with pins and needles.

"Dear niece, don't thee know I am much older than thee? I am also much stronger, little 'princess'-" Cadence sent out a magical beam of blue, interrupting her mini speech. I was very numb in mind, not thinking about anything. She had an aunt that she didn't tell me about? B-but she trusted me with anything- everything... The new alicorn laughed, dodging it and countering with a beam of her own. Cadance spread her wings and drifted higher, the beam striking a piece of dirt.

1000 years in the future...

A random pony passed by the Town Hall, skipping happily. Suddenly, there was a black flash above the pony's head, and dirt rained down on the pony's head. He shook his head to shake off the dirt, and continued on his merry way.

Cadance's eyes were dilated, and she whispered, cutting the silence.

"D-dark magic... How do you have that much p-power already?" She dropped to the ground, and stomped a hoof with a mumble.

"I will not let you win! Love can beat dark magic... Love can beat it..." She whispered, and the purple alicorn raised an eye brow- fangs showing, she said, "You're kidding, right?" And with a whisk of her wings, she dodged a thin beam of ipink magic. It hit a patch of grass, which was burnt black. With a surprised look at the crowd, she saw a unicorn with a barely smoking horn. With a groan and a face-hoof, the mysterious alicorn levitated the mare forth.

"What is your name, unicorn?" She hissed. Sparkler! She had Sparkler! Huh? Why am I feeling this? I can't get attached to her, she'll just- suddenly, everything went in slow motion. Cadance galloped forward shouting angrily. Her hooves lightly thumped on the ground, and her horn fizzled with blue magic. Amethyst Star opened her mouth to answer the angry goddess, lightly trembling. Her eyes were wide and her pupils small. The unknown alicorn was developing a black, sizzling ball of magic. It slowly shot out, a tornado of destruction. The crowd was gasping and crying around me, scared for Sparkler. Cadance's wings were spread, and just as her blue magic lit around Sparkler, Amethyst Star was laying on the ground nearby. Cadance was where Sparkler once was in the air. The black magic touched her.

It enveloped Cadence with a dark flash and she let out a strangled cry. Suddenly the light- and my mentor- shot up into the sky. I hissed at her with rage and ran at her with all my might. The world wasn't purple now, and I fell forward onto my face. I whined, rubbing my muzzle, and I felt a hot sensation running down my cheeks. I yelled out at her, and, I realized, bawled with all my might.

"Where is she? Where is Cadance? She's supposed to win... She's supposed to win...." I looked up at the alicorn, tears flowing, and pointed a hoof.

"YOU ruined everything! YOU ruined the Faire. And YOU ruined MY LIFE!" I screamed. The crowd was utterly silently, watching me intensely. I charged a spell, and she looked not guilty, but... interested. Standing up on my hind legs with a sniffle, I quickly started plucking notes on my lyre and let the spell go free onto the mad alicorn. She looked drowsy for a moment but her horn lit and she yawned.

"Try again, pest. I don't have all night. You know, country to rule-" I flattened my ears and sent out a stronger sleep spell, but she lit her horn before it even hit her!

"I almost felt that one." I sent out almost everything I had- a poorly put together illusion, a music note to hit her horn's base to stop magic for a short time- I even surrounded her with a cacophony of terrible music only she could hear. But she wouldn't fall for any of it, and dispelled it all. My eyes burned as they tried to leak more tears, but I had long since run out.

"Thee amuse me. If any of thy want thou 'princess,'" she sneered. "Then come to thy Tower to battle me- Nightmare Corona! True queen of Equestria!" Corona Moon said her name with great gusto, strong wind and lightning accompanying it. I tried to run at her, snarling with rage, and also charged up a beam of magic, but she threw me at the wall guarding us from Everfree. My horn struck the wall first, and I screeched loudly. My hooves reached up to hold my horn. I groaned, and she laughed. My head throbbed and ached, and I was very lucky my horn wasn't smas- a look at the ground near me showed a small aquamarine speck. I lay there with shock. My horn had been chipped... How will I control my magic? How will I use any spells? No, nothing was supposed to go like this! I growled at the pony turned mist, whose movements seemed very choppy and slow. She whispered a strangled sorry, and the mist looked very light, shimmering, and pretty for a moment... Maybe she isn't too evil? My mind, though, screamed the opposite. But then the mist became dark once again, and I could feel my inner anger burning in my chest as I saw the mist race away. Everypony who were once wrapped in Nightmare Corona's aura were released and staring at me. The whispers... Just like when I was in Canterlot... Just like Moondancer's whispers...

"Why is she so moody?" "What are those 'hoomuns' she is writing about?" "Is she crazy?" I covered my flattened ears, whimpering. Hoof beats slowly but surely rang into my covered ears. Is it somepony coming to yell at me? Attack me? A hoof moved mine away from my ears. I looked in the corner of my eye, and saw a gray pony. Her purple eyes were glued on me, and she gently brushed grit and dirt off of me. I flinched away from her touch, and this caused her to speak.

"Lyra, are you okay? I know it must be terrible, losing Cadance, but you've got to stay strong. You have to save her, remember? You owe her enough to at least try, Lyra. Come on. Stand tall." She stroked my mane lightly, concern oozing. I could see concern in her eyes, in her movements, in her voice. I sat up and hugged her tightly.

"I'm so happy to have s-such a great friend like you, Octy." I said, using my ancient pet name for her. When I used to do that in days gone by she'd throw a fit, stressing the fact that her name is Octavia, but she only rolled her eyes. Sighing, she helped me to my hooves. She smiled determinedly at me.

"Ok, so what are we going to do now?" she said. I raised my hoof excitedly in the air, waving it frantically.

"Ooh! Ooh! Is it walk to our deaths?" With a dead pan expression, she shook her head.

"No! We are going to face Nightmare Corona, beat her, and save the princess!" I saluted, and began to march towards my house. I guess you could say I have reasons to believe some help will be there. I threw open the door and hurried upstairs with a flash of teal. I heard the scampering of Octavia's hooves as she dashed up the stairs. It must be so inconvenient to not have a horn. I threw books out of my already-messy bookcase. Where was it? I knocked over the pens on my desk again, along with the trash bin. The tiny, neat note from Cadance fluttered to the carpet. I sharply took in a breath, and reached a hoof out to the note. I balanced the note on my hoof, and read the note again. And again. And again. Wh-what? This isn't from Cadance! She addresses me as Lyra or Heartstrings, not 'L. Heartstrings!' And her horn writing is always in cursive, not print! I've been duped! Throwing the note to the wall in a fit of anger was probably not the best course of action. The door squeaked open, revealing 5 guests- a slightly worn Octavia, Sparkler, Sassaflash, Blossomforth, and Roseluck.

"Uh, Lyra? We have more important things to do than rage at a note!" Sassaflash strode forward, staring. I shimmied to the wall, settling beside the note.

"Yeah, right... Very sorry." I said.

"Now! What's the plan? We have to fight a powerful alicorn goddess, and win. Where's your plan? Why aren't you out there executing it yet?" Sassaflash yelled, seething.

"Sash, calm down. Why don't we give Heartstrings here a chance to explain." Roseluck whispered to Sassaflash, and soon she turned to me again.

"What I would like to know, though, is what you're looking for. I mean, you obviously came here for something." Roseluck said, looking at the books and spilled items curiously. Sighing, I started going through the books again, but quickly spied the note. The opposite side showed a P.S. I ignored it when I realized it probably said something irrelevant. I needed a book.

"Well, it was a random book I found on the shelf yesterday. I didn't bring it, so I thought it might be a clue to whats happening," I told them, while feeling quite silly. "AHA! Here it is, Predictions and Prophecies." I triumphantly skimmed the book, and soon saw a simple picture of red and blue alicorns. I laid the book open on my desk and began to read.

"'The Mare in the Sky, a myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the essence of the sky. Legend has it that on the spring equinox of the thousandth year, she will escape, and she will bring about an eternal eclipse!' Well, actually an eclipse doesn't sound so bad..." I murmured, but Sassaflash hit me. I rubbed my cheek, while she angrily stared.

"Well, a, er, one day eclipse would be nice. Think of all the-" I said as she slapped me again. "ANYWAYS! I have to go beat Nightmare Corona or get beaten to a pulp. And no way am I getting anyone else jumbled into this! I was invited to the fight; none of you ponies were." With a warning glare and flickering horn, I dashed downstairs and over to the gate into Everfree Forest. I locked the gate behind me, but heard yells on how dangerous it is in here. It's dangerous now, pretty obvious now that a mad alicorn is in here. I heard wing flaps and pounding hooves in the far distance behind me. I continued on, but quickly wished I had Cadance here to guide me. A distant 'one, two, three' told me somepony was thrown over the gate. I've read several fairy tales where that sound followed up with a pony being thrown over some sort of fence. I soon heard the sound of an unlocking gate, and very loud hoofbeats. I got tackled and fell over onto the dirt, Octavia looking down at me. She gazed firmly at me.

"Lyra, I am not about to let my friend get beaten up. We are very distant friends, but I don't care. Even though I'd love to keep on living, I will not let you go alone. Friendship is all about loyalty." She said, slowly letting me up. I dusted myself off and begrudgingly let them follow. Octavia was watching my every move, trying to be sure I wouldn't endanger myself. I gazed a little angrily at the dark scenery, seeing the creeping vines and blue leaved plants just off the path. Roseluck kicked into tour-guide mode, like when she lead me through Sweet Apple Acres.

"The Everfree Forest is known for its mysterious plants and animals- many being deadly! Creatures like manticores and cockatrices lurk in it's shade. Almost all the plants are unknown to everypony but the creatures who live here. A-" I ignored my accomplice, until I called out to stop. Just ahead was a cliff- it was easy to tell by the thinning grass and crumbling dirt- I sure don't want to fall off this! Sassaflash flew above the ledge and peered down.

"Let's go around it. There is no way we could go down this cliff without getting hurt. Remember to-" Sassaflash said, and I quickly decided to go around the cliff- following her advice. I galloped off the path, and suddenly I tripped on a root. Or a vine? Who knows. There were only some large, reddish bulb plants growing around me. But I had a feeling it wasn't that simple, so when I heard something rustling through the grass, I jumped. I gazed cautiously at the ground around me, but saw nothing. The shadows, though, got darker and taller. I looked behind me to see the reddish plants gazing at me, grinning to only show a large set of fangs. They started moving closer and I moved back, only to trip on a brown, whip-like root/vine. The carnivorous plants surrounded me, and I screamed as I charged up magic. But then my horn sputtered as the magic unfocused, singing my fur. It leaked out the chip in my horn. Instead, I tried kicking the plants that came in for a nibble. Octavia charged forward, shouting.

"ROOTS OFF MY FRIEND!" She barreled into a plant, crushing it underneath her weight, and continually punched at it's head- er, the part with the teeth. The other ones growled, and two whipped their arm thingies at her hooves. They curled around them, and, moving to her front and back, pulled. Her legs shot out to the carnivores, and she screeched loudly. Blossomforth swooped in, and nibbled at the very ends of the two vine/roots. I swiftly scrambled towards the group but one grabbed my leg and dragged me back. Oh sweet Cadence, help me please. I saw Octavia limp terribly back to the group, Blossomforth supporting her.

"Hey! Stop!" Roseluck cried. She marched forward, with a confident stride. The plants growled at her, and turned back to me. Roseluck glanced back at her friends, and took a deep breath. I screamed as teeth sunk deeper into my leg, and more came to nibble at me. I felt one tug at my ear, and another breathing on my back as it readied to bite down. But soon I felt teeth releasing from my leg, which I quickly moved towards me. One of the plants had slithered to Roseluck who held out a rose, thorns and all. The carnivore menacingly snapped it's jaws out, and Octavia drags herself forward. Roseluck was feeding them... With a shiver, I closed my eyes yet didn't hear a scream or hear blood spatter onto the ground. I did hear the gnashing of teeth, though...

The plant was munching on the rose, and made a quick sound- not quite a growl or howl, but not a whimper. Teeth released from my ear and back, and I felt their whip-like appendages slowly slither over me. In front of her sat a basket of roses, which she let the plants eat. They seemed satisfied with that, and I painfully crawled away from them, down to the base of the cliff. I looked at my leg wound and saw blood- surprisingly slowly- oozing out. I felt a sticky stream traveling down the side of my face, too, and a sharp pain in my back. Blossomforth rushed down to me, and started examining my wounds. I winced at every poke and prod.

"Oh you poor thing! I was so worried that you'd... you know. Now sit tight, I think I can rustle up a bandage for you," the pegasus cooed, turning to her wings. She gently pulled out a clump of feathers, and, using some vines nearby, fashioned it into a few small bandages. I looked at her in surprise. She just laughed and tried to get the bandages on. She soon realized- after she barely tied one on my ear- that she couldn't get them on well. They were too short. As she slaved away at the bandages, I turned to Roseluck.

"Thanks a ton. But, um, why did you have roses with you?" I asked. Really, why would she have roses? Its not like she planned for that. Then I was given a perfectly logical answer:

"Oh, those? I brought those in case we got hungry." Roseluck said. She didn't talk anymore, and trotted along quietly. A small clearing was ahead, with thorn bushes growing abundantly. We continued, careful of thorns, when a howl sounded nearby. Along with a horrible, dank scent. Large, wolf-like creatures made of wood appeared. They growled, and started circling the clearing as best they could- all 8 of them! Sassaflash responded to this by shouting out orders.

"Sparkler, Octavia- locate a gap in the circle! Blossomforth, Roseluck- you two watch their tails. Lyra, you and I will stay alive here," she said just a timber wolf snapped just below her hooves. "I'll probably be watching your tail though, since you can barely dodge." She immediately hovered above me, giving a death glare to each tree-beast. Suddenly, a wolf howled with anger. Blossomforth was distracting the timberwolves as her three friends quickly ran towards me. She was quickly cornered by two wolves, and spread her wings. She flapped them rapidly, trying to gain altitude. I sat here.

But Blossomforth couldn't get higher than the wolves' heads. Blossomforth frowned, and landed on the forest floor. Sassaflash rushed forward, trying to ram into one. Instead, though, she was swatted away by a large tail. Using her wings, she once again tried to fly. With an extra burst of energy, she flung herself on top of a wolf. She sighed, wiping her forehead, as the wolf tried to fling her off.

"Sash! Get up here and-" Blossomforth started, but Sassaflash zoomed to the large wooden wolf and began kicking and twisting branches. The white pegasus yanked her up next to her, and scowled.

"As I was saying, get up here and help me direct this fella into the woods!" she said, sitting on the head of the beast, and began flapping her wings. The timber wolf twisted his head to try and get Sassaflash, but Blossomforth beckoned her over. They both flapped their wings, and managed to keep its head straight. With a whoop, she jumped off as it started running into the woods. I heard the snapping of twigs as it continued trying to buck them off.

"Woooo-hoo! Ride them wolves!" I dodged the flick of a paw, and limped towards the other end of the clearing. The Crystal Tower was dim, the dark time not providing any light to shine off it. I frowned, not noticing that the moon was blocking the sun now. Not a single star flickered in the sky. Suddenly I was shoved to the side, and Roseluck ducked the oncoming tail. I lit my horn, but the magic immediately faltered and burned my mane. Roseluck hauled me up, and lead me towards the bushes at the clearing's edge. I went along with her, glancing back at the fight. Blossomforth and Sassaflash had successfully lead another into the woods, and Amethyst Star had one distracted. Roseluck started checking for any new wounds, but found only a bruise or two. Amethyst Star, Sassaflash, and Blossomforth started to lure the largest wolf just like the others. It worked, and the remaining ones followed it. The pegasi and unicorn ran up to us, and everypony sighed with relief. We walked onward, and came across a new obstacle- I edged closer to examine it.

A thin yet deep river flowed across the path ahead of me. I saw the sea ferns swiftly moving one direction, indicating a strong current. I carefully got as close as I possibly could to the water's edge, and ambled along. The river tried to sweep my off my hooves and away from my goal, but I continued to ignore the powerful tug of the current. I hummed while trying to get across, but when I slipped forwards on a slippery stone, I screeched. I flailed my legs, and tried to swim to the other shore. A small, blue ball of light went up to me, as if examining me. It twirled and twirled and twirled around me, and the current stopped. I treaded water in a patch of still water, and the blue light revealed itself. A small pony with thin, shimmering wings. Purple smoke trailed out of its eyes, but it was so little I could barely see it.

"Why are you in my river? Get out!" it squeaked angrily. I folded my ears back, and took a deep breath.

"Well, my acquaintances and I have to cross it to get to the Crystal Tower over there. Would you mind letting us cross?" I whispered to it, pointing at the large tower ahead. Suddenly, when I saw her floating a dewdrop around her despite not possessing a horn, I gasped.

"You're a water sprite! Wait, but water sprites are supposed to be happy, tough little fairies. Yeah, that's what Mythical Mysteries told me-"

"Well I'M NOT LIKE THAT!" With a sunburst of energy, a line of flowers circled me harmlessly. The small blue sprite suddenly cleared out a path for me to leave, although I'd have to brush past a flower. They were shaped like an upside-down 'ta' in music. They even had a deep black stem, though they also had bright orange petals with a shiny, crystalline look. They had some sort of pollen on them, when I examined one closely.

"Hey! Don't touch that flower! It has pollen that will..." Blossomforth yelled over to me, but Sparkler cut off her warning with some brave words. Blossomforth had narrowed eyes, though, so I decided to back away from the flower I was examining. I think I just figured out what her cutie-mark meant...

"I'll come over and get you, Lyra. I think it's time I actually contribute something," Sparkler said. "I'll be careful about touching the pollen, don't worry!" I decided not to worry, although the 4 other ponies did. Especially Blossomforth, who didn't want to reveal what these flowers did that was horrible as she tried before. Sparkler was trotting forward along the path, and the blue sprite quickly closed the path behind her with water. Only Sparkler, the sprite, and I were here now. The odd mist rolling in didn't make me feel better. I saw a bright pink light, and felt myself being levitated up.

"None of you are leaving here. These flowers will make sure you won't, silly ponies," the sprite said. Sparkler was neutral, her mouth a straight line. She turned to look at the tiny pony.

"What's your name?"

"Wh-what? My name? You could die and you want to know my NAME? W-well, for your information, it's Berry."

"Okay, Berry. Now calm down and let us out of here. Killing somepony won't solve anything." Sparkler said, face neutral. I glanced at her, and she winked. The sprite snorted, and turned its back to us.

"Why should I? I'm the one in control here," it said. Sparkler took a deep breath, and sang to the tune of "Kookaburra."

"Little Berry floats above his big creek

Merry, merry king of the water is he

Laugh, little Berry! Laugh, little Berry!

Happy your life shall be.

Little Berry floats above his big creek

Merry, merry, merry little sprite is he

Laugh, little Berry! Laugh, little Berry!

Laugh all day for me.

Little Berry floats above his big creek

Eating all the sea fern he can see

Laugh, little Berry! Laugh, little Berry!

Laugh, laugh, laugh for me.

Little Berry floats above his big creek

Counting all the ponies he can see

Laugh, little Berry! Laugh, little Berry!

Laugh! Laugh! Laugh! For me!"

Sparkler smiled, and Berry just blanked. her. Berry slowly started giggling, laughing, madly! The purple smoke that had been trailing out her eyes had disappeared, and she let the flowers float back to their roots, and cleared a path through the creek for us.

"I'm so sorry! It's just that being in this dark forest with no friendly faces made me kinda forget what it means to laugh." he said, ears flat. Sparkler walked out of the misty river, with the rest of us following. As we continued I kept hearing an annoying buzz. Suddenly I noticed a small ball of light- Berry? Huh?

"Well, I've decided that I am following you, purple pony. I don't want to be laugh-less again," the water sprite said, flying over to Sparkler. He rested down on her head, and, after a second, spoke again.

"Why are you going to the tower? Nopony ever goes there. Is the Crystal Heart broken?" Berry said.

"Er, it's not broken. We just have a... problem, of sorts, to fix." Blossomforth stammered, leaving out the key details- I am going in there to beat Nightmare Corona, Cadance is gone, and I AM DOING THIS ALONE! Rolling my eyes, I galloped ahead to the grandiose entrance to the tower. It was line with a swirly design of suns, stars, moons, and hearts. I pushed the door open with my hoof, and turned to the ponies (and sprite) behind me.

"Guys. I don't want you coming in with me. I am getting Cadence back," I said, the water sprite paling in color, "and I don't want anypony but me to get hurt. This is my fight, so back off." I said, entering the Tower. I started dashing up the stairs, trying to avoid them. Once I reached the top, or at least the place below the Crystal Heart, there was an empty room. On the floor was a shiny, gold circle showing a large gem surrounded by five small geodes- rocks on the outside, gems on the inside. I gazed at it, searching for the hidden meaning. Maybe, maybe I had to power the middle gem? Like, shoot a beam of magic? Or- oh no, they've caught up.

"That's a very noble sentiment and all," Octavia and Sassaflash chimed together, "but we can't let you go alone. What are friends for?" Everypony walked onto the gold circle with me, along with one hovering sprite. The floor started to lower, and my sight filled with bright fire. I winced as my eyes tried to adjust to the light futilely.

"Hey! How are you going through the floor? W-wait for me!" I head very dull thuds as Berry smacked at the ground to follow us. It was futile. We landed in a ring of fire, and I was launched above the fire and into the air. Nightmare Corona spread her wings and her horn was lit. I struggled against her inky bindings, and she examined me closely. I, although it wouldn't probably work, tried to use a spell. The alicorn smiled, her magic tinted with gold for a moment, as if taking my magic... The fires grew brighter and revealed the whole room- a cylindrical chamber, mostly empty.

"Welcome, Lyra Heartstrings. I had hoped thee would come, but I did not expect there to be... allies." She hissed out the last word. Well, she should know that I didn't want them either! But Octavia stepped forward and spoke, not letting my words come.

"We'd never leave our friend alone to battle a beast like you! So if you want to battle her, than you have to battle us!" Octavia yelled. I was so touched by their loyalty, but I did not smile. This was not the plan. This was not my plan! I was swung to the wall, which let out a platform to land on. I swerved my body and skidded onto it. I felt something stroking and poking my horn, and barely saw a touch of black disappear.

"It would only be fair to let thee use your magic. I have to fight fair, don't I?"

"You aren't a very nice fighter though," Blossomforth called out. I shot out a beam of magic, shooting up into the sky. Glimmering specks of gold feel around the room as my lyre appeared with a gold light and I positioned. I couldn't move around quickly this way, but my lyre could help charge music spells so I wouldn't hurt my horn too bad. I smirked. Let the battle begin.

"An interesting choice of instrument. But what an odd stance. Let me fix that!" Corona Moon roared, charging forward and trying to off-balance me. I leaped off the platform, and Sassaflash raced to soften the fall. I swerved, avoiding her hooves, bruising my hoof at the landing.

"This is my fight, you guys!"

"But friends don't leave each other to die!" Sassaflash retorted. Octavia and Roseluck inspected the fire, a bit of smoke trailing in front of their eyes.

"Ah, eager to join the fight are you? I can't let you help, though, now can I? After all, six versus one is rather unfair," the alicorn said. The flames rose higher, trying to burn the ceiling's ivory. I continued to search my mind for a spell, any spell, that had a chance. None of my normal spells worked on this mad alicorn, and the only one that could possibly work was- no! I don't have enough magic to perform it. I could over-channel, and die just trying to a spell! What an embarrassing way to die. But.. it's the most powerful spell I know. Although, it requires a very pure 'spark' of magic. That 'spark' is somewhere in you, and you call upon it to make this spell- a purifying spell. I dodged a small fireball of magic, sheltering beside the wall. The alicorn yelled in fury, her crown snatched from her head.

"What, worried you can't be queen without a fancy crown?" Sassaflash jeered. The alicorn beat her wings, diving at her opponent. She followed the pegasus around the room, towards me. She flashed a look at me, and her horn shimmered. Sassaflash stopped, turning to see why she wasn't being trailed. A black beam of magic, much like the one that got Cadance, lunged for her. I flinched, closing my eyes, as Sassaflash screamed in pain. The crown, now forgotten, clattered on the ground. Peeking, I noticed that Amethyst Star, who had been making silent progress on reaching Nightmare Corona, finally leaped. She grabbed the long horn, which had tried to retrieve her possession, and whacked it. Nightmare Corona and SassafIash moaned, but for very different reasons. The alicorn flung the unicorn to the wall, chains reaching out and grabbing her. I stood stock still as I noticed the sizzling thing on her back.

She looked at me sorrowfully. "How bad is it?"

"It's okay," I said, wincing. Her wing was burnt black, and a bit of smoke trailed above it. The purple alicorn landed behind Sash, a maniacal grin on her face. I started playing my lyre, channeling my magic through the instrument. I would quickly slip my hoof around a string, making a strong, smooth note. I continued playing, charging magic. She. Will. PAY. My horn was wailing in pain, and it felt like I was pressing my horn onto a hot coal. But I continued. If Sassaflash was alright with losing a WING for me, then I can at least fix this mess.

"Corona, let me guess. You are going to try and strike a deal with Lyra to rule Equestria for my wing fixed. Lyra, I bet this wing is NOT okay. I can feel the burns. That was dark magic and, I'm certainly no expert, but this would be near impossible to fix," she said, shaking. She positioned herself in front of the alicorn, and poked a hoof right on her chest.

"And my honesty has yet to fail me, so correct me if that was wrong."

A shot of black magic was shot out, directed for my horn. But I couldn't stop, this had to work. My life depended on this spell working, so I focused on the strings I plucked and my magic.

I plucked the last note, and reached for it- the spark. I realized something, as a shockwave of golden energy shot out around me. These aren't just normal ponies,[./i] the magic whispered. These are bright, shining gems who are willing to let you do your best. Remember what you felt for Sassaflash, and Sparkler? Suddenly I was in the air in front of the alicorn queen, and I couldn't control myself. A mist of white clouded my vision, but I let my magic do its thing. My friends, I could see, appeared behind me as magic holding them back disappeared. The chains holding Amethyst Star let her go; the flame wall died down. The gold circle that was now embedded in the ground, rumbled. It broke apart, the gold shaping into fancy designs- curved shapes, mostly. The smallest necklaces (oh, I see that now!) latched themselves onto a pony, making their eyes widen in surprise. The jewels inside the geodes and the center gem came out. My horn burned furiously as the jewels cut themselves into shapes. The red gem shaped itself into a bass clef and attached to Octavia's necklace. The mad alicorn was backing away, her wings limp at her side.

"No, no, no! N-not the Elements!" The alicorn's pupils shrank, and she strained herself against the wall. A purple gem floated towards Roseluck, cutting into a lovely rose. It clicked onto the necklace with a bright gleam.

"Generosity.... I-I have to get out of here," Nightmare Corona whispered hoarsely. The purple rose jewel began glowing, sending out a lavender beam to me.

"Kindness..." A light pink jewel cut itself into a very simple daisy-esque flower, and attached to Blossomforth'a necklace similarly to the way Roseluck's did. Blossomforth's jewel let out a pink beam of magic, giving me more power, it seemed.

"Laughter..." I noticed she was naming their virtues, which I hadn't cared to notice before. A beautiful blue gem attached to Sparkler, who was smiling widely. The scared alicorn scrabbled at the wall with her hooves, looking at me all the while.

"Honesty! N-no... Not again..." The tyrant couldn't fly, couldn't use magic. The final orange gem became a thin lightning bolt, and attached to Sassaflash as she spoke. The alicorn snapped.

"NO! Not again, NOT AGAIN! I won't let you!" She ran forward, trying to attack me. Suddenly, everything slowed down. She slammed into a force field, eyes wide at the sudden impact. My body hung limp as my eyes glowed even brighter. The beams of magic coming from my... friends... started to create a rainbow that I cultivated. This wasn't how the spell was supposed to work, but it seemed to work anyways.

"You see, you can never destroy magic, especially magic that will always exist. The Elements seem to have contained themselves into ponies with their respective virtue, and slowly gained power as our friendship grew. I didn't realize how much they cared for me until Sassaflash sacrificed something for me to beat you. Not until then. Nightmare Corona, you wanted the Element's power. But you did not have the correct kind of magic. The correct magic is... friendship!" I said, and suddenly the tiara glowed, and a magenta lyre appeared. I strummed one last note of my lyre to release the spell, done by my last ounce of strength, and then all of us floated, releasing a rainbow. It flew towards the tyrant, and spun around her. Then we all dropped to the ground, and I collapsed. But I stayed conscious long enough to see Cadance put a reassuring hoof on me. I smiled.

When I woke up, I groaned. I slowly got up, but my body felt.... numb. I turned my head around drowsily, and saw pale cyan curtains and humming machines. A doctor came in, and gently smiled.

"Princess, she has awoken," he called out. All my newfound.... er, friends came in. The princess followed, and I jerked upwards.

"Princess!" I suddenly reached a hoof at my head, searing pain growing as I stroked my head.

"Miss! You must lay down and rest, or you could very well die!" he said. Cadance shook her head, and the five other ponies all smiled. Sassaflash stretched out her left wing, which was once blackened by magic. I gaped, and laid my head back down on the pillow. My mentor came up and answered the unspoken question I had.

"Lyra, my student, you did very well. You over-channeled, so I'm here to give you some magic," she lightly stroked my hoof, pressing her horn against mine. I sharply took a breath. Cadance then, smiling, said, "I believe you know this feeling from earlier this morning." I sighed happily, feeling a warm, content feeling. Not love, but something else... Friendship, a voice inside of me said. It sounded like the whispers at the Crystal Tower. Memories of what had happened came flooding back, and I struggled up again.

"What about the Faire? Where's Nightmare Corona? What happened?!" I yelled frantically, but then my friends laughed and moved forward.

"Lyra, the Faire went smoothly after you beat-" Octavia started, letting Sparkler take the reins.

"-the evil alicorn! She fled-" Sparkler said, letting Sassaflash talk.

"-and went towards the Mild West, and-" Sassaflash said, then having Roseluck speak quietly.

"-the princess was freed! The princess says that-" Roseluck finished, then let Blossomforth speak.

"-to leave her alone, and we're just so happy that you're alright! After making that giant rainbow with us, you passed out! We were so super worried!" Blossomforth said, hugging me tight. I slowly got to my hooves, with the help of my friends, and walked home. Bon Bon waited for me there, and I felt like everything would be fine now. All of us settled in my house and relaxed on my chairs.

"Um, Cadance? If it's not too much to ask, can I please stay with my friends? I can learn my lessons here instead, I promise!" I pleaded quickly, hoping the princess wouldn't immediately send me back to Canterlot. Then both my friends and the princess laughed. It was unbridled, wild, laughter.

"Lyra, we discussed that with the princess while you rested. You have to stay here with us, otherwise you'll get an 'F' in friendship!" Sparkler said, giggling. I rolled my eyes with a smile, and hugged them all. I summoned my lyre, and it appeared. A little worn, but it was ok. I hugged it tightly.

"Who wants a song?" I said.

"WE DO!" My friends yelled. Cadance eventually left for Canterlot along with Spike, but we stayed up until midnight. We told funny stories about ourselves, played board games, and had a great time. When I settled into my bed at my new house for the night, I had one thought before drifting into dreamland.

"Everything's gonna be fine..."

Author's Note

Ta-daaaa! The first "episode" in the Cadence-verse's SEASON 1! Huzzah! The alt-verses have been doubled! ......... Ok that joke doesn't work here. Listing the mane six once again for my own amusement. The mane six, otherwise known as: the S.L.O.R.B.S. Ponies (the Sparkler Lyra Octavia Roseluck Blossomforth Sassaflash Ponies)
Lyra Heartstrings is the Element of Magic!
Octavia is the Element of Loyalty!
Roseluck is the Element of Generosity!
Blossomforth is the Element of Kindness!
Sassaflash is the Element of Honesty!
Sparkler is the Element of Laughter!
Also, Spike was hatched a long time ago, and has wings. He is big enough to carry a normal full-grown pony, but is relatively young. Meh, I wanted a fun way to add Spike in. Also, please tell me ANY POSSIBLE WAYS to fix this. If I end up making a group for this (find it here!) then I want to make the first 'episode' awesome. Also, the theme song is subject to change because my lyrics are rather iffy. Please contribute to this in ANY WAY shape or form! Cadance deserves a GOOD 'verse for herself too.

P.S. A '555' may be hidden around here somewhere. I did it to mark my place for editing, and then continued editing. Now I can't bother myself to find it :twilightsheepish: