Cy-Lyra - Day 6

>You must have been knocked out.
>The sun is just starting to rise over the horizon, light pouring into your room.
>You turn to get out of bed, but your arm runs into something soft and familiar.
>Rubbing your eyes, Lyra is in bed with her back facing you.
>Wow.
>You must have REALLY been knocked out to not hear her come in the room.
>Not knowing when she got in, you decide it's best to be as quiet as possible.
>Still in your clothes, you creep out of the room and let the door slowly close with a soft click.
>You're standing out in the hall.
>It's a little cooler than it was yesterday, a comforting breeze enveloping you every now and then.
>A quick look and you can see that many windows are open, allowing the wonderful morning weather to impart itself on the mood of the castle interior.
>The scope of the castle hits you slowly.
>You realize that you are actually close friends with royalty.
>Staying in a fucking castle?
>Talking with a princess on a regular basis?
>Fingering said princess?
>Fuck, you'd never get anything like that back on Earth.
>You've been wandering around for a while when you finally end up back at the cafeteria.
>The place is deserted.
>Not a pony in sight, other than a few staff members.
>But the smell...
>Pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal, cereal, syrup, cinnamon, hashbrowns, etc.
>They nearly had it all.
>All that was missing was bacon.
>And now you've made yourself sad again.
>You walk up to an ordering area and a rather cute mare behind the sneeze guard smiles at you.
>Her blonde mane is very striking, and flowing down just the left side of her face, covering one eye.
>She has a vibrant baby blue coat that shimmers in the light and accents the curves of her back just so.
>Unfortunately, you aren't quite at the right angle to make out her cutie mark.
>"What can I get you, sir?"
>Holy shit it's a dude.
>Either that, or this mare has smoked two packs a day for 60 years.
>Oh-oh god.
>It just winked at you.
>Gotta order quick and get the fuck away from him...her...whatever it is.
"Uh, three pancakes with some syrup, and an order of hashbrowns, please."
>"Comin' right up, sugar."
>Eegh. It winked at you again as it sauntered off to the back.
>Cutie mark is a set of arrows pointing in opposite directions.
>His/her tail is whipping back and forth, nearly mesmerizing.
>Even if it is a dude, he's got one hell of a hot bod-
>YUP.
>FUCK THAT.
>THAT'S A DUDE.
>Got an unwanted peek at the goods.
>Shit, that'll haunt you forever.
>You'll never trust a pretty mare ever again.
>"Flipper makes quite the pancake. Good choice on those."
>The voice behind you was familiar.
>It was a soothing, caring, age-old voice that carried with it years upon years of knowledge and wisdom.
>If it weren't for the memories that voice brought back, you would have almost felt at peace.
>Instead, you feel a slight amount of rage and more than enough fear.
>You slowly turn and face your new guest.
>"Good to see you, Anonymous."
"The feeling's mutual, Celesita."
>She displays an even smile and chuckles harmoniously.
>"My dear Anonymous. We both know that's not true. I know of your resentment towards me. I can sense it, even now. But I've had time to think about our rocky relationship."
"Oh yeah?"
>"Yes. And I am truly sorry for labeling you as a troublemaker. My sister and I have been keeping our eyes on you, Anonymous. And truly, misfortune follows close to your heels. I see that now. Although I do not agree with some of your past decisions, you keep to yourself and you mean well. And so, I am delighted to consider you as one of my subjects."
>That's...unexpected to say the least.
"So, just like that, I'm supposed to let the past slide?"
>"I do not expect you to trust me entirely yet, but do know that I am here for you whenever you need me. Ms. Heartstrings' situation is special, and everypony or human involved has been touched by her circumstance in both spectacular and tragic ways. I want to make sure you have the support you need after this ordeal."
>Damn...
>She's good.
>She seems to look past you for a moment and smiles.
>That smile could bring world peace to your planet.
>"It seems as though your meal is ready!"
>Turning around, you see Flipper placing a tray on top of the sneeze guard.
>You grab it quickly before that...thing has a chance to talk to you.
>You sit at a table as far away from the trap as possible and watch as Celestial places her order.
>She stands and chats with the pony for a bit before making her way to your table and sitting across from you.
>”You really should eat your pancakes when they’re fresh. It’d be a shame for them to cool down on you.”
>You just realized you haven't started eating.
>You swiftly cut a small piece out of the fluffy pancakes and eat it.
>Heaven.
>If heaven was made of pancakes, this is what it would taste like as you ate the walls.
>Holy shit, these are amazing!
>You must be making a face of some sort as Celestia raises a hoof to stifle her laughter.
>Damn face.
>Doing shit by itself again.
>”I take it you enjoy them?”
“No doubt. These are the best pancakes I’ve ever had.”
>”Thanks, surgar! I really appreciate it!”
>The blue trap snuck over to your table to deliver Celestia’s plate to her.
>Another sickening wink and HE walks off.
>Celestia has a very modest plate fixed in front of her.
>Two pancakes and a small bowl of oatmeal.
>Oh, she’s got a couple banana’s cut up as well.
>You see her float a fork over and get a couple chunks of banana on the end.
>If there is anyone on the planet that could make you feel ashamed at the way you eat, it’s this horse right here.
>Just...perfect in every aspect of the entire act.
>Surely this is all just a ruse, though.
“You can relax a bit...your highness. I won’t judge you. No need to be all prim and proper on my account.”
>She lifts a napkin and dabs her muzzle while smiling.
>”My dear, this is simply how I eat. It ceased to be a facade several decades ago.”
>Well, that explains that.
>You continue eating like the slob you are in comparison to the literal goddess across from you.
>You’ve nearly finished your meal when Celestia speaks up again.
>”I am sorry, Anonymous.”
“Hm? For what?”
>”That you’ve had to go through all of this. You were a new creature here in our world. Given a new chance at life. From what Twilight has relayed to me, your life back on your home planet was rather dismal by comparison, correct?”
>You nod.
>”And yet, you’ve been brought here against your will, faced with a crippling loneliness that not a single one of my subjects could begin to fathom. Ponies rely on the others around them far more than they realize. If one were to be separated entirely, it wouldn’t be long before the resort to extreme measures to keep the loneliness at bay. You, however, have persisted, and I find that admirable...But I find pity in your situation as well.”
>Pity?
“How so?”
>”Please, do not misunderstand me. I find your ability to overcome such a hurdle to be very commendable. However, it’s rather telling of your situation prior to your arrival. To be able to cope with losing everything you had before. Everything you were before. It tells me that you didn’t have much to begin with, if you can forgive me for being so forward.”
>...
>Damn.
>You suddenly feel terrible.
>She’s absolutely right, though.
>Your life was shit back on Earth.
>Being a telemarketer wasn’t a great career to get on the good graces of others.
>In fact, it was practically your job just to annoy people.
>Your friends were all over the internet.
>Never got to meet a single one face to face.
>You had some sort of girlfriend, but it wasn’t going anywhere.
>Kept you around for social appearances because of how worried she was about her already horrible social reputation.
>The sex was nice though,but it stopped shortly after the two of you got together.
>Parent’s moved out of the country, so you never saw them.
>Lost all contact eventually.
>Only child, so there were no ties there.
>Pretty much just living day by day.
>No ambitions.
>No dreams.
>Just surviving.
>The only thing you really put any effort towards was your personal indoor garden.
>It was small, but it was boss.
>But that was it, really.
>...
>”...I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, Anonymous.”
>You must have spaced out with a look on your face.
“No...no, it’s fine...You’re right, though, about my life back on Earth.”
>You scoot the remaining slices of pancake across your plate with no real intention.
“There really wasn’t much going for me.”
>You set your fork down, the clack of the silverware meeting the plate ringing out into the cafeteria.
“But...you’re wrong about one thing.”
>”Oh?”
>You don’t dare make eye contact with her.
>You are about to defy the princess of Equestria, after all.
“I was alway alone...until I came here.”
>You start to tidy up your place, cleaning up your mess around your plate.
“Every...pony here helped me belong. It was nice for a change.”
>You grab your plate and stand to empty it in the garbage, finally looking to Celestia.
>She has that warm smile on her face again.
>”Then I’m glad you could make it to our world. There are many ponies that enjoy your company, Anonymous.”
>You nod and smile back before heading to empty your plate.
>After cleaning it off, you return back to your table, sitting directly across from the princess once again.
>She still has close to half of her food left.
>She doesn’t seem busy eating it, so you go for the real questions.
“Alright...So, Lyra…”
>Celestia’s smile fades into a stern, neutral look.
>”Yes?”
“Do you…”
>You rub your face and take a deep breath as you prepare yourself for whatever answer she comes up with.
“Do you think she’ll make it?”
>Celestia stares at you, a blank expression.
>You can’t discern her expression one way or the other.
>Damnit.
>”I can’t guarantee anything, Anonymous. I will put my all into her recovery, if her body can sustain it.”
“Sustain it?”
>”Has Twilight not spoke with you about the plan?”
>This miffs you a bit.
“No, she hasn’t.”
>Celestia’s expression doesn’t change.
>”That’s not like her. Either way, I see no harm in you being informed.”
>You see Celestia’s horn glow as she moves her plate across the room to empty it in the trash.
>She stands and starts to head towards the exit.
>You follow behind her.
>”I am not the only princess to arrive today.”
“Huh?”
>”Princess Cadence has also joined me, and for a key reason.”
>Cadence?
>The name sounds familiar, but you don't really know much about her.
>You both head up the stairs but detour to enter the throne room.
>Twilight and--who you assume to be--Princess Cadence are both in here, talking quietly to one another.
>”Twilight has told you about her sister-in-law, correct?"
>Ah.
>That's where you've heard of her.
“Vaguely, but yeah, I know of her.”
>The other two princesses take notice of your entrance in the throne room and move to meet the two of you.
>Twilight is the first to speak up.
>”Anonymous! I forgot you were a morning person! Cadence, this is Anonymous, the human. Anonymous, this is my sister-in-law, Cadence. She rules and protects the Crystal Empire.”
>The slim pink alicorn mare reaches a hoof out to you, a bit unsteadily.
>She’s afraid, but trying to play it off like a good sport.
>You don’t want to start anything, so you act like a reasonable alien and reach out and shake her hoof.
“Nice to meet you.”
>Cadence smiles weakly.
>"L-likewise."
>Celestia steps around you
>”Cadence is also known as the Princess of Love-"
>Seriously?
>"-for her uncanny ability to spread love between ponies.”
>Whoa whoa whoa.
"Hold on. Spread love? As in make people fall in love with each other?"
>That's some scary shit, honestly.
>Cadence finds her voice and explains.
>"I-if you're looking for the short version, then yes, exactly that. But there's so much more to it. I can't make just any two ponies fall for each other. There has to be something between them to begin with, or nothing will happen. It also has to be enough of a connection to sustain itself and not burn out prematurely or, uh, 'boil over', as one might say."
"Boil over?"
>Twilight clears up the terminology.
>"She means when the affection of one pony for another gets to a point where they become obsessive of their mate. Cadence's power is more of a boost to skip the difficulties of meeting someone new."
>"Exactly. Think of it as skipping the 90 day grace period of a new job and diving head first with the experience you already need."
>This is some crazy shit.
>Fucking magic.
>"She also has the ability to repair bonds, given that both parties are willing and the connection isn't severely damaged by mistrust or hurt."
>Twilight flashes a smile to her sister who returns in kind.
"So...you're telling me that love is a quantifiable resource that can be manipulated?"
>"In terms of magic, yes."
>Celestial steps in this time.
>"But what love brings with it is it's true purpose and intentions, and how ponies resolve to use their love for one another. It can be easy to get lost in the numbers of the phenomenon, but stepping back and watching it work in front of you is where the real magic lies."
>Huh.
>That was probably an enlightening moment right there.
>themoreyouknow.jpg
"Well, this has definitely been a great lesson and all, but what does this have to do with Lyra?"
>Twilight's ears fold back while you notice that Cadence's eyes widen.
>"Sorry, Anon. We got so caught up yesterday that I never did get around to explaining the details to you."
>Cadence still looks awe-stricken, but your focus is on Twilight's words.
"That's fine, but I'm here now. So, what is going to happen?"
>"Right. So, here's what I've come up with. From what you've told me, whenever you and Lyra get...intimate...it ends up triggering an enormous surge of magic through her body, forcing her self-healing into overdrive. What I see, is that your love for Lyra must be getting across to her, giving her the boost to heal at unprecedented speeds."
>Makes sense, now that you've heard that love is apparently more than just butterflies in your stomach, but a measurable resource.
>You nod in understanding.
>"With Cadence here, we can channel your love for Lyra and multiply it as many times as needed in order for it to be released as a large burst of magic, effectively forcing Lyra's body to swarm itself with her self-healing abilities. Princess Celestia and I will standby, providing additional power for Cadence while also providing a sort of life support for Lyra as her healing takes place. Once the implants are removed, organ failure is imminent, so we'll be keeping them healthy through a stasis effect. The final burst, aided by the three of us, will be unleashed after her internal organs have been cleared, hopefully allowing her, uh, 'soul' to recreate her head in one go."
>...
>This is insane.
>But in a world filled with magic, it actually makes sense.
>But something doesn't sit right with you.
"Hopefully?"
>"I'm sorry, Anonymous, but her head is by far the trickiest part. If it doesn't happen instantaneously, there is a high chance that she'll...die on the spot."
>So this is the long shot that she was talking about.
>Basically, if everything goes perfect, she lives.
>If there is a single slip-up, she dies.
>You contemplate the risks involved here.
>From Twilight’s explanation, this is fairly straight forward.
>They use your love, amp it up and pump it into Lyra to get her healing.
>Once she’s stable enough on her own before it reaches her head, they stop, refocus, then throw a shit ton of magic at her all at once to boost Lyra’s soul into making a head out of thin air.
>A whole head.
>Out of nothing.
>Magic.
>Goddamn, the plan sounds flimsy as shit when you think about it like that.
>There’s got to be a better way for this, though.
"Is this really the only solution?"
>Celestia bows her head.
>"I’m afraid so, Anonymous. In all my years, I’ve never witnessed such a tragedy like Lyra’s, so I am completely out of my element here. Twilight is the one who came up with the plan. I am merely here to lend my power."
>You rub your forehead.
>Shit, this is heavy.
"So...when were you thinking of doing this?"
>"I want to wait unt-"
>Twilight was cut short by a loud clop that echoed through the room.
>All eyes turn to the source.
>Lyra.
>"I’d...I’d like to do it now."
"Wh-NO! Out of the question, Lyra!"
>"Why not?"
"You still have some time left with no risk! Why throw that away?!"
>"Anon, if there is any chance at all that I can be turned back to normal, then the sooner, the better."
"Lyra...I-"
>There’s a sniffle from behind you that draws your attention away.
>Cadence is quietly bawling her eyes out.
>Twilight just took notice as well and rubs a hoof along her back.
>"Cadence, what’s wrong?"
>"I-...I-I don’t think...Agh-"
>Cadence’s breakfast and other stomach contents are projected to the floor.
>God.
>Can’t you just go a day without seeing someone puke?
>Cadence is trying to talk through her coughs and gags.
>"I-I’m...sorry everypony. I th-thought I’d be-oh sweet moth-"
>She is interrupted by her own dry heaves.
>"Twilight. Take her to her room."
>Celestia’s voice is stern.
>She has taken control of the situation.
>Lyra is quick to step in.
>"But, what about th-"
>"My little pony, I do not wish to subject you to this process unless all participants are able to focus 100%. Cadence is not in any shape at the moment to perform her part in this healing."
>Lyra hangs her head.
>You walk over and kneel on the ground before her.
>"Please, Anonymous-"
>Lyra speaks softly to you.
>"-let me have this. I...I want to be normal again."
"Lyra, trust me when I say I would want nothing more than for you to be whole as soon as possoble, but you shouldn’t rush this. Did you hear their explanation?"
>She nods.
"Then you know that this is a gamble."
>She nods again.
>You hear some hoofsteps getting closer.
>Turning, you see Celestia approaching.
>She has a sad look on her face.
>A look that is well worn into her features.
>"My dear little pony. You shouldn’t throw away the time you have left so quickly. Anonymous is right. You should cherish the time you have."
>Lyra is shaking and has started to sob.
>You wrap your arms around her, letting her rest her head against your shoulder.
>"I just...I want this to be over so much."
"I know, babe. I know."
>Celestia seems to pickup on the mood of things and backs away out of the throne room slowly.
>The two of you sit in the silence on the floor while you rub Lyra's back as she shivers in your grip.
>She's more than ready to take the plunge for this.
>You just want to make sure she's not making a mistake and forgetting something in case...things turn for the worse.
>With the throne room empty, you stay by Lyra's side, acting as her emotional rock to lean on, doing what you can to take the heartache away from the poor mare.
>------------------------------------
>Cadence is much heavier than you suspected, but it's nothing your magic can't handle.
>You are Twilight, and you are carrying Cadence back to her room to help her calm down from Lyra's appearance.
>"Oh gosh, I’m so embarrassed. I hope I didn’t hurt Lyra’s feelings."
>You round a corner down the hall towards your personal quarters and stop to enter a door to your left, it being the entrance to the guest room for VIP’s that stay in the castle.
>Another room was available on the opposite side, it being fr Celestia’s use should she decide to stay.
"I can’t speak for her, but considering the amount of ponies who’ve reacted the same, I’d like to believe the effect has worn off."
>You don’t really believe that, though.
>This was just for Cadence’s peace of mind.
>Truthfully, if ponies reacted that way to you, it would never wear off.
>It would continue to burn your heart every time a pony retched at your appearance.
>You open the door to her room and help her to the bathroom, setting her down gently in front of the toilet, lest she have any more sudden heaves.
>You find a rag in a nearby drawer and dampen it under the faucet.
>"I can’t thank you enough for this, Twilight. But it’s not like you haven’t done this for me a couple time already."
>You both chuckle at the remark as you recall a few instances where Cadence got a little courageous in her social drinking.
"I know you’d do the same for me, if I wasn’t so afraid of alcohol."
>"You should really loosen up one night, Twilight. You don’t have to get trashed to have a good time. Just get your girls over and throw a few back."
>You smile at the thought of having another sleepover with all of the girls again.
>Anxiety flares up suddenly as you realize you’ll have to reveal your relationship with Dash to the rest of your friends.
>In your heart, you know that they won’t judge you and will wish the two of you the best.
>But your mind likes to explore all possibilities, so the thought of being shunned creeps up.
>You shake your head and put those conflicts aside for now.
>This isn’t about you or your little relationship problems.
>You wring out the rag and gently wipe around Cadence’s muzzle, rinse it off, then set it aside for the custodial staff to take care of.
>Cadence smiles sheepishly to you, but you don’t respond immediately.
>Her eyes still have a red-ish tinge to them from her crying earlier.
>You remember your initial reaction back in the throne room.
>There was something about what Cadence started to say that didn’t seem right.
>Cadence, noticing your vacant stare, interrupts your train of thought.
>"Twilight? Is something wrong?"
>You jump slightly at the sudden sound of her voice.
"S-sorry. Just stuck in my own thoughts for the moment."
>You both make your way out of the bathroom once you are certain Cadence’s stomach has settled.
>Before you make it too far, you question her on your thoughts.
"Cadence...Was there, something wrong out there?"
>"Hm? Like what?"
"Well, it’s just something you started saying, and it seemed like you didn’t get to finish it."
>"I too find myself curious about your words earlier, Cadence."
>Celestia is suddenly in the room, scaring the daylights out of you.
>Were you that zoned out to not hear somepony entering the room?
>She nods towards you.
>"Sorry for not announcing my arrival, but time is of the essence."
>She turns her gaze back to Cadence.
>"So, what was it that you were going to say?"
>Cadence stutters a bit, trying to find an answer.
>"I-I don’t know wh-what you’re talking about."
>"Twilight?"
>Celestia’s gaze never left Cadence.
>And you knew that tone.
"When we were in the throne, right before you...threw up…you’d said ‘I don’t think’."
>"What were you going to say?"
>Wow.
>You’ve never seen Celestia on someone’s case like this.
>Well, except for Discord.
>Still, this is Cadence.
>She backs up slightly when she answers, eyes widening, then suddenly dropping her head down.
>"I-...I don’t think we can do it."
>Wait, what?
>"And why not? What did you see?"
>Celestia is practically in Cadence’s face at this point.
>What’s going on?
>"I saw...so much. There is so much, Celestia. So much between those two that I’m not sure I could recreate, let alone apply more of Anon’s love to Lyra. I dare say it easily rivals the bond between Shinning and I."
>Celestia finally steps back and turns around, clicking her tongue against her teeth, cursing under her breath.
>"On the whole of Harmony, this is proving to be a difficult situation."
"Wait wait wait."
>You are thoroughly confused and put your forehooves up in the air.
"I’m lost here. Are you saying that Anonymous and Lyra love each other more than Cadence and Shining? Because that’s ridiculous!"
>Celestia whips her head around to answer you, a pained expression on her face.
>"Twilight Sparkle! I’m disappointed in you!"
>You feel your heart skip and the blood drains from your face as your ears fold down.
>Those were the words of your nightmares.
>"It is most certainly NOT ridiculous, and you have no right to gauge the value of anypony’s love for one another! But that’s not what we’re saying here. Love’s intentions and use are what governs how much somepony loves another. But as a quantifiable resource of magic, it is true that any couple can posses more ‘love’ than the next."
>Cadence finally raises her head, chiming in.
>"And in this case, it’s more than I’ve ever seen. Just hearing Anonymous say her name projected such a strong and potent aura. It was unbelievable. But when they actually spoke to one another...I couldn’t handle it."
>Celestia lowers her head and sighs.
>"Truly, this is unfortunate. This mare has gone through the unspeakable and our every turn to help is met with a brick wall."
>The room is silent for a few seconds.
>"Twilight, do you have any thoughts?"
>To be honest, you haven’t been paying that much attention.
>Celestia is disappointed in you.
>She said it herself.
>Right in front of you.
>Why did you say that?
>It just came flying out of your mouth.
>Stupid, stupid, stupid, STUPID, STUPID, STU-
>"Twilight!"
>Your mind is suddenly brought back to the room, and Celestia has gotten within an inch of your face.
>You inhale deeply, unsure of what to say.
"I-mph"
>Celestia’s hoof covers your mouth.
>"Not. Now. Twilight. I don’t need you going off the deep end over a slip of the tongue. I need you here. Lyra needs you here."
>She slowly moves her hoof away from you.
>Your heart is hammering in your chest.
>Never before has Celestia been so forward with you.
>You believe you’ve just witnessed a side of Celestia that you’d always wondered about.
>The side of her that would command armies of ponies against invading nations.
>Her words are quick to bring you out of your stupor.
>You shake you head and start thinking over the evidence provided before you.
"S-sorry. I’m fine. Um, okay, so Cadence, you’re saying that you are unsure if you can even match Anon’s ‘love’ for Lyra, correct?"
>"Yes, that’s right."
"Which means that this whole operation could fail and Lyra would die."
>Celestia nods.
>"That is correct, Twilight, but it’s obvious., Why bring it up?"
"Well...because honestly, our chances haven’t changed in the least. This plan is a gamble to begin with, and it’s never been in our favor. What makes it any different now?"
>Cadence waves a hoof in your direction.
>"Wait, so you’re suggesting we still go through with it?"
"Yes, I am."
>Cadence looks a bit taken back by your answer.
>What’s wrong with it?
>"Twilight, you can’t be serious."
>You tilt your head sideways.
"Why not?"
>"Because we could very well be committing an act of murder!"
>Cadence quickly turns towards Celestia.
>"Princess, please! Surely you-"
>"I do. I completely understand, Cadence. However...Twilight has a valid point. The situation hasn’t changed. Even if Anon and Lyra had such a minescule amount of ‘love’ between them that you could have performed the spell while serving tea, the fact of the matter is that we do not understand what we are dealing with. Lyra’s unfortunate additions to her body are beyond the scope of anything our world has seen. We may already be sentencing her to her doom just by initiating the spell. However, if we can successfully rid her of these abominations, we can analyze them without risking the life of an innocent. We can then use that knowledge to aid any other unfortunates that have been touched by this menace, and possibly fight back."
>Cadence is struggling to pick her jaw up from the floor.
>"I….I am having a hard time believing that ANY of this is coming out of your mouth, Celestia!"
>Whoa!
>Celestia’s eyes have arched up, her ears on the alert.
>Cadence continues to berate Celestia right in front of you.
>"You mean to tell me that you would willingly sentence one of your subjects to DEATH on the hope that they MIGHT make a full recovery?! You are insane! You ar-"
>"SILENCE!"
>In all of your years, never would you have thought you would have heard Celestia’s Royal Canterlot voice.
>And now, she’s speaking it but four feet away from you.
>The air around you grows hot and thick rapidly.
>Celestia’s mane has darkened and is whipping around wildly.
>The lighting in the room itself seems to recede into near darkness, the only source being Celestia herself.
>Never before have you been as terrified as you are in this moment.
>"PRINCESS MI AMORE CADENZA, I WILL NOT HAVE YOU SPEAK TO ME SO BRAZENLY, QUESTIONING THE LOYALTY I HAVE FOR MY SUBJECTS."
>And like that, the room cools down, the lighting returns, and Celestia’s colors have sprung back to their cheerful hue.
>Cadence is struck with pure horror.
>You’re not far from it.
>That little face off against Tirek? Nothing compared to witnessing an angry Celestia.
>"Young filly, you have yet to earn the right to question my loyalty when you yourself have been ruling for not even a single decade. Know that I would perform unspeakable feats to save my subjects from whatever harm threatens their safety, banishing my own blood to the moon for a millennium as a prime example. I have complete faith in this plan. If you have an alternative I suggest that you present it as quickly as possible for my patience with you is running thin."
>You aren’t sure, but you think you just heard her voice waver a bit towards the end there.
>Celestia’s face is set hard and unforgiving, but there’s a hint of something else.
>Her eyes are shimmering in the light of the room with unreleased tears.
>Cadence sniffles again and starts to hiccup, not looking anywhere but at the floor.
>"It’s just...i-it’s just...s-s-so unfair!"
>She immediately falls to the floor, bawling her eyes out once again like earlier.
>Cadence has always been a crier.
>Celestia’s expression softens and a single tear rolls from her eye, dripping to the floor noiselessly.
>She makes her way over to the wallowing mare that is your sister-in-law and lies down beside her, draping one of her elegant wings across her and drawing her in close.
>You?
>You are completely stunned.
>Hooves locked to the ground.
>You start to go over the events that just unfolded before you.
>Did Cadence seriously just argue against Celestia?
>Yes.
>Did she REALLY call her insane?!
>Yes.
>Did Celestia totally freak you out by absorbing all of the light in the room and yelling in the Royal Canterlot voice?
>Fuck yes.
>Did you piss yourself?
>A quick glance and-
>No.
>How could Cadence do that, though?
>How could ANYPONY, for that matter, argue against Celestia?
>Your face must have been displaying your thoughts clearly as you happen to blink and glance to Celestia.
>She’s staring right at you, eyes filled with sadness.
>Your breathing is still a bit labored from the tension in the room.
>"Twilight, you can calm down now."
>Celestia’s voice was...distant.
>She sounds very reserved.
>You try to quell your overactive lungs, but have little success in doing so.
>You settle for plopping your rear on the ground and hanging your head.
>The soft sounds of a crying mare are all that fill the room.
>"I’m...sorry you had to see that, Twilight. Cadence and I have an...odd relationship. Not unlike one shared by a mother and her daughter."
>She strokes Cadence’s back with her wing, leaning down to nuzzle her affectionately.
>For a moment, but only a moment, you feel a twinge of jealousy.
>It was almost as if Celestia downplayed your own relationship.
>But truthfully, she hasn't.
>There was a time when you were younger and growing up at the castle where she'd practically been your surrogate mother and best friend...but things haven't been the same since you moved to Ponyville.
>Distance, new friendship and reuniting with your brother and family have changed your look on what you had with Celestia.
>A crutch.
>She was your mother you could love, your sister you could confide in, and your best friend you could play and grow with.
>But now that you have all of those again, Celestia is just...Celestia.
>And you finally ask yourself…
>'What did I get so worked up over just a few minutes ago?'
>Your short reverie is interrupted by her voice.
>"We grew very close, seeing as how we were the only alicorns in existence. But, she’s always had a rebellious side to her. A flare, like some teenage filly. So, please don’t blame her for what she’s said."
>For the first time since she has entered the room, Celestia smiled.
>She even chuckled a bit.
>"She’s had trouble growing out of it."
>Cadence makes an embarrassed moan among her sniffles and hiccups and again, the Sun Goddess nuzzles her.
>You have finally calmed down, your chest no longer feeling like a stampede of buffalo running through it.
>A teacup floats in front of you in a familiar golden glow.
>And you smile.
>You take it in your own magic, close your eyes and press the cup to your lips.
>The soothing liquid relieves any leftover tension you may have had and settles your mind.
>You let out a long heavy sigh.
>"Better?"
>You open your eyes and look to your former teacher.
"Better."
>You see a third cup encased in the golden glow of Celestia's magic prodding the side of Cadence's head.
>"Come now, dear. Drink your tea. You know it'll make you feel better."
>"Nuh-uh."
>Seriously?
>You've never seen Cadence act so-
>"Foalish. That's what you're being right now, Cadence. Twilight is sure to tell her friends about how foalish her sister-in-law, Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire, acts behind closed doors."
>There is a flurry of movement as Cadence gets to her hooves and raises her head up.
>Her eyes are bloodshot, mane in total disarray, eye shadow trailing down her cheeks.
>Huh.
>You thought only Rarity wore eye shadow.
>You're learning all kinds of stuff day.
>You smile inwardly at this little fact.
>"You wouldn't say that, would you?!"
>You straighten up at the sudden shift in focus on you.
"N-no! Of course not, Cadence! You know that anything that happens here stays between us."
>Cadence paws a hoof at the ground.
>"I'm sorry I got a little carried away there, Twilight. I'm usually not this...immature."
>She glances to you and smiles sheepishly.
>You return the smile.
"It's alright. We all make mistakes and have our quirks."
>"Thanks. And I don't know what it is, but there's just something about Celestia that brings it out of me."
>She holds a hoof up to her face and giggles.
>Celestia is not amused, but can't hold her poker face for long before she is grinning as well.
>The laughter becomes infectious and soon the three of you are laughing harder than ever.
>Cadence's laughs turn into coughs, the sign that everypony should calm down.
>There is a small pause before anypony speaks again, and the good mood seems to dissipate.
>It's back to business.
>"I'm sorry for my tantrum, Celestia."
>Cadence is first to take the stage.
>"But I just can't help it. I can't stand these odds."
>Celestia nods.
>"I wish there was more we could do. This is our best and only hope at the moment, and we don't have the time to find an alternative. Unfortunately...not all ponies can be saved."
>The weight of Celestia's last words finally sit on your shoulders.
>This will be it.
>This isn't just research, experiments and theories anymore.
>This may very well be the last time anypony would see Lyra alive.
>...
>You suddenly wish that you'd never came up with this plan.
>You wish that Celestia had an answer.
>The responsibility of this mare's life rests on your head now.
>You made this plan.
>It's the only plan.
>And if she doesn't make it…
>It's your fault.
>...
"...Celestia?"
>"Yes Twilight?"
>You slowly walk over to her side and lie down next to her, your head resting her shoulder.
"...How do you cope with losing a pony?"
>"Twili-"
"I mean, I never really knew her all that well, and we only really saw each other by happenstance...But still…If she doesn't make it…how do I live with myself?"
>Sure, you've had plenty of other ponies' lives in your hooves before.
>Hay, all of Equestria has been in your hooves before.
>But this...
>This was different.
>This time, there's no bad-guy to fight.
>No demon to vanquish.
>No hurdle to overcome.
>Just...a life to save.
>...
>"Twilight. Don't hold all of the stress on your shoulders alone."
"Why not? I'm the one who came up with the plan! This is MY plan!"
>"While true, you are not the only part of the plan. We are all just as nervous as you. If any of us waver in our concentration just the slightest, it could send the entire spell into shambles."
>Well THAT didn't make you feel any better.
>"But it won't come to that."
>You look up to your mentor.
>Her smile fills you with a sense of reassurance that you can't begin to fathom.
>"I believe in you, Twilight."
>"WE believe in you, Twilight."
>Cadence made sure to drive the point home as she rounds over to your other side and lies down next to you, putting one of her wings over your back.
>Celestia follows suit with her own wing.
>And the three of you just enjoy the company of one another.
>Something that hasn't happened in years.
"If...If Lyra's ready, then I'm ready."
>The alicorns by your sides nod in kind.
>You inhale through your nose and breathe out deeply.
>The small moment of peace is interrupted by a scroll materializing near Celestia and falling to the floor in front if her.
"What's Spike doing sending you letters?"
>Celestia lifts the scroll and unravels it before her.
>"It's not from Spike. It's from Luna."
"Luna? How did-"
>"I'd given her a few vials of Dragon Fire before she set off for the Everfree last night."
"Oh."
>Celestia is quietly reading the message to herself when it suddenly dawns on you.
"THE EVERFREE?!"
>Both mares jumped at your sudden exclamation.
"What in Tartarus is she doing in there?!"
>Celestia is rubbing an ear with her hoof.
>"Twilight, I would like to ask that you use your outside voice outside."
"S-sorry, but Celestia, why did you send your sister out there?"
>"After hearing what you've had to say about this horrible tragedy involving Lyra and the indescribable monstrosities you've mentioned from the forest that you believe are responsible, did you truly expect me to sit idly by?"
"Well, no, but I thought that-"
>"-I was putting my focus solely on the recovery of Ms. Heartstrings? Come now. You should know me better than that. I never have a single approach to any situation."
>Celestia stands and goes over the contents of the letter once more as she paces about the room.
>Cadence has already gotten up and is fixing more tea.
>You're curious about that letter.
>Leaning left and right, trying to get a better look at it.
>You've developed quite the skill for reading things from distances and angles.
>Professional reader and all.
>Unfortunately, you can't make it out because Luna has ridiculously small horn writing.
>Not knowing what the letter contains is killing you.
>You risk a direct approach.
"So...what did Luna have to say, if you don't mind me asking?"
>Celestia smiles and turns back to you.
>"Not at all. She simply stated that her forces were able to isolate the strange door from the rest of the forest with little resistance."
>Well, that was easy. But still.
"They MOVED it?!"
>"Not something so simple, no. My sister does enjoy a bit of theatrics in all of her work. They have it sealed off with a barrier."
>You continued to stare at her.
>A simple answer such as "a barrier" wasn't enough for you.
>What about power?
>Who's going to keep the barrier going?
>What if something attacks the barrier and actually breaks free?
>What's stopping anypony from tampering with the barrier and releasing it themselves?
>Celestia smirked.
>She knew you too well as you waited for the details.
>Oh, how you love details.
>"If it will put your mind at ease, I will explain briefly. They have set up a repulsion barrier not unlike your brothers, but smaller, easier to maintain and far more robust. It is being powered through specialized hollow-resonance crystals, courtesy of the Crystal Empire,-"
>A quick nod to Cadence.
>"-that are embedded in the ground around key ley line junctions. The crystals alone will be able to keep the barrier powered for nearly two centuries. I expect us to have a solution for this unwanted visitor by the end of the year."
"But what about tampering? Anypony with a bit of knowledge and luck could-"
>Celestia can't help but laugh at your constant questioning.
"...Fine. I get it, It's under control."
>"Please trust in my sister's work, Twilight."
"I do. It's just that...you weren't in there Celestia… It was horrible. I...I still see it sometimes when I close my eyes. Nopony should have to see the things behind that door. I just...want it gone."
>Celestia walks over and nuzzles your neck.
>"Do not stress yourself over the forest. It is in capable hooves."
>You return the gesture and pull back just in time for Cadence to float another cup of tea in front of you.
>You take hold of it in your magic and blow over the top of it, cooling it slightly for a first sip.
>Cadence finally sees her chance to jump into the conversation.
>"Well then. Not to change subjects, but we should run over our parts for the recovery again. I want to make sure Lyra is getting the best possible chance out of this procedure that she can.
>Celestia and yourself both nod in agreement.
>The rest of the visit in Cadence's room was spent going over each other's parts and responsibilities.
>And the occasional point of gossip.
>...
>Alright, it was mostly gossip.
>---------------------------------
>Anon is warm.
>It seems like he's the only thing that can warm you up anymore since the cold truth sat in..
>You are Lyra, and you have too much internal conflict to bear.
>The castle around you is quiet.
>Celestia and the other princesses have left the room a while ago.
>You don't know how long you've sat in Anon's embrace, but he's put up with you this entire time.
>You back away from him, keeping your head down.
>"Are you-"
"I'm fine."
>Anon reaches out and grabs your shoulder.
>"No, you're not."
"Well, gee, it shouldn't take feathering scientist to figure that out."
>You hear Anon huff from your snarky remark.
>"Look, I can't pretend to imagine what you're going through, but I want to help you."
"Then let me do this."
>"I can't. Not yet."
>You finally turn to face him, jerking your shoulder away from his grip.
"Why not?!"
>"Lyra, I haven't heard you mention your parents once during this whole ordeal."
"Maybe they're dead, then!"
>"They're not, though."
"How do you know?!"
>"Because you said 'maybe'!"
>Darnit.
>He caught that.
>Anon is really being a pest right now.
>Doesn't he see that you just want to take this plunge and get it over with?
>Doesn't he get it?
"W-well, maybe I just don't care to let them know!"
>"Lyra, this is huge! You have to let your family know! Through a letter or something!"
>He just keeps pushing it!
>"And what about your job! Shouldn't your co-workers know about your sudden disappearance?"
"There's no point! They'll hear about it eventually!"
>"What about that other mare? Octavia or whatever? Wouldn't you like to let her know how much you enjoyed her company?"
>You've had enough, backing away from him slightly.
"Why are you so worried about letting all of these people know that I'm going to die?"
>"It's called 'getting your assets in order', and it's because of the risk of this!"
"My assets are in order already! I made up with Bon Bon! That's all!"
>"That can't be it, Lyra! You are NOT that lonely of a mare! You're too nice to be!"
>You snap.
"What gives, Anonymous?! Why are you trying to keep me from doing this?! Whether I'm meant to live or not, why delay it any longer?!"
>Anon suddenly charges you, grabbing your shoulders harshly, his face twisted in rage and pain.
>"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BE CHEATED OUT OF A SINGLE SECOND WITH YOU!"
>...
>The room echoes with his words momentarily before you are smothered in silence once again.
>Anon has taken to looking at the floor as he eases up on his grip, never letting you go, though.
>"I...I'm being selfish here, b-but I don't want to lose any more time with you than I have to."
>His voice is small and broken.
>You've never heard him talk like this.
>You can feel his arms shaking through his hold on you, which now seems to be for his support more than to keep you from leaving.
>"You mean the world to me, Lyra. You're my reason for waking up in the morning. And if you go...why should I even get up?"
>Anonymous raises his head, placing it against a large cylinder portion of your own, staring into what is now your eye.
>He's so close.
>You want to kiss him.
>You would give anything to kiss the man kneeling in front of you right now.
>"I...I love you, Lyra."
>Tears fall.
>You are certain that if you were capable, your own would be joining his.
>You can hear your chest acting up, but it doesn't matter.
>Nothing in the world matters except for those four words.
>Your heart is racing.
>Anonymous has finally said it.
>He said he loves you!
>He said it back!
>No matter what happens, you can finally die a happy mare.
>You feel light and jittery.
"Oh...my goddesses, Anonymous."
>You bring your forehooves up slowly, robotically and shaking all over.
>You bring them to the sides of his head, bowing your own down slightly.
"You don't know how happy I am."
>You finish up with a few shudders and a hitch in your voice.
"I love you so much."
>Looking into Anon's eyes as he pours his emotions down his face, you notice a sliver of...gold flitting about them.
>It's like a small line of gold, dancing in Anon's eyes, making curves, loops, swimming around in fantastical ways.
>You feel a wave of comfort rise over you and crash against your body.
>You are totally at peace.
>The trance is broken shortly after when Anonymous closes his eyes and kisses you on the side of your lens.
>He releases his grip on you, sitting back on the floor comfortably.
>His eyes open, and the dancing gold is gone.
>But the feeling of comfort lingers.
>You are both content to simply stare at one another for some time.
>Neither of you are sure how long had passed when the loud, graceless yawn of Rainbow Dash breaks the atmosphere.
>"Oh! Uh, sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt anything."
>You can't answer her on account of her not having magic, but you nod to Anonymous.
>"It's alright, Dash. We were just leaving."
>"Oh. Well, have you seen Twilight around? I'm starving."
>Anon stands up with relative ease.
>You on the other hand, are still a little blown away by his admission earlier and you don't want to trust your legs.
>He notices and stands beside you, waiting until you're ready to move.
>"Why don't you just go to the cafeteria?"
>Rainbow does a little energetic look in the air.
>"Because then it wouldn't be a date!"
>She smiles with her tongue poking out between her teeth.
>You and Anonymous chuckle to one another.
>It's good to see Rainbow putting some effort into their relationship.
>You always took her to be a bit of a lazy good for nothing.
>"Last I saw Twilight, she was helping Cadence back to her room."
>"Hmmm. Got it. Thanks Anon!"
>Dash quickly darted out of the room, off to find Twilight no doubt.
>You look up to Anon, and he looks down.
>He smiles.
>You are too. On the inside at least.
>...
>...