Magic Heartstrings - 1

Magic Heartstrings (tentative title; I like it but it might change)
I may revise or re-write this based on feedback, or ideas I get as I gather ideas for the bulk of the story.
For now it's just something I whipped up from an idea I had and I just wanted to see where I could take it and what people thought of the idea.

>"Anon?" her voice echoes through the halls. Yet you fail to notice, considering you're still passed out.
>"Anoooooon?" she drags it out this time, her voice getting a little closer.
>"Anon, wake up!" it comes once again, accompanied by a knocking on your bedroom door.
>Ugh... curse that minty green menace from beyond the stars!
>Yet again, she's managed to stir you from your much-needed slumber before your time.
"Ugh... What is it this time Lyra?" you respond groggily as you roll over in bed.
>"It's Twilight Sparkle! She just showed up in town and is trying to gather anyp0ny she can for some important announcement!"
>Hmm... Important announcement? Twilight Sparkle? Interesting... her voice was muffled through the door but you're pretty sure you heard correctly.
>Well now, this could be interesting. No need to hurry but you're definitely curious as to what could be so important that Twilight would come back to P0nyville to make a surprise announcement about.
>With a yawn and stretch of the arms, you manage to sit up before answering her.
"Huh, that's kinda wierd. Alright I'll be up in a few."
>"Well hurry up already!" she raises her voice a bit with the sound of excitement.
>Why would she of all p0nies be excited about something like this?

>Oh wait. It's Lyra. You can't subject her to even a single p0ny stereotype around here. Aside from the six p0nies that represent the Elements of Harmony, Lyra was the only other one here that seemed to stand out more than the general populace.
>Then again, maybe it's just you. After all, she was the only one here that was willing to take you in when you showed up out of the blue. She's also always been open and friendly with you too, which is something you can hardly say about anyp0ny else.
>The Element bearers could at least somewhat fit into that category. They were friendly for the most part, but usually always seemed at least a tad nervous or reluctant to associate themselves very much with you.
>As is the case when somebody new and different shows up, there's always people that get scared and start making up rumors to throw around. Unfortunately you were no exception to that.
>So far you've done a pretty good job demonstrating your worthiness to the town and proving that you're not a threat, but there's always non-believers.
>You've heard stories about that zebra, Zecora, when she first showed up. She's pretty welcome around here now, so hopefully in time the same could happen with you.
>After waking up enough to use your eyes and willingly stand up out of bed, you grab a change of clothes and exit your bedroom, heading straight for the shower.
>Of course, Lyra notices the very instant you walk out of your room.

>"About time, you re- ...Anon, what are you doing?"
"Hmm, let's see here. I think it's called a shower?" you respond sarcastically.
>Her face scrunches up at the remark.
>"Oh come on that's not important, we need to go now!"
"Blow me! I'm taking a shower and there's nothing you can do about it!"
>Lyra's jaw drops at your comment, but she noticed the playful tone of voice you used. Instead of responding, she just sits down on her haunches and crosses her front hooves across her chest, pouting and looking away.
>You gotta admit, it was kinda cute, pushing her buttons like that.
"Calm down, I'll make it quick, then we'll go," you say as you begin to step into the bathroom, "But by all means Lyra, you know you don't have to wait for me. If it's so important then just go and I'll meet you there."
>Closing the door and locking it behind you, you remove the clothes you wore to bed and step into the shower.
>One thing you're definitely thankful for here is that Lyra was willing to modify her shower shortly after she took you in, so you'd be able to use it without crouching down or anything.
>There was no response from Lyra after your last comment. You knew she wouldn't go out there by herself, at least not to an event in which the town is gathering for.
>It wasn't a big deal to you, but there were still a number of p0nies that were uneasy about you living here.

>Or maybe they didn't care so much about that, they just picked on Lyra constantly about taking you in so willingly. Some even claim she was in love with you from the very beginning, like she had some sick fetish for other species or something.
>There were times when you could see why some p0nies might think that, but honestly Lyra didn't strike you as a p0ny that would be into that, unless she's just been doing a really good job hiding it.
>She's been a great friend to you, but you've never looked at her in that way before. She never seemed to show any signs of interest in you either, and that's probably a good thing. The idea of being with another species was... well, it was an interesting thought, but it wasn't a place you wanted your mind to wander just yet.
>So instead, you thought about what this important announcement could be.
>Twilight Sparkle had recently evolved into an Alicorn and gone through a Princess coronation. Well, evolved may not be the best term to use, but you thought it was funny.
>After that, she had to move back to Canterlot so she could learn how to be a princess or something. You thought the whole thing was kinda ridiculous so you didn't really pay much attention.
>Twilight was probably the most open and receptive to your presence here than anyp0ny else, aside from Lyra of course, but she still just kinda up and left after the whole princess thing.
>Her fellow element bearers were gone fairly often after that too.

>You can't help but think this announcement of hers has something to do with all of that, but it's hard to say.
>After a few more minutes in the shower, you finish up, dry off, don your clean clothes, and step out of the bathroom.
>As soon as you enter the hallway, you see Lyra in the living room, sitting in the same spot she was in before you went in the shower, just tapping a hoof on the ground and glaring at you.
>"Finally ready?"
"Yeah yeah, let's go."
>Her glare immediately turns into a smile as she jumps up and trots to the front door.
>"Come on, come on!" she says impatiently.
>You toss your dirty clothes into your bedroom then step back into the bathroom for a moment to run a comb through your hair, before meeting Lyra in the living room.
>As soon as you come into view, she's out the door.
>It was a little wierd. Lyra hated the rumors and stupid remarks she would get from p0nies about you whenever she was around town. Yet most of the time she just wouldn't go around town without you by her side.
>You'd think it would just make things worse, but you pretty much never heard those remarks when you were with her. Probably because you intimidated them or something, maybe they think you'd just snatch them up and devour them if they said anything in front of you. Who knows.

>If that's the case though, it would explain why Lyra doesn't like going out alone anymore. She probably feels safer with you or something, or at least she wouldn't have to worry about being picked on.
>She used to hang out with her friend Bon Bon all the time, but she seems to have distanced herself ever since you showed up. Lyra still goes to see her fairly often, but that's one of the seldom times that she will go alone.
>Whatever, it didn't bother you that much. It's not like you were attached to her or anything, but some times it really felt like she was attached to you.
>You're really going to have to step up your game and help her fix that one of these days.
>As the two of you near the town center, you get a few looks from various residents, but nothing out of the ordinary. You catch a few chuckles here and there, but you don't care.
>They could say whatever they wanted, you and Lyra knew there was nothing between you two. Some times you actually thought about faking it and putting on a show with her just to see what kind of reactions you could get.
>For some reason though, Lyra didn't seem to like the idea of faking it. Oh well, her loss, you think it'd be hilarious.
>When the two of you reach the town center, you notice p0nies filing into the town hall, so you decide to join them.
>They were all going into the theater, a large open room with a stage, of course.

>You and Lyra take seats in the back of the room. You wouldn't expect many p0nies to want to sit next to you, and you both enjoyed being in the back more anyway.
>Well, you did anyway. Lyra didn't seem to care, but she'd deal with whatever you chose.
>Just a couple minutes after you step in, the room is close to full, and Mayor Mare takes the stage.
>"Good afternoon mares and gentlecolts! We've called you here today to make a special announcement. And who better to make such an announcement than Equestria's newest Princess, Twilight Sparkle!"
>As p0nies in the crowd begin to cheer, Mayor Mare leaves the stage and Twilight Sparkle takes her place.
>It was still really wierd to see her as an Alicorn, what with her wings and larger size. Not to mention her princess regalia.
>Twilight smiles and raises a hoof, motioning for the crowd of p0nies to settle down. Once they do, she begins.
>"Hello everyp0ny! I don't have a lot of time, so I'll get right to the point. As you all know, I have recently taken on the role of the newest Princess of Equestria. As wonderful as that is, it creates a new problem."
>"As an Alicorn, I can no longer represent a single Element of Harmony. And this just makes the problem worse, because I once represented the most important element of them all: Magic."
>"Now this brings me to why I am here. Having another Alicorn around is a great thing for Equestria, but it doesn't mean we can ignore the Elements of Harmony."

>"Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and myself are in search of a new unicorn to bare the Element of Magic. According to Princess Celestia, I was destined to discover the Elements and take on Magic. However it was only meant to be temporary."
>A new unicorn to bare the Element of Magic? You sure weren't expecting that.
>Seems a little farfetched, but Lyra is paying full attention. It's like she might actually be interested in this.
>"We have the ability to bestow the Element of Magic onto a new unicorn, but they must prove themselves worthy of it, to us and to the Elements themselves."
>"Any unicorns that believe they have what it takes and would be willing to do what is required of them, please return here to the P0nyville town hall at noon tomorrow. If you have any friends that you think may want to give it a shot, tell them to show up!"
>"I will provide a series of basic tests, and any unicorn that passes will be sent to Canterlot for the real tests."
>"Well... eheh, I guess that's about it. I have to get back to Canterlot now, so you all have a good day, and I'll see you tomorrow!"
>After Twilight finishes, she reveals her wingspan and flys up to a balcony where she exits the building.
>Well, that was interesting, to say the least. Short speech followed by immediately leaving. That wasn't really like her, but she is a new Princess so she must be really busy, and taking her new role very seriously.

>Discussion begins amongst the entire room. Lyra seemed to be lost in her own world of thought, staring off into nothing.
"Hey, Equestria to Lyra." you say as you nudge her shoulder.
>"Whoa, huh what!?" she responds, shaking her head frantically before fixing her eyes on you.
"Well? Sounds kinda crazy to me, what do you think?"
>"Umm... I don't know... It does sound a little crazy, but it also sounds kinda fun."
"Fun? Wait, you aren't actually thinking of trying out for this are you?"
>"Oh, well... maybe?"
"Maybe? Don't get me wrong Lyra, you're a capable unicorn, I know this more than most, but picturing you in that position is... well, just wierd."
>"You really think I'm capable? Well then that settles it! I'll be here tomorrow to take the test!"
"Wha- Lyra, I didn't mea-"
>Before you can continue, she's up and wrapping her hooves around you in an excited hug.
>"Thanks for believing in me Anon!"
"Lyra," you start as you pull her off of you, forcing her to sit down again, "Wouldn't you be worried about what p0nies would say about you? Ya know... about being around me so much?"
>Lyra ponders that for a moment before gasping.
>"Oh no, you're right!" she says as she tilts her head down, her ears drooping as well, "I bet they wouldn't even let me take the test... Darn those p0nies and their stupid rumors!"
>Well shit, looks like you just wrecked your only friends' hopes and dreams.

"Lyra, forget I said anything. If you want to give this a shot, by all means go for it. And don't worry for a moment about what anyp0ny thinks about either of us, okay?"
>"I.. I don't know if I can, Anon..." she says with a sad tone of voice.
"You were confident about this just a moment ago-"
>"No, it's about the... rumors, all the things they say about us-"
>You interrupt her by placing your hands onto her shoulders.
"Lyra, you can't worry about that. You can't let other p0nies opinions change who you are or shape your future. You have to learn to ignore them. And if it helps, I'll be there with ya the whole way. Sound good?"
>"That's... th- thank you, Anonymous," she says calmly with a sigh, giving you a warm smile, "You're a good friend."
"And you should listen to your good friends, right?" you ask with a hint of sarcasm.
>Lyra giggles. "Heh, maybe."
"Hey, you're a good friend too Lyra. I mean, you're pretty much my only real friend here, but still. I wouldn't be saying any of this if I didn't mean it."
>"Thanks. Well, what now? Think I should go home and practice?"
"Practice what?"
>"Magic, of course! It's a test to find a unicorn to take on the Element of Magic, it's obviously got to be a test to find the strongest and most talented unicorn, right?"

"Hmm, maybe. I highly doubt that's all there is to it. They will need to see a lot more than power, such as how well you can control the magic, what kind of unique abilities you can do, how you react to specific situations, things like that."
>"Hmm, I guess I didn't think about that. You're pretty smart, ya know that?"
"It's just a guess Lyra, geez."
>"Oh, heh. Well, you're still probably right about it."
"We'll see. Let's get out of here though, I need some food."
>"Oooh, can we go to Sugarcube Corner!?" she asks excitedly, jumping up and down in place eagerly anticipating your answer.
"Ugh... sure, why not, sounds pretty good I guess."
>"Yay!" Lyra exclaims, taking off out of the room without you.
>You stand there for a few moments until she realizes she's alone. Sure enough, she comes casually strolling back in, taking a stand by your side and waiting for you, acting like nothing ever happened.
>With a sigh and nod of your head, you leave the town hall in the direction of Sugarcube Corner, Lyra at your side.
>It's nice; for once, she actually seems happy to be seen walking around with you, not taking any notice whatsoever at any p0nies that may be looking, or talking, or pointing hooves.
>It'll be interesting to see how things go tomorrow, that's for sure.