Cy-Lyra - Day 10

>-----------------------
>...
>No dreams.
>And you're glad.
>Sunlight pours against your face.
>You are Anonymous, and you grimace as you open your eyes against the offending light.
>And there, on your chest, sleeps your mare.
>Lyra.>Her minty-colored mane is everywhere.
>And it's adorable.
>She snores lightly, her warm breath tickling you.
>As you watch her sleep, her brow furrows harshly.
>Looks like she's in pain.
>Must be a bad dream, so you decide to wake her up.
>You move your hand to her bangs, moving them off of her face.
"Lyra?"
>You whisper to her while your other hand rubs an ear gently between your finger and thumb.
>She stirs against you.
>It is now that you realize you are STILL completely naked.
>Your member has softened completely, leaving the comfort of Lyra's marehood.
>Oh well.
>You can get it up again in no time if Lyra's down for some morning fun.
"Lyra, babe. You okay?"
>She groans a bit, her eyelids fluttering slightly until she opens them.
>Just as quick as she opens her eyes, their closed again, and she grimaces.
>Must be the light of the room.
>You see her attempt to open them slowly to acclimate herself to the sun's gift.
>She notices where she's been sleeping.
>Your eyes meet, and she smiles.
>You brush her mane out of her face again, cupping the back of her head in your hand.
>"Not a dream?"
>She whispers to you."Not a dream."
>She sighs deeply, closing her eyes and hugging you close.
>You hug her back just as enthusiastically.
>After a few moments, you release each other, content to simply gaze at one another for the rest of the morning.
>"Anonymous, I can never repay you for what you've done."
>Her voice is a bit gravely from it's lack of use.
>To you, it's the most beautiful spoken word you've ever heard.
>Remember that last thing you've always wanted to do to Lyra?
>It's actually been the top of your list, and today is the day you're going to check off the final item.
>You cup her face with both hands, guiding her to your own.
>She knows.
>A slight tilt and her eyes close, just as yours do.
>Your lips meet.
>And the world stops.
>The moment lingers until Lyra releases and goes back for more.
>She adjusts herself, scooting her body closer so she can reach your head.
>Her hooves run through your hair as she deepens the kiss, her tongue playfully flicking against your lips.
>You smile in your kiss, your tongue meeting hers for the first time.
>You open your mouth, inviting her to explore.
>And explore she does.
>Pony tongues are a bit rougher than human tongues.
>They are also much wider and longer, considering the size of their jaw.
>Lyra's tongue fills and dominates your mouth, not a single crevice left unchecked.
>You simply bat around the visitor with your own, sometimes the two of you twisting together, tasting each other.
>Morning breath is not great, but neither of you care.
>Lyra retreats from your mouth, allowing you the pleasure of exploring her own.
>You both instinctively exhale through your nose, taking a deep breath to allow the moment to continue.
>You run your tongue across her teeth, cupping around them, just reaching the roof of her mouth.
>She wraps her tongue around yours and you both dance a special dance through the kiss.
>Finally, the kiss breaks, a small string of saliva connecting the two of you.
>Her eyes flutter open as she gazes down at you, eyes half-lidded.
>The saliva snaps.
>Her tail is swishing back and forth smoothly, sometimes grazing over your crotch.
>You realize you're back to full mast already from that short makeout session.
"Lyra, you've given me more than I could ever want. A chance to be happy with the mare I love. You mean more to me than the world, and I would gladly stand up to it just to keep you by my side."
>You finish your answer to her worry with a short, passionate kiss.
"I love you."
>"I love you, too."
>Her smile is as wide as the horizon.
>She leans back to sit squarely on your stomach.
>She's a little heavy, like most ponies are, but you can take it.
>As she's leaning back, you get a glimpse of the aftermath of last night's endeavors.
>Lyra's hair is matted in very unpleasing--and most likely uncomfortable--ways around her crotch and between her thighs.
>She looks surprised and glances down at herself, following your eyes.
>Must have been making a face again, dammit.
>"Oh, gross."
>She stands full height, straddling you as she inspects her underside.
>Immediately, she spots your eager member.
>She looks back to you, her face already blushing.
>HHHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGG
>Jesus, this mare is too cute.
>"U-um, is it always like this?"
>You bust out laughing, startling her.
"Hahaha! Oh, God, no! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if it stayed like that."
>You rub some of the sleep and tears from your eyes.
"Nah, our little kiss got him a bit excited is all."
>She seemed a bit surprised by your answer.>"Y-you get excited from a kiss?"
"Well, babe, that wasn't any ordinary kiss.">You sit up in the bed, rubbing her shoulders.
"I wake up with the gal that stole my heart lying on top of me, while I'm completely naked. I then proceed to make out with said mare while she moves around on top of me. I'd say the little guy's got more than enough to get excited about, especially after last night's performance."
>She blushes deeper.
>"Y-yeah. That was...pretty h-hot."
>Pretty hot?
>Try "the hottest sex you've have with a mare ever".
>She fidgets over top of you a bit until she finally side-steps away from you.
>You survey the damage.
>New sheets are a must.
>There are no exceptions.
>You have dried marecum and some of your own load dried all over you.
>Nice.
>"I guess we'd better get cleaned up."
"Not a bad idea. Hopefully Twilight has some sort of room service here or something to change these sheets. I don't think they're worth keeping at this point."
>She giggles at your remark as she hops from the bed.
>You glance up to inspect the rest of the impact on her.
>REKT.
>Her tail is probably knotted up in spots with the amount of dried cum in it.
>You swear you can hear it crackle as it moves around.
>She suddenly stops and turns back to look at you.
>"Is it bad?"
>Oh yes, it's bad.
>You simply give an apologetic smile and nod.
>She sighs and her ears go flat.
>"The joys of being a mare. You know, you're pretty lucky, not having a coat to worry about."
>She's absolutely right.
>She trots off to the bathroom as you reflect, having given it some thought at times.
>What it would be like to be a pony.
>Obviously they get around easy enough.
>At most, you've seen Earth Ponies struggle with things placed on high shelves.
>That's about it, really.
>"Sweet Celestia!"
>You hear Lyra call from the bathroom as you start to put on your boxers.>"You weren't kidding when you said it was bad!"
>Ahhh, a job well done.
>You chuckle at her expense.
>After last night, you're sure she won't mind ending up like that more often.
>Your thoughts for future poon are brought to a screeching halt as Lyra yells out.
>"AAAAAHHHHHHHGK"
>A loud thud follows after.
>You burst into the bathroom.
"LYRA!"
>She's in the bathtub, lying on her side, her head bleeding slightly.
>You see a small patch of red where she must have cracked her head against the side of it,
>You grab a towel and soak it in water by the faucet and bring it to her head wound.
>She winces as you apply the cold, wet towel to the injury.
"Lyra, what happened?"
>Her breathing is shallow.
>"I...I don't...know."
>She gulps, trying to steady her breath as you sit on the edge of the tub, cradling her head in your lap.
>"I was just about to turn the knob for the shower with my magic when this...splitting headache cut through me. I guess I lost my balance when it happened.
>Fucking Christ.
>Is it never over?
>You pet her mane, moving it away from the bleeding.
>Luckily, you couldn’t be in a better place for this problem.
"We’ll have Twilight and the others take a look at you. That sound good?"
>She weakly nods her head.
>You sit with her in the bathtub for quite some time.
>About 10 minutes or so later, she tries to stand on her own legs again.
"You feeling any better?"
>"Not much, but I should really get myself cleaned off before we go and see them."
>You agree.
>You stand up, watching her carefully to make sure the wound doesn't start bleeding again.
"Think you can handle it by yourself?"
>"Y-yeah. Just, my head is killing me. Guess I’m stuck doing things the Earth Pony way for a while longer."
>You leave the bathroom and let her clean in private.
>Sitting on the edge of the bed, you rest your head in your hands.
>God...
>There’s always something, isn’t there?
>At least the worst is over.
>Lyra isn’t in any immediate danger.
>For shits sake, her head is back.
>She’s back.
>Lyra is 100% pony now.
>No weird shit keeping her alive.
>You pace around the room, looking outside at nothing in particular from time to time.
>This has been one hell of a ride, that’s for sure.
>And the payoff is worth it.
>Being able to hold Lyra close to you, being able to kiss her, being able to share your love for each other in the most physical and intimate of ways.
>You couldn’t ask for anything else.
>But the poor filly just can’t catch a break.
>If it’s not one thing it’s something else.
>If it’s not convincing her to stay alive, it’s trying to keep her in one piece.
>If it’s not trying to keep her in one piece, it’s tracking her down from a lunatic friend.
>If it’s not tracking her down, it’s racing against the clock.
>Never does she just get to relax.
>That’s all you want to do with her.
>You just want to go home, replace that couch, and relax with Lyra by your side, sitting next to you in that weird way she does.
>You are just finishing up getting dressed when Lyra comes out of the bathroom, her coat and mane soaking wet.
>Your train of thought derails as you bask in the glory that is Lyra's drenched body.
>"I, uh, couldn’t find a towel, and I think you took the last one earlier."
>You snap out of it to look at the floor, and sure enough you’ve dropped the towel, discarded without a second glance.
"Ah, shit. I’ll get you one."
>As you walk by her, she smiles.
>Just before you reach the door, she calls for you.
>"Hey."
"Hm?"
>She’s beckoning you with a hoof.
>Giving her your own smile, you turn back to her, kneeling on the ground.
>You put a hand on the back of her head, giving her another soft kiss.
>The fragrance of her clean body combined with the feeling of her wet mane sets your heart on fire.
>Before you get lost, you release her and stand back up.
"I’ll be back in a bit."
>She beams at you and heads back into the bathroom.
>You take a few more steps to the door when your foot slips on something.
>You grab the door handle quickly to stabilize yourself.
>"You okay?"
>Looking down at the slick spot, you see a clearly darker area on the floor that has a slight shimmer to it, like a layer of liquid is setting on top.
>Looks like it's on the door as well.
"Y-yeah. Just...slipped."
>You reach down and dip your fingers in it, bringing it to your nose for a tentative sniff.
>Lavender and oak.
>Memories from last night resurface.
>Eyes staring back at you in the darkness, framed by familiar straight-cut bangs.
>A purple flash of magic as the eyes disappear.
>Twilight.
>You'd nearly forgotten.
>Looks like last night was more awkward than you originally thought.
>Now you need to find towels for more than one reason.
>Out the door, and into the hall.
>It looks...odd out here.
>All of the windows have been curtained over.
>Hmmm...
>Well, you have no idea where to find towels, so hopefully you’ll run into some castle staff or something here soon.
>You head in the direction of Twilight’s room, just in case you can’t find anyone.
>And just your luck, the place is a ghost town.
>You make it to her chambers and go to knock on the door, only for it to ease open slightly.
>Peaking inside, you see the regular three, just lounging and having tea, it seems.
>Celestia is the first to notice you.
>"Oh! Anonymous! How good to see you this morning! We were afraid you would never get up, considering last night's...exciting developments."
>She finishes it up with a slight giggle.
>Guess Twilight already filled them in on the scoop.
>Wonder if she told them her side as well.
>A quick glance to the purple princess and she's already blushing up a storm, finding her teacup to be the most interesting thing in the room.
>You'll take that as a "no".
"Well, I'm just here to find a towel. Lyra just washed up. Needs to dry off."
>And awkward silences drags on.
>Celestia turns to Twilight.
>"While I would love to help you, Anonymous, this isn't my home, so perhaps the owner of this fine palace should help him?"
>Twilight doesn't pick up on the hint.
>"Twilight."
>She jumps at the mention of her name.
>"Goodness, what has you so worked up, dear?"
>"S-sorry! Just...spacing out, I guess! Heh heh! You know me! Always...thinking!"
>Terrible.
>She's a terrible liar.
>It is painfully obvious to everyone in the room that Twilight is hiding something.
>Cadence simply alternates between you and Twilight.
>Celestia speaks out again.
>"Come now, Twilight. We know you better than this. What has you-"
>"I'll help you find that towel, Anon! If you'll please follow me!"
>She quickly steps over towards you and through the door with you watching her every move.
>You turn back to Celestia and Cadence, both with confused expressions, the latter giving a shrug.
>It's probably best to follow Twilight.
>When you exit the room, she's already half-way down the hall.
>You jog to catch up with the purple alicorn's swift stride.
"Hold up, Twilight!"
>You reach her side by the time you get to the stairs.
"Sheesh! Where's the fire?"
>In an instant, you an enveloped in a purple aura.
>Twilight has you in her magic.
>And then, the universe collapses upon you, shifting you inside-out, colors that you've never seen before blurring past your eyes
>And all at once, reality returns with a "pop".
>You are in the middle of the castle library.
>The moment your feet touch solid ground, you fall to your knees.
>A trash can slides and spins directly in front of you.
>Perfect timing as you vomit into it.
>After a few moments of some dry heaves, you resolve to make it back to your feet, breathing harshly.
"What...is wrong with you?!"
>You rest your hands on your knees as you try to calm yourself down.
>Honestly, for your first teleportation experience, you expected a lot worse.
>"I'm sorry! Really, I am! But I had to bring you somewhere safe so we could talk in private."
>She shuffles her hooves a bit.
>"I wanted...I wanted to talk about...last night."
>Ah.
>Now THIS is an explanation you've been wanting to hear.
>You find a chair nearby and pull it over, plopping down on it, arms crossed.
"Alright. I'm listening."
>Twilight proceeds to explain in detail her argument with Cadence, the decision to roam the castle, stumbling upon Lyra's magic, and finally checking in on the source of it all.
"Fine. That's great. But that doesn't explain what I slipped on this morning by the door. Where you blatantly masturbated."
>Her ears flatten.
>"I...I'm...I honestly don't have anything to say...other than I'm sorry. I can give you excuses such as my estrus still in effect or how I still might have lingering feelings, but it won't change anything."
>You're not really sure how to respond to to her confession.
>No one was harmed, so that's one thing.
>Lyra doesn't know, and if you can get back to the room quick enough to clean up, she won't find out.
>You're not sure if the other princesses know.
>And really, it's Twilight.
>She's always had weird fetishes.
>Maybe voyeurism is one of them.
>You're not much of an exhibitionist, but the thought of someone watching you have sex is kind of hot...in controlled circumstances.
>Reflecting back, however, what she did was no worse than when you masterbated to Lyra's dream.
>Granted, it was you in the dream, but you didn't have Lyra's consent to watch.
>...
>Guess you can let it slide.
>You shrug your shoulders.
"Alright."
>Her eyes are wide at your response.
"Just...don't let it happen again, alright?"
>She hangs her head, nodding.
>"You're too nice to me, Anonymous."
>She laughs a little and sniffles.
>"Would it kill you to...I don't know, hate me sometimes?"
"I won't doubt that you're messed up, Twilight. You've got a lot of issues stemming from some kind of complex like I've never seen. But I'm no psychologist. Point is, you're not a bad pony. You've just made some bad decisions."
>Twilight chuckles at that as she rubs her eye with a foreleg.
>"Funny. A friend of mine said something similar to a dragon once."
>You stand up from the stand and stretch.
"Well, I didn't think this conversation needed quite this level of privacy, but I'll be needing that towel now. A couple towels, actually. I have to clean up your mess as well."
>Her face immediately heats up.
>"S-sorry."
>You laugh at her reaction.
>"I'll take you back to your room and bring you a towel from there. I'll...clean up my mess myself."
"Alright, but just don-"
>Sucked through the vortex of creation itself and with another pop, you're in front of your door.
"-'t teleport me-goddamnit."
>You're back on your knees again, trying to quell your upset stomach.
>Another pop and Twilight is next to you, towel floating beside her.
>No chunks to hurl this time around, you stand up and take it.
>"Just let me peek in there and I'll get rid of my, uh-"
"Shame. Your shame, Twilight."
>"Y-yeah. Heh heh."
>You crack open the door slightly, looking to see if Lyra is anywhere in the room.
>Looks like she's still in the bathroom.
>You signal for Twilight to come in so she can do her part.
>She pokes her head around the door, and with a quick jolt of magic, her guilty pleasure is removed.
>You whisper to her, trying to avoid having her presence known by a certain unicorn.
"Thanks."
>"No problem. The other princesses will be wanting to see Lyra soon, but I suggest you let her see her friend first. I know I'd want to."
"Sure thing."
>You close the door.
>"Is that you, Anonymous?"
"Yup, got the towel."
>The bathroom door opens to reveal a damp Lyra instead of a drenched Lyra.
>You hold it out, and she grabs it in her mouths.
>"Fanksh."
>She doesn't take long to dry off.
>You finally get a good look at Lyra in her prime.
>Clean, healthy, happy.
>What every living creature deserves.
>She giggles.
>"What's with that look?"
"What look?"
>Are you making a face again?
>Dammit!
"Sorry. Just...admiring you, is all."
>She blushes.
"It's still a little difficult, coming to terms that you're really standing here, 100% you."
>"Yeah. I know what you mean. I looked in the mirror, and I thought I was looking at a stranger."
"Well, I don't know about you, but I prefer this look over your previous styles."
>You turn and look to the floor.
>The husk of Lyra's robotic head lies there, broken.
>You see Lyra staring at it as well, her legs shaking subtly.
>You quickly pick it up from the floor along with any of the larger parts that have become dislodged and throw it under the blankets on the bed.
>She doesn't need to see it.
"Well, I guess I get cleaned up. Why don't you see a certain friend of your while I'm in here? Show 'em the good news!"
>That should get her out of this room.
>She gasps loudly.
>"Bon Bon! OMIGOSH!"
>And like that, she gallops out the door, sliding around in her excitement.
>You step in the bathroom and undress.
>Walking around with a crusty crotch all morning has not been pleasant.
>Stepping into the shower, you dial up the temperature a hair below scalding.
>Just how you like it.
>This is a fucking castle for shit's sake.
>They probably have more hot water than your place does.
>And you are going to take full advantage of that as you stand and enjoy the soothing heat rush over your body.
>...
>------------------------
>...
>Omigoshomigoshomigosh!
>You are Lyra, and you are beyond thrilled to see your friend.
"Oh, she's going to FLIP when she sees me! Hahaha!"
>You conquer the stairs leading to Bon Bon's hall with ease as you leap down an entire flight.
>Your hooves clop hard against the ground, echoing through the empty halls.
>Bon Bon's door is in sight.
>Hooves scraping uselessly against the smooth floor as you try to slow down, her door becomes your emergency brake.
>You turn your shoulder outward to take the impact.
>The resulting thud booms through the vast ceilings.
>That should work as a knock.
>You can't stop moving, jittery hooves bouncing up and down in a little dance from your excitement.
>You can faintly hear some clip clops on the other side of the door as well as a familiar voice.
>"-at in Celestia's Equestria was that?"
>The door opens and your best friend stares back at you in awe.
"EEEEE!!!! SURPRISE!"
>Bon Bon face contorts into something ugly.
>But that's what happens when you try to smile when you're crying.
>"OH GODDESSES, YOUR BACK!"
>You both lung for each other in a big hug, both of you getting tears on each other's coats.
>"I'm s-so happy you're back, Lyra!
"Me too, Bon Bon! You don't know how much I missed you!"
>You both hold the hug until Bon Bon suddenly moves back and kisses you.
>On the lips.
>Intimately.
>Your brain fries.
>Shocked isn't strong enough.
>You can't think to pull away or reciprocate.
>She suddenly pulls back, her eyes wide.
>"S-S-SORRY! I-I-I d-didn't mean to! Really! It's just...gosh, Lyra. You mean so much to me! You're all I have!"
>You shake your head, dispelling the emotions caught in your throat.
"Bonny, y-you know that-"
>"Yes, yes I know! And I'm so sorry! Please don't let this be awkward between us! I just...got caught up in the moment."
>Your brain is finally kicking back into full gear.
"N-no! Not at all! I get it."
>Bon Bon's face is beet red.
>Yours must be as well, heat radiating from your cheeks.
>And awkward silence hangs in the air between the two of you.
>Bon Bon clears her throat, but doesn't say anything, her tail swishing every now and then.
>You are the first to break the silence, although not willingly.
>A growl coming from your stomach steals the spotlight.
>Your face darkens further in embarrassment.
"Heh heh! Haven't eaten in a while."
>Bon Bon chuckles as well.
>More silence.
>You move hooves around, looking at the hall in mock interest.
>"So...breakfa-?"
"YES."
>The two of you make for the cafeteria, laughing and carrying on, the kiss forgotten at the door.
>You're just happy to be with your friend again, just like old times.
>The sound of her voice as she catches you up on the latest Ponyville gossip brings you further to the realization that the nightmare is nearly over.
>What really sets that feeling in stone is food.
>You've missed food.
>And in the cafeteria, there is more than you know what to do with.
>You sample everything there is to sample in the cafeteria, thanking the ponies behind the counter as they congratulate you on your recovery.
>Even the things you've never liked before.
>You never know when you're going to get the chance to eat again, so you make your plate as diverse as possible.
>Bon Bon was prepared for this.
>To your immense pleasure, she has some of her own confections!
>"I snuck down here one night and asked to use their ingredients. I needed something to pass the time."
>You tear up as you take a bite into Bon Bon's specialty.
>Bonbons.
>"Wh-what's wrong? Is something bad with that batch?"
>You shake your head as the delectable treat fills your mouth with the flavor of the gods.
"It's perfect."
>The two of you hug again in the empty cafeteria, plates full of food strewn across the table.
>And it is here, that you can see the light at the end of this dark, horrible tunnel of an experience.
>...
>...
>The meal took longer than you expected, but your stomach was happy nonetheless.
>You'd love for Anon to rub your tummy with his...hands.
>Mmmm…
>Better stop that, or things will get awkward fast.
>Speaking of fast, you happen to hear another voice start to enter the cafeteria.
>A loud, raspy voice that belonged to none other than Rainbow Dash.
>The colorful pegasus entered the room, alongside Twilight.
>From where you are sitting, they should see you in no time.
>And sure enough, mid sentence, Dash happens to glance to you.
>She keeps talking, but it hits her soon enough.
>She does a double take and within milliseconds, she's tackling you to the ground, laughing and cheering about your recovery.
>"Oh, I knew you get through it, girl! You're as tough as they come!"
>She noogies your head playfully.
"T-thanks, Dash!"
>She releases you and steps back to get a better look.
>"Hmmm...Yup. That's officially awesome."
>She holds a hoof in the air, and you meet it with a resounding "clop".
>"So, I heard from a little birdie that Anon had a hand in this, eh?"
>She circles around behind you.
>"Or ON this, rather."
>She giggles and lightly slaps a wing against your rump.
"O-oh, uh, y-yeah. I wouldn't be here like this if it wasn't for him."
>"So how he? Awesome, right? I mean, I'm not into guys, but seriously, he know how to treat a mare, am I right?"
>H-how did she-?!
>"Rainbow!"
>Twilight quickly interjects. and approaches the table.
>"Those are very personal questions!"
>Dash wilts, her ears flattening.
>"Sorry. I got a little ahead of myself there."
"I-It's alright."
>It wasn't.
>How did she know about last night?
>Anon didn't make much noise, and no one could hear you without magic.
>Granted, you couldn't come right out and ask about it either, especially in front of Bon Bon.
>You especially didn't want to talk about it with his previous…"booty call".
>You really hated to refer to it like that, but that's essentially what was going on, from what you'd heard.
>But that's all in the past, and you want it to stay in the past.
>Anon is yours.
>And you are Anon's.
>And that's all there is to it.
>Twilight walks over to you, placing a hoof on your withers.
>"I'm sorry about her. She doesn't really have a limiter for this kind of stuff."
>"Yup! You either get the full package, of you don't get anything at all!"
>She proudly sticks her chest out.
>Twilight is giving her a deadpan stare before she releases you.
>"So how are you feeling? Anything seem off since...last night?"
"N-no, not really."
>"Not really?"
"Oh, well, when I tried to turn the shower on with my magic, I got a crazy splitting headache. Actually, its still kind of lingering right now."
>Twilight looks concerned.
>"How bad of a headache?"
>How bad?
>How do you rate headaches?
"Um, when I tried to spin the knob, I...lost my vision momentarily. I think I blacked out for a few seconds. All I remember was that my head was hurting like crazy, and Anon had come in to help me."
>Behind Twilight, Dash accidentally bumps into the table, knocking a plate that has been precariously placed at the edge, free.
>As a reflex, you try to catch it.
>With magic.
>The plate shatters on the ground, where you are currently lying.
>"Goodness, Lyra! You'd just got finished saying how much magic hurt you!"
>Twilight helps you back on your hooves.
>You sit back on your rump, trying to stave off the pain from the headache.
"I don't know. It was just a reflex. The plate was falling, and the...the plate was falling...and the...and the-"
>You can't come up with the words.
>What's happening?
>Twilight says something, but you can't...
>...What?
>She's, trying to...trying to...
>-----------------------
"Lyra, look at me."
>You are Twilight, and you are terrified.
>The teal unicorn finally looks in your direction, her eyes glazed over.
>There.
>You spot it.
>Her left eyelid is dropping slightly, the brow resting while the other side is up at attention.
>Her mouth is slightly open on the same side, and she's caught on a word, mumbling it to herself.
"She's having a stroke!"
>There's a loud crash as Bon Bon jumps from the table.
"Dash! Get Celestia!"
>She's gone without a word.
>Lyra starts to slouch forward.
>You use your body to help her down to the floor evenly.
>"No! Oh nononononono-"
"Quiet, Bon Bon!"
>She's been dancing on her hooves since she realized what's happening.
"Lyra! Can you understand me?"
>You reach a hoof out and hold Lyra's own.
"Squeeze my hoof, Lyra."
>Her hoof tightens around yours lightly.
>Good, she's conscious.
>"How did this happen?!"
"I don't know. Whatever is causing these headaches when Lyra tries to use magic could very well be damaging her brain."
>Bon Bon chokes back a sob.
>A sudden burst of energy from behind you and Celestia is in the Cafeteria.
>As she steps over to see Lyra, she stops for a moment, a surprised look on her face.
>She quickly regains her composure.
>She hasn't seen Lyra yet, so you guess seeing her whole suddenly would be surprising.
>"Status?"
"She's conscious, but barely responsive."
>Celestia lights her horn, encompassing Lyra in a warm glow.
>Lyra makes soft noises from her mouth before you watch her close her eyes.
>Celestia holds the spell for a few more moments before the glow fades.
"What was it?"
>"I am unsure at the moment, but I was able to stop any damage from occurring, thanks to your quick recognition. She's resting now."
>That fast?
>Well, you did catch it pretty early.
>Usually it's 30 minutes to an hour before a stroke victim gets help.
>The room is still as we all watch Lyra breath softly, an ear flicking every now and then.
>"Did you see it happen?"
"Yes."
>"I'm sorry. It must not have been easy."
"I'm alright, really. I'm just worried about her."
>"Do you have any idea what could have triggered this?"
"She'd just finished telling me about how she got a really bad headache, bad enough to cripple her, when she tried to use magic. A plate fell from the table, and through reflex, she'd tried to stop it using magic."
>"Hmmm."
>Celestia holds her gaze on Lyra for a few more moments before she turns to walk away.
"W-wait! Where are you going?"
>"To speak with my sister. Stay with Lyra. Tell Anonymous what has happened. He needs to know."
>And with that, she leaves.
>"Hey."
>Dash walks over to you, rubbing your side.
>"You gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine"
>"No, you're not."
>You turn to Rainbow, a deep concern in her eyes.
"You're right."
>You hang your head.
"I'm not fine. It's just...hard to see somepony that you know...fade like that, right before your eyes. It's like they stop being who they are. You don't know if they'll even be able to understand you or anything around them. It's terrifying and heartbreaking."
>"Good thing you caught on fast. I...probably wouldn't have noticed it and mistook it for a prank."
>You shake your head.
>Bon Bon is lying near Lyra, nuzzling her.
"She'll be fine, Bon Bon. Just needs to rest right now."
>She nods.
>Dash pokes your side.
>"Want me to go get Anonymous?"
"No. I'll go tell him."
>And in an instant you are in Anon's room…
>Staring at his cock.
>"JESUS FUCK, TWILIGHT!?"
>You both recoil at the shock of the incident.
>He struggles to cover himself while you are too busy backpedaling against a wall.
>Guess you should have teleported outside of the room, then knocked.
>"What the FUCK is wrong with you?! What are you doing?!"
>You are covering your eyes with a foreleg.
"S-sorry! Sorry!"
>"Get out of our room!"
>You teleport outside the room, just on the other side of the door.
>This is where you should have been.
"Well, that could have went better."
>In a few minutes, Anon walk out of the door, spotting you instantly.
>"What the fuck was that about, Twilight? Did common courtesy just sli-"
"It's about Lyra."
>He stops, his face serious.
"It's not critical or life threatening at this point, but I thought you should know."
>"Know what?"
"Lyra had a stroke. About 10 minutes ago."
>Color drains from his face.
>"Oh, God n-"
"She's fine, though! We caught it within the first few minutes it was happening. Celestia was able to prevent any damage from happening. She resting now, in the cafeteria with Bon Bon and Rainbow."
>He nods, rubbing the back of his head nervously.
>"Goddamnit. Thanks for telling me...That poor girl just can't catch a break, can she?"
>His voice is quiet, broken, like he's on the edge of tears.
>It breaks your heart.
"I'm sorry, Anonymous. But she'll be fine. It seems like the cause was her trying to use magic. She tried to catch a falling plate."
>"Didn't she already learn from this morning?"
"It was a reflex, she said."
>He stands and nods some more in understanding, sniffling a little, wiping his nose across his arm.
>"I want to see her."
"Right. I'll take you down there."
>You don't know why you said that.
>He knows where the cafeteria is.
>Just, something to fill the silence, you suppose.
>You both wind up in the cafeteria sooner than expected.
>Probably because neither of you were paying attention.
>Lyra is still sleeping soundly on the floor, Bon Bon and Dash on either side of her.
>Anon kneels down in front.
>"So...what do we do?"
"We wait."
>----------------------------
>Long distance teleportation was nothing compared to the magic you'd cast on Lyra, not moments ago.
>In an instant, you are in your sister's quarters back in Canterlot, standing before her.
>She was already aware of your arrival.
>You are Princess Celestia, and you are shifting your focus to the permanent removal of this blight on your land residing in the Everfree that has caused one of your subjects to suffer so greatly.
>Gods help them if there are more unfortunates.
>"Sister."
"Luna."
>She can tell from your stern visage that this isn't a social call.
>"The unicorn?"
"She's fine, but still suffering from the incident. Even after her body has been healed, her mind has not. She is subconsciously hurting herself when she uses her magic, afraid of what it will bring."
>"You are certain?"
"...I am."
>Your eyes glaze over as you recall the memories played throughout Lyra's mind.
>What looked like a healing spell to Twilight and the others was something much more.
>The stroke hadn't advanced far at all. Stopping it was relatively simple.
>What you were concerned about was the cause.
>Putting yourself inside Lyra's consciousness, although risky on your part, was the best method to extracting what you needed to see.
>"Why would she be afraid to use her magic?"
>Lyra' mind was shrouded in a terrifying darkness, clips of her capture playing into her mind's eye, honing in on a single event.
"It was the catalyst that brought the horrible monsters from behind the invisible door to her."
>The moment she'd used her magic, it provoked the creatures behind the door into action.
>And she blames herself for her predicament and the suffering it has caused those closest to her.
>"I see. How severe is the mental impact."
"She worked herself into a stroke, not moments ago."
>Luna eyes widen.
>"By the Gods…"
"Twilight noticed the signs exceptionally quick, and I was able to stop the damage, but she is still haunted by it. She knows that the monster still lingers in the forest."
>You turn and move over to the far window facing the city.
>Your gaze sweeps past the buildings and the bustling ponies below you out into the distance.
>A dark green patch, swirling with dark clouds overhead.
>The Everfree.
>"What do you propose we do, dear sister? Surely the containment that we have is sufficient for now?"
"I don't want it contained."
>You turn to your sister.
>She recoils slightly.
>There is a fire burning in your chest you haven't felt in years.
>Revenge.
"I want it gone."
>...
>-------------------------
>God.
>Dammit.
>You are Anonymous, and you have been sitting the cafeteria for roughly four hours now, keeping watch over Lyra.
>She'd been given a blanket at this point, and you can't help but squee on the inside at how adorable she looks with her little snout poking out from under the cover.
>Bon Bon stayed as well and tried to convince you to take a break, as you did the same to her.
>Neither of you would leave.
>It did, however, give each of you a chance to know each other better.
>She was fairly interested in your adjustment to life in Equestria.
>"I always thought it was fascinating, reading about your arrival in the paper. It just seemed so...fake. And then everything just blew up into petty tabloid drama about who's screwing who, so I didn't take it nearly as seriously."
"Yeah, the papers didn't paint the best picture of me, that's for sure."
>You explained to her the trials you've encountered during your stay here.
>How the ceilings are lower in most buildings than you're used to.
>Understanding the currency here.
>Learning how the government works.
>Getting hit on for the first time by a talking pastel colored pony.
>Wrapping your head around magic.
>And probably the most difficult of all, adjusting to the local diet.
>Bon Bon was quite curious about your carnivorous habits back on earth.
>She kept prying, so you tried to explain the process of the meat industry in the least gruesome way possible.
>Surprisingly, she kept a level face the entire time.
>"Well, it's as you said. Your race are predators at heart. It only makes sense. But to have your meat prepared to such an elaborate and easily distributable process...it's inspiring to say the least."
"Seriously? You don't consider it mass murder or anything?"
>She chuckles.
>"While I'm fond of the fact your kind are killing animals by the thousands on a daily basis for food, I'm no Fluttershy. And if the animals really are as…'vacant' as you described, then they aren't too far from plantlife, in my eyes."
>Hmmm.
>A rather morbid viewpoint, but you see where she's coming from.
>"Speaking of Fluttershy, I wouldn't tell her any of this."
"Absolutely not."
>You'd met the timid pegasus a couple times, but her love for animals could not have been stressed any more by her friends.
>It's apparently her special talent, communicating with animals.
>That would certainly change the way things work back on Earth.
>It hurts too much to imagine the ramifications of humanity learning that animals have complex, independent thought.
>For your own peace of mind, you'll just believe that animals here are different.
>"-mmmnon…"
>Lyra stirs in her sleep, brushing the covers down completely over her head.
>You smile at the sight.
>"I hope she's having good dreams."
>You nod as the two of you sit quietly, the sounds of distant food preparations flitting about the room occasionally.
>A few minutes passed before Bon Bon breaks the silence again.
>"I really love her."
>Um…
>What do you say to that?
>Silence is your response.
>She sighs wistfully, rubbing a hoof against Lyra's side.
>"You don't know how badly I wanted her to love me back...I thought I'd found my special somepony."
>Her eyes are growing moist.
"Lyra loves you, Bon Bon. You know that."
>"Yeah…But not like you. She shared herself with you."
>Boy, did she ever.
>Time to drop some wisdom on this bitch.
"You can't waste time worrying about the 'what if's'. You gotta focus on the 'what next's'."
>She turns to you, curious of your remark.
"If you keep your mind focused on the missed opportunities, you'll lose sight of the opportunities right in front of you."
>She cocks an eyebrow at you with a little smirk.
>"Seriously? You some kind of motivational speaker, now?"
"Well, I gotta find something to do. Pretty sure I'm fired from my job. Not showing up for nearly two weeks will do that."
>She erupts in laughter.
>It's a cute, snort-filled thing that rings through the cafeteria.
>You join in soon enough.
>A few ponies have stuck their heads out of their stations, wondering about the commotion.
>After some more unwanted attention and irritated looks, you both settle down.
>"-mmmmeep it down, guys."
>Lyra moves again.
>You lift the blanket from her muzzle.
>She looks up to you with tired eyes and smiles.
"Hey there, hot stuff."
>She snorts.
>"Hi."
>She sits up and rests on her haunches, yawing silently.
>Bon Bon moves a bit closer to her and goes in for a hug.
>She shivers as she whispers out loud.
>"Goddesses, Lyra. We thought we'd lost you again."
>She abruptly moves back, holding Lyra out at foreleg-length, staring into her with a stern expression.
>"Don't you EVER scare me like that again."
>Lyra nods and inspects her surroundings.
>"Um, I'm sorry, but have we been sitting in the cafeteria this whole time?"
"Pretty much."
>"Oh…Well, do we have to stay in here? "
"Not really."
>You gather up the blanket, Bon Bon taking it and draping it across her back as you help Lyra to her hooves.
>"Jeeze, Anon. I'm not crippled. I just passed out is all."
>Crap.
>She doesn't know.
>You look to Bon Bon, her face an image of concern as she nods to you.
"Lyra, there's not really a delicate way to put this, but you had a stroke."
>She stops.
>"W-what?"
"Apparently, when you tried to grab a plate or something with your magic, it caused you to have a stroke."
>"O-oh, Godd-"
"B-but Twilight spotted the signs almost instantly, and Celestia was able to stop any damage from occurring."
>She nods blankly.
>You rub the back of her neck a bit.
"C'mon. Let's get out of here."
>Another empty nod as you lead her out of the cafeteria, Bon Bon following behind.
>You're nearly to the top of the first flight of steps when you stop Twilight coming down.
>Her eyes are focused on ground, so she hasn't spotted you yet.
>You clear your throat to get her attention.
>Losing her interest in the ground, she smiles at the sight of you.
>Or more at the fact that Lyra is up and about again.
>"Glad to see you're okay, Lyra. You had us worried! Again! Heh heh!"
>Lyra frowns a little, her ears deflating.
>"Sorry. I've just been nothing but a bother to everypony here lately."
>Twilight is quick to march down the steps, meeting her head on.
>Lyra looks back up at the stern mare, unsure of how to respond until Twilight embraces her in a hug.
>"You're not a bother to anypony, Lyra. Don't ever think you are."
>She releases her and steps back.
>"I was actually about to check up on your guys. Cadence still hasn't seen Lyra. It would really put her mind at ease to see you walking around, fully intact."
>"Certainly! I have to thank her for everything that she's done!"
>Twilight leads on, back to the guest room reserved for Cadence.
>You've been fading in and out of the conversations.
>Mares.
>When they get together, they can talk about anything for hours, it seems.
>You're content to simply watch Lyra enjoy herself.
>A concerning thought runs across you.
>When…
>When everyone leaves the castle…
>What happens to you and Lyra?
>Technically still lives with Bon Bon, seeing as all of her stuff is still over there.
>And with how clingy Bon Bon's been around Lyra lately, you're sure she won't go for letting Lyra move in with you.
>Besides, that'd be a bit rude on your part to suggest something so soon after she'd gotten her best friend back.
>Your thoughts are interrupted by a teal hoof tapping your side.
>"Anon?"
>Shit.
>What were they talking about?
"Sorry. Day dreaming. What's up?"
>"Are you ready to go?"
"Go where?"
>"Heh heh! Home, silly! I'll be staying at Bon Bon's for a while, but I'll still stop by and visit."
"That's good!"
>You try to sound happy, but really, you don't like the situation at all.
>You and Lyra still have something good going on, and you'd hate to interrupt it.
>But, Bon Bon is her friend, and you have to respect that.
>She's been missing for over a month now.
>Gotta let 'em catch up and stuff.
>Hell, a ton of ponies are probably wondering where's she's been.
>She'll be getting quite the publicity over this.
>...
>...
>It's all a blur now.
>Your back in your shared room, gathering some things before you head out to your place.
>Lyra is busy talking with Twilight about possibly wearing a magic restrainer.
>Little ring to go around her horn.
>It should nullify any magic she attempts to use, hopefully helping her avoid any more accidental risk.
>Out of the corner of your eye, you see a small reflection of light.
>And you notice it.
>Lyra's mechanical head is lying on the ground, the bottom of it split and spread out.
>It almost reminds you of a flower, how it blooms outwards.
>The majority of the upper half is still intact, save for the broken lens.
>There are metal shavings, screws, and random tubing scattered around it.
>You pick it up and examine it.
>The first thing you notice is how cold it is.
>For the first time, it felt...natural.
>God...
>This used to be Lyra.
>She used to look at you through this thing.
>It saddens you that it took something like this for the two of you to realize your love.
>An inky black liquid is seeping from it, slowly dripping on the floor.
>"Crazy, isn't it?"
>You swiftly turn around.
"Twilight?"
>"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."
>You shake your head.
"No, not at all."
>You glance back down to the lifeless device in your hands.
>"...Do...Do you mind if I look at it?"
"Huh? Oh, sure."
>Twilight takes the head in her magic.
>You sit on the edge of the bed, watching her go over it with her critical eye.
>"I still don't believe it."
"That she had that as a head?"
>"That you restored her."
>Oh.
>That.
>"I'm...simply at a loss for words, Anonymous. You two truly have a special bond to be able to bring her back."
>You simply nod.
>She's turning the head in the air, still prying into with her gaze.
>"The princesses will take care of the monster that did this to her."
"The princesses, huh? Doesn't that include you?"
>Her ears fall slightly.
>"I...probably won't be going back there. Ever."
"I don't blame you."
>You both sit in silence for a while, content with watching the young alicorn twirl the robotic husk in front of her.
"Thank you, again. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't pulled me out of there."
>"Don't mention it."
"Seriously, I mean."
>"And seriously, don't sweat it. I...save pon-, er, people. It's my thing now, it seems."
>You leave the bed and kneel in front of her.
>She moves the head piece out of view.
"Twilight, I'm in your debt. You saved my life, and put all of this effort into saving Lyra's. If it wasn't for you, Lyra and I would likely still be at my place, just waiting until she eventually, unknowingly killed herself. So, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."
>A dubious expression crosses her.
>"I'm sorry but, I don't owe you anything. I've done too many unforgivable things to be able to accept anything like that from you."
"Not unforgivable. You've got a clean slate in my book. Lyra and I have a chance to live the rest of our lives together, and you were a tremendous part of that."
>You take a hoof in your hands, bringing to you lips for a gentle kiss.
>She blushes slightly at your actions.
"So, thank you, Princess Twilight. Thank you."
>She takes her hoof back and clears her throat.
>"Um...yes, I mean, thank-er no, uh, you're...welcome?"
>You laugh at her clumsy response.
>The two of you bask in the awkward that is suffocating you.
"So, uh...This thing, am I right?"
>You point to the nearby floating metal hunk.
>"Y-yeah! Some messed up stuff! Do you mind if I keep it and-"
"For as you as you need to. If it'll help you save more victims, if there are any, then please. Keep it."
>She nods.
"So, is Lyra gonna be okay on her own?"
>"She should be. I have a magic inhibitor on her now. I asked her to try to conjure light at the tip of her horn, one of the first spells a unicorn learns. It didn't work, of course, but she didn't have any adverse reaction to it either, which is a good sign. She should be fine as long as she doesn't try any complex spells for a while."
"How long?"
>"Ugh...That, I'm not sure of. If this was just simple magical exhaustion, then I'd say a week would get her back to about two-thirds of her ability. But there's something else going on. I just don't know what it is."
"Is...is this something we need to be looking out for."
>"I'm fairly certain it will resolve itself. If not, we'll dive deeper into the issue. For now, she needs to be out of this castle. She needs to see her friends and family."
>You agree.
>...
>...
>You're standing outside, Lyra by your side, her smile never fading.
>Bon Bon is on her other side, her expression a mirror of Lyra's.
>You are faking your smile.
>You've already said your goodbyes and have been officially escorted out of the castle by the princess herself.
>"Eeeeee! I can't wait to get home! Let's hurry up!"
>It's about mid-day now, the sky lit by Celestia's sun beautifully.
>Lyra leads the way through the town as you and Bon Bon follow behind her.
>All around, you can see ponies stop and stare.
>Lyra waves enthusiastically to them all, sometimes running up and hugging some of them.
>A few chats and some small talk pass as you near the center of town.
>Lyra isn't giving out the full details to her situation, apologizing that she'd explain more when she had time.
>You can't hear half of the conversations, honestly.
>Everything is muffled.
>Why does bother you so much?
>Sooner than you would have liked, you reach Bon Bon and Lyra's residence.
>A quaint little house in the same vein as the rest of the town decor.
>They invite you inside, but you decline.
>Lyra has a confused look on her face.
>You try to smile and reassure her that you're fine, but she can see right through you.
"If I recall, a certain mare ambushed my house and busted the door open. I'd better get all of that cleaned up before some wild animals make it their own place."
>It hurts to laugh at your own joke.
>Bon Bon's ears fold in embarrassment.
>Lyra is still unconvinced.
"Go on, babe. This is your home. I gotta get to mine. I'll stop by tomorrow. We can get breakfast, if you'd like."
>"O-okay, then."
>You go to crouch down, but she meets you faster, standing on her hind legs, placing her forehooves against your chest.
>You move your head down and kiss her tenderly, hoping to convey your intense want to her.
>The kiss breaks, and you're left staring into two deep pools of gold.
>"I love you."
"I love you, too."
>She slowly lowers herself to the ground.
"Well, guess I'd better get out of here."
>Lyra waves as you turn and leave, heading back to your own house.
>"Be careful!"
"I should be the one saying that!"
>And like that, they step inside, one final glance, and the door is closed.
>Fuck.
>WHY.
>Why does this bother you?!
>It's close enough.
>It's not like you'll never see her again or anything.
>But…
>Knowing how close she's always been was really comforting.
>And since you'd been sharing a bed together lately…
>Ugh.
>Toughen up, Anon.
>You've almost made it to your place when you step on something, lost in thought.
>...
>Damnit.
>The roses.
>You pick them up.
>Sitting out in the sun, no water, no nothing.
>Ruined.
>Stepping on them certainly didn't help, either.
>Your steps are a little heavier as you near your house.
>You stride through the unhinged front door heading straight to the kitchen.
>You slam the dried bouquet into the trash, and simply there.
>Your fists are clenched.
>A whirlwind of emotions are circling around you.
>At some point, you've shoved the front door back into place and have flopped onto your bed.
>Your mind is clouded with feelings you can't justify.
>A fist slams into the mattress randomly.
>She's back.
>She's back...and then she's gone.
>That's all you can think about.
>You finally got the mare you've been waiting for, and she's not here.
>Damn, you're selfish.
>You've been rolling around on your bed for some time now, the covers and pillow strewn throughout the room.
>This won't fucking do.
>You go to the bathroom, splashing water in your face.
>As you stare at your horrible expression in the mirror, you try to place your anger.
>You just want to be with her.
>To hold her.
>To kiss her.
>To laugh with her.
>To lover her.
>A heavy sigh escapes you.
>You shut the lights off and head to the guest bedroom.
>You flop on the bed again, grasping a pillow in your arms, holding it close.
>Inhaling deeply, Lyra's scent still lingers and it teases your nostrils.
>Memories of when Lyra asked you stay with her.
>Memories of Lyra's dream.
>Memories of watching the sunset with her.
>It floods you.
>And you lose yourself in the current.
>You're not sure how long it'd been, but sleep takes hold, a silly teal unicorn dancing in your mind.
>...
>-------------------------------
>...
>Wow.
>That's really the only word that comes to mind when you look at the place you called you home.
>"Sorry, it's a little cluttered now, but I-I can get it cleaned up quick enough!"
>Cluttered was an understatement.
>You are Lyra, and Bon Bon must have dropped into a serious state after your disappearance.
>Your heart breaks at the sight of your living room.
>Boxes, bags, old cups, food, candy wrappings, you name it.
>If it came from a convenience store or a fast food establishment, chances are it's in this room.
>The floor is nearly nonexistent, simply a sea of discarded food and trash.
>Furniture stained, paper and styrofoam cups turned on their sides, their contents long soaked into the cushions.
>You risk a step into the room, your hoof sliding a little out from under you.
>You don't dare look at what you've stepped in.
"Bonny…"
>You look back at your best friend.
>She's aged.
>You can see it in her eyes, what your disappearance has brought to her.
>A guilt and depression driven sedentary lifestyle.
>"I-I tried looking for you…"
>She doesn't look at you.
>Her face transforms before your eyes, cheeks turning red with embarrassment over the state of the home you share.
>Her nose scrunches up, eyes squinting closed as you see her shame and sadness fall from them, traveling down her heated face, some passing over her grimaced lips.
>"B-but after a couple w-weeks...I just...waited..."
>Your vision is blurry from your emotions as you wade your way over to her side.
"I'm here now, Bon Bon. Everything's fine now."
>A hard sob escapes her.
>"Y-you're all I've got, Lyra! Please! Please don't leave me again!"
"I'm not going anywhere, Bonny."
>You nuzzle your friend's neck gingerly as you contemplate the severity of your statement.
>After all, you are Anon's.
>And Anon is yours.
>It may take some time, but you will be living with him at some point.
>Bon Bon will hopefully understand by then.
>She shudders against your touch.
>"I'm so s-sorry for leaving you...back then."
"Don't worry about it. It's in the past."
>"I-if I'd stayed, w-we could've talked it out. You wouldn't have r-run off by yourself. You wouldn't have...wouldn't have...oh goddesses!"
>She suddenly latches onto you, wailing into your shoulder.
>You try to console her, whispering comforting words in her ear.
>How you'd love to just move all of this trash out of the way with your magic.
>Can't take that risk, though.
>It's been a few minutes when Bon Bon finally moves away from you, rubbing a fetlock across her face.
>"S-sorry. I just-"
"I get it, really, I do. But you can't blame yourself for my choices. I chose to go into the Everfree that day. Nopony else could tell me otherwise."
>She nods, still sniffling from time to time.
>She sweeps over the room with her eyes.
>"The house is a wreck."
"It's alright."
>"No, it isn't. I let myself go when you went missing. I hardly slept, staying up as late as possible in the hope that you'd come to the door."
>It hurts to hear this.
"I'm sorry...I didn't really think about the consequences."
>Neither of you say a word, content to simply reflect in quiet.
>A wall clock in the kitchen nearby ticks against the silence.
>You've sat and watched that clock day by day.
>It gets louder as the second hand passes the six, the gears and inner working struggling against gravity.
>You've heard it get louder roughly three times since you've been standing, waiting for something to do.
>Bon Bon suddenly start kicking the trash out of her way as she moves towards the kitchen.
>"Gonna get some trash bags and start on this mess."
>You wordlessly follow behind.
>For the next couple of hours, the two of you clean your home.
>It's a relatively easy task, although you were missing your magic more than ever as you picked up half-eaten hayburgers and snacks with your bare hooves.
>You applaud Earth Ponies and their strong wills against yucky stuff.
>The room resembles something a pony could actually live in, now.
>You are placing the fourth and final garbage bag outside of the front door when you hear Bon Bon crying again.
>Ponyfeathers.
>You wish she'd quit beating herself up over stuff.
>You're happy enough as it is to be back in one piece!
>You step inside, closing the door behind you, walking over to the sad mare leaning her back against the wall, the rest of her slumped on the floor.
>You would have taken to sitting on the couch, but the damage to the cushions is irreparable.
>A mental note is made to stop by Davenport's for some replacements.
>You actually smile at that thought.
>It's the first real mundane thing you've thought about since you've been restored.
>The adventure is over.
>No more mystical magic.
>No more terrors in the woods.
>No more hidden feelings.
>It feels great to worry about couch cushions.
>You settle down next to your roommate, draping a hoof across her shoulders.
"What's wrong?"
>"I m-made you clean up the house on your first day b-back to normal! I'm a horrible friend!"
>You roll your eyes.
"Bonny, I am ecstatic to have cleaned the house."
>She looks at you, a bit dumbfounded.
"Seriously! I'm tired of all the running, the worry, the stress of if I'll ever return back to normal. This past month has been Tartarus for me. You don't know how happy it makes me to finally do something I can control. Like cleaning a house."
>"Y-you're just saying that."
"Nope. I really mean it. So...thanks, I guess. Heh heh!"
>You squeeze your friend, nuzzling into her neck again.
>She responds in kind.
>The two of you bask in the fruits of your labor.
>The living room is spotless, surfaces shining more than they ever had before.
>You don't know if you've ever seen it like this since you moved here.
>"So...what do you want to do now?"
"Now?"
>You yawn and stretch, cozying up to your friend.
"I want to sleep in our own bed."
>"O-oh, right...the bed..."
>Hmmm...
>That didn't sound good.
"Bonny?"
>"M-maybe we're better off sleeping on the couch?"
"There are no cushions on the couch."
>Seriously?
"Is it that bad?"
>Her face starts getting red again as she nods.
>You really hate to see your friend cry.
"Alright! Alright! I'll...think of something."
>You stand and pace around, walking towards the bedroom.
>Just how bad could it-
>...
>Oh.
>You quietly close the door as you purge the sight from memory.
>Cleaning the bed is no longer an option.
>Replacement is the only way.
>With that out of the way, you wrack your mind for an alternative.
>You could both...sleep on a bench out in the park?
>...
>No, that won't work.
>Immediately, another option comes to mind.
>No.
>Absolutely not.
>Anon has done enough for you.
>You couldn't possibly ask him to put up both you and Bon Bon for the night.
>...Could you?
>...
>You do want to be with him.
>But you also want to spend time with your friend.
>whynotboth.jpg
"C'mon Bonny."
>You help the troubled mare to her hooves.
>"Where are we going? And at this late?"
>You reach the front door, holding it open for Bon Bon to pass through.
"We're going to Anon's!"
>...
>---------------------------------------
>...
>Lying in bed has never been a grand past time, but you find yourself reflecting in here more and more.
>You are Anon, and you are wide awake, staring at your ceiling.
>The darkness in the room plays tricks on your vision, blotches of blur appearing as your eyes focus on nothing.
>After so long, your body feels...weightless.
>It's peculiar, really.
>You just chalk it up to the craziness these past few days have brought.
>And then, you hear it.
>Knocking.
>A very familiar knock.
>Your blood runs cold.
>You're in your hallway.
>How did you get here so fast?
>More knocking.
>You can't shake the feeling that you can hear an odd humming coming from the other side of the door.
>It has to be your imagination.
>Lyra is fixed.
>She's fine, now.
>More knocks.
>You're standing right by the door now.
>Each knock is like a swift buck to your chest.
>You can't breathe.
>A voice.
>"Anon?"
>So frail and helpless.
>"...Please…"
>God.
>God no.
>You don't want to open the door, but your hand is reaching for the knob.
>There's nothing you can do.
>Your body isn't responding.
>You try to scream.
>You try to run.
>You try to close your eyes.
>Nothing works.
>The door is opening.
>The humming has become an encompassing blare of noise.
>The sound is warbling, phasing in and out of itself, coursing through your bones.
>And as the door opens partly, you see teal.
>Lyra.
>You can't hear anything but the noise.
>Lyra is here.
>You have no control over the door's pace as you watch in agony.
>Without warning, the door is open.
>You are standing before Lyra.
>She is suspended in the air by chains, all legs spread wide, showing off the gaping cavity of her chest, internal organs still present.
>You can see her body fighting to stay alive from the wound, her lungs expanding and contracting wildly, her heart nearly pounding out of her chest.
>Her head is missing.
>There is nothing.
>No head.
>No machine.
>Just a stump of her neck.
>You've seen enough.
>You turn around, but there's no door back to your house.
>Another voice.
>"...Please, Anon…"
>Lyra is calling you.
>But from where?
>You try to respond, but you can't scream or talk at all.
>You open your mouth, but are left with frustration.
>You turn back to the torment on display.
>The chains suddenly tighten, pulling outwards.
>Dear God.
>Her lungs are pumping even faster.
>She knows what's happening to her.
>There's nothing you can do, but watch as your mare is torn apart in front of you.
>It's the least you can do, being with he
>The chains jerk outwards.
>They pull on her limbs roughly.
>You swear you hear her screaming in pain.
>But there's no head.
>There's a pounding that shakes the earth under your feet.
>The chains pull again.
>She's crying your name out.
>You finally find your voice as you whisper to her.
"I'm sorry."
>It's all you can get out before the chains pull once more.
>And as you hear there snapping of bones and joints and witness the first sounds of her flesh tearing free, you are jolted by another great pounding in your ears.
>You jump, sitting straight up in your bed.
>Your bed?
>You feel around your body.
"Fucking Christ. It was just a dream."
>Your back is soaked with sweat.
>Not having Lyra near you is going to kill you if this is how it's going to be every night.
>You get out of your bed and head to the bathroom for a drink when you are suddenly stopped, tour hair standing on end.
>Knocking.
>"Anon? Are you even here?"
>Lyra.
>But...why is she here?
>Are you still dreaming?
>Is this one of those "dreams within a dream"?
>Fuck that inception bullshit.
>She knocks again a bit roughly and impatient.
>"C'mon, Anon! Please wake up!"
>You faintly hear another voice, but you can't make it out.
>You throw on a robe and quickly head to the door.
>Hand on the knob, you gulp.
>Lyra had better be her adorable self when you open this door or you'll fucking scream.
>With hesitation, you finally unlock the door and swing it open.
>And there she is.
>As wonderful as ever.
>"H-hey! Sorry, I woke you up."
>You can't help but smile stupidly at how happy you are to see her.
"No! No problem at all! What's up? I thought you were staying with Bon Bon?"
>"Um..."
>She fidgets a bit, and it is now that you realize that Lyra is not alone.
>Bon Bon is behind her, looking quite pitiful.
>"Well, we kinda can't sleep in our house due to some...uh...I'm not sure how to put it. But we need a place to crash. I hate to ask you, but do you mind putting Bon Bon and myself up for the night?"
>You scratch your head.
>There's absolutely zero problems with that.
>Unless you wanted to get ten kinds of crazy with Lyra, then you'd have to hold off.
>But what could be keeping them from staying in their own home?
"Sure. You know you can stay here whenever, Lyra."
>"Thanks!"
>She rears up and plants a small kiss on your chin.
>"You're the best!"
>She happily trots on as you move out of the way.
>Bon Bon trudges behind.
"Hey, Bon Bon."
>She stops, but doesn't look at you.
"You're more than welcome here as well. And not just tonight. Whenever you need something, don't hesitate to ask me."
>She finally looks up to you.
>And smiles weakly.
>"Th-thanks...That means a lot to me."
>You crouch down and sweep her up in a brief hug.
>You've already released her before she could reciprocate.
>The mare has obviously had it rough.
>Her personality certainly doesn't do her well, but if Lyra can love her, you can at least tolerate her.
>She walks into your house, a little brighter than before.
>You rub your face and close your door.
>"I'll take the couch, I guess."
>Bon Bon moves to step up onto the covered couch when you and Lyra both shout to her.
"NO!"
>"NO!"
>She withdraws her hoof quickly, as if she'd injured it, eyes wide.
>"Oooo-kay then. Not the couch."
>"We'll share the spare bed, Bonny."
>Waves of disappointment.
>But honestly, just having Lyra in your home makes up for it.
>Sleep should come easy now.
>Speaking of, the excitement of Lyra and Bon Bon's appearance is wearing off.
>You yawn loudly, stretching your arms in the air.
"I don't know about you guys, but I was in the middle of sleeping a few minutes ago."
>A terrible, nightmare-filled sleep, but sleep nonetheless.
"I'm gonna hit the hay. You gals make yourselves at home. Just don't get on the couch. Trust me."
>You pat Bon Bon on the head and walk to Lyra.
>She stands on her rear legs again as you cup her head in your hands, giving her a passionate kiss.
"Sweet dreams, babe."
>"You too."
>One last little scratch behind her ear and she drops back to all fours.
>You head back to the bathroom, getting you that drink you wanted earlier.
>Back in your own room, you disrobe and flop back onto the mattress and drift into slumber.
>It was awesome.