//------------------------------// // It Could Have Been Me // Story: The Lyruminati // by Silly Words //------------------------------// It was a party like none other. Or it definitely felt that way for the cream-colored earth pony mare. It wasn't everyday six ponies avert the end of the world, five of them living in the same town you do, and, of course, Equestria was welcoming back a long-lost princess. Still, Bon-Bon has been up the day before, the night before, and through the party now. The vision of not ending like Berry Punch in a ditch, but safely in her bed, made her exchange goodbyes with the other still awake, or in some cases once again awake, ponies. At home, she paused at the sight of a unicorn lying, slumped, on the couch. The unicorn had forehooves over her snout and a frowned, faraway look in her eyes. It took Bon-bon a few seconds before she remembered her niece has paid her a visit- well, no. It was, as she put it, an extended stay. However, she saw that the pony was not asleep, and went to figure out what is wrong: “Good evening, Lyra.” “Mmpf.” “What's the matter? A Pinkie Pie party is too much for you Canterlotians to handle?” “S'not the party.” “Well then...” Bon-Bon paused, knowing that this was a potentially sensitive topic, “is it because of the fight you've had with your mother?” A movement of a yellow eye was the only reaction. “Kinda.” Inwardly, the earth pony mare cringed. She did know about Lyra's tendencies to let her imagination get the best of her, and also how her down-to-earth parents felt about it. She did, however, hold hope that the situation would never escalate that far. She made her way toward the couch and sat next to her niece. “Can you tell me more about it?” Lyra shifted a little, uncovering her muzzle, so she could talk better. “It wasn't really a fight. Mom wanted me to become more responsible, and told me to get out and fend for myself. So I did.” “But don't you still have school? I was sure you have a few more years to go in-” “They kicked me out.” Upon hearing Lyra's answer, her jaw fell. Did she really say it as if she was just reading the weather schedule? Well, no wonder Cream made her do what she did. But still, it is somewhat harsh... isn't it? “Did you even try to fix your grades?” “Nah, what's the point?” Again, Bon-Bon balked at her niece's tone. “They only grade how well we fit with the herd. But I'm a free mare! I have better things to do than recite Haylet by heart!” “You really shouldn't have given up on education. I'm not about to cover your every expense either.” “Oh, I know. I actually had this plan this for a long time. I was about to set up a musical instrument workshop. But I really wanted to leave Canterlot. Ponyville seemed like a good choice. It's quiet, there's not many ponies, so it'll be easier to spot any conspiring spies, and I have some family here...” And there it is. “Please, Lyra. you know those 'conspiracies' aren't real. You're only annoying everypony who tries to listen to you.” “Twilight found one, just now.” Bon-Bon blinked. “You mean...” The unicorn nodded. The way Lyra said it, Bon-Bon knew this was the core of her niece's gloom. She felt kind of angry about this being more important than family to the mare. Still, she knew fixing the big problem would take time, and pressing it would just alienate the unicorn to her as well. “Gracious, you're not jealous of Twilight Sparkle, are you? I heard you were friends from the first grade in the school for gifted unicorns.” “Acquaintances would be a better term... But that's not here or there. You see, the book that alerted her to Nightmare Moon belongs to me.” “Oh?” “Yeah. It was a tough deal, but I wanted it for my research.” Lyra paused, and followed with a sigh. ”Mom, of course, did not agree with my choice, and nearly threw it out. I managed to save it, and knowing that Twilight has a personal library, I asked her to look after it for the time being.” “As I set out for Ponyville, I hoped I could get it back. But I didn't even have the chance to say anything more than 'Hi.' I would have to return for it later.” Through the outburst, Lyra's body language became more and more animated. “Imagine how surprised I was when I saw Twilight in Ponyville not long after I got here myself! I hoped I could get a second chance, but no, she disappeared like in a flash and I did not see her again until Nightmare Moon made her appearance.” The ranting unicorn stood up, her body language full of expression. “And what do you know, she then manages to defeat the alicorn mare, rehabilitate her, find six powerful magical relics and whatever. Right under my nose! All because of my book! And I still haven't been given it back!” Feeling that the overflowing well of Lyra's frustration finally calmed, Bon-bon reached and hugged the other mare. Lyra easily accepted the hug. “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But, you know, you should not dwell on it. Things happen, good and bad, the best we can do about them is take a life lesson for any next times. Tomorrow, you can go get your book, and laugh about it too.” “Yeah. I guess I should be grateful it was her who did all those things in the end. She already was the Princess's protege. If I'd done what she did, I'd get way too much spotlight. I certainly wouldn't want the princess to have me in her sights too.” “And you have plans and ideals, like you told me. There's more to life than an old prophecy.” “Of course. You're right. This was just a lost princess. Who knows what else they might be hiding! Maybe they're hiding a whole empire somewhere! Thanks, auntie, I feel much better. Good night!” Lyra ended the hug, a slight smile replacing her frown, and trotted upstairs. Bonbon sighed quietly. “That's not what I meant.”