//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Days of Their Lives // by alexmagnet //------------------------------// --- A teardrop dripped onto the photo, splashing little droplets over the rest of the pictures. Lyra put her hoof to her face and felt warm tears streaming slowly trickling out of her eyes. She couldn’t remember when she had started crying. Perhaps it was simply nostalgia. But, Lyra knew in the back of her mind that wasn’t the case, even if she wouldn’t admit it to herself. Before she could think any more about it Bon-Bon quietly asked, “What’s the matter?” concern filled her voice. Lyra wiped the tears away and shook her head. "Nothing, I'm fine see?" she said smiling at Bon-Bon, hoping her face was convincing enough to keep the other mare at bay. "I was just thinking about when we met," she continued, “that’s all.” Doubtful, Bon-Bon raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" she asked. "I'm fine, really. I promise." Lyra said as she cleared the last of her tears. Averting her eyes from Bon-Bon’s piercing gaze, Lyra looked back at the photo album and tapped her hoof on one of the pictures. "Let's see what else is in here," she suggested, hoping to keep Bon-Bon’s mind distracted. "If you say so," replied Bon-Bon, still unconvinced but somewhat reassured. Light green light surrounded Lyra’s horn and the pages of the photo album as she began flipping through them, each page deepening her sadness and bringing back that feeling she knew wasn’t just nostalgia. But, she didn't want to worry Bon-Bon nor giver her cause for concern, so she did her best to hide her feelings under her smiling mask. "Oh look," said Bon-Bon suddenly, spotting something in the photo album. Lyra stopped moving the pages and looked down at the pictures again. "Do you remember the talent show?" Bon-Bon asked. She pointed at a picture of Lyra standing next to a white unicorn filly with a purple mane. Both of them on a stage, a trophy in her hooves and behind them a sign hung saying, "Ponyville Elementary Talent Show". Bon-Bon leaned over and looked at the picture. "This was only a couple months after we met" she said. Lyra laughed, forgetting her pain for a moment, "I remember you forcing me to enter,” she joked. “You told me that there was no way I could lose." Bon-Bon laughed with her, "Was I wrong?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Lyra looked back down at the picture, "No way I could lose,” she repeated too quietly for Bon-Bon to hear. --- A small mint green unicorn filly sat in the corner of a cramped waiting room, fidgeting around. Her restlessness keeping her from concentrating; tension clung to the air. Most of the other ponies had already gone ahead of her. The order had been chosen long before the actual talent show, it was just bad luck that Lyra was scheduled to go last. Besides herself only a blue unicorn filly wearing a magician's outfit remained in the quiet room that had once been filled with much noise. Lyra held her lyre close, hoping to gain some strength from it just by being near it. Judging by how tightly she held it though it seemed more likely that she was trying to squeeze confidence out of it like some kind of musical tap. The lyre she held now was the same one that she had played for Bon-Bon many months ago, back when they first met. She had come home that day practically bouncing through the door with excitement. After her mother heard the story of how she received her cutie mark she had immediately taken Lyra back to the music shop to purchase the lyre. She had told Lyra that “This kind of magic only comes around once in a lifetime, you’d be a fool to not see it.” While Lyra wasn’t entirely sure what her mother had meant by all that she was just glad that whatever her mother had said meant that she was finally getting her very own lyre. What’s more, she was getting the very same lyre she had used to unwittingly receive her cutie mark. Lyra spent the next couple of months practicing during all of her free time, usually with Bon-Bon right there with her. Whenever, that cream coated filly was with her Lyra felt like she could accomplish anything. She could feel herself improving constantly when she was with her. But, that wasn’t the only reason Lyra spent most of her time with that wonderful little pony. She also had certain feelings for her that she couldn’t really explain, not even to herself. All she knew was that when she was with Bon-Bon everything just felt… right. Like this was the way things were supposed to be. She hadn’t told her friend about these feelings yet, but she had this unexplainable feeling that made her sure Bon-Bon felt the same way, and that thought made Lyra happy. The roar of the crowd’s applause brought Lyra out of her self-induced trance. She could hear the audience applauding loudly for whatever pony had just performed. Whoever they were, they must have been good. Then Lyra heard the silver maned unicorn next to her get called on stage. "Ms. Moon… you're up." The unicorn glanced over at Lyra and gave her a nervous smile before tipping her star studded hat forward and donning a practiced smile. She left the room and Lyra was alone. "Good luck" said Lyra long after the other pony had left the room; it took her that long to say the words. She could barely even manage that much. Her throat was starved for moisture. The desert in her mouth was painful, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. As if on cue, Bon-Bon entered the room. "Bon-Bon? What are you doing here?" asked Lyra incredulously. "I came to wish you luck of course,” Bon-Bon replied, in a tone that suggested she was surprised Lyra had even asked. “What,” she said, “you thought I would just sit in the crowd? I'm going to be right behind you the whole time." Bon-Bon smiled warmly, she always had the most comforting smile. “And I mean that literally,” Lyra gave her a confused look, “I’ll be just off stage cheering you on. When you’re playing, if you start to get nervous or worried, just remember I'm right there next to you, just like always.” Bon-Bon leant forward to pat Lyra on the head. “But I'm sure you'll be fine,” she said as she ran a hoof through Lyra’s mane. “You play the lyre so beautifully. There’s no way you could lose." Bon-Bon held Lyra close, hoping to ease the nervous unicorn’s anxiety. Lyra felt herself calming down, being around Bon-Bon had that effect on her. She hugged Bon-Bon back and gave her the most confident smile she could muster. "Thanks,” she said, “I guess you're the one helping me now." Lyra gave a nervous little chuckle. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "Okay, I'm ready,” she said, more to herself than Bon-Bon. “Or, I guess I will be ready when they call my name.” She said with another nervous chuckle and an uneasy smile on her face. Bon-Bon pulled herself closer the unicorn and nuzzled her, speaking into that beautiful white striped mane. "I believe in you, good luck out there". She slid her hooves all the way around Lyra and embraced her warmly. Lyra smiled, her nervousness slowly receding, confidence growing in its place. She hugged Bon-Bon back, glad to have such a loving friend. From behind them a voice called into the room. "Ms. Heartstrings! You're on deck," said the voice. "Looks like I'm up," said Lyra. She inhaled deeply again. Stepping away from Bon-Bon she cracked her neck and shook her shoulders loose. With a determined look on her face, she said, "Let's do this thing" while punching her two fore hooves together. Bon-Bon laughed, "Go get 'em tiger" she said patting Lyra on the back. Lyra strode out of the room confidently. "Good luck… hero" she whispered as Lyra stepped out of the door. Lyra stood on the stage looking out over the sea of ponies, the confidence she had just so recently found was quickly dissolving. She gulped hard and walked to the center of the stage where a stool sat. She sat down, her hind legs dangling over the edge of the stool. She felt more comfortable playing like this, despite how awkward it was. She gripped her lyre tightly in her hooves. "MARES AND GENTLE COLTS!” came a voice booming through the auditorium. “Please, give a warm welcome to our final contestant, Miiiiiiiiiiisssssss Heartstrings!" Lyra sat on the stool shaking slightly, the loud voice had caught her off gaurd. All of the nervousness from before came rushing back into her. Butterflies flapped their way all around her stomach as she sat there. She felt herself growing dizzy. She thought she might pass out. She couldn’t take this. Then, she remembered what Bon-Bon had said, and she looked to her left. There, just offstage, standing behind the curtains was Bon-Bon. She waved at Lyra and gave her a big smile. Determination surged back into her, her fears washed away in a pink and blue torrent. With one last deep breath, she hefted her lyre and plucked the first string. Her thoughts turned to her friend, that amazing little filly Bon-Bon, and the music flowed out of her hooves and through the strings of the lyre. It was just as it had been at the music shop, her inner thoughts her being transposed into music from the lyre. The sound of it resounded throughout the theater, the audience seemed to awestruck that such a young filly could be so good. However, Lyra on occasion would lose focus and glance at the audience. Every time she looked up she saw the audience judging her and she felt her confidence ebbing away bit by bit. Several times she very nearly lost control, missing notes and almost dropping her lyre. But every time she did she would look back at Bon-Bon who maintained her warm smile throughout the entire performance, encouraging Lyra silently. After what felt like hours, Lyra finished playing and lowered her lyre. She dropped down from the stool and gave a quick bow, she felt sick as she bent over. She knew it, she screwed up. She could tell from the audience’s silence. Lyra hung her head in shame and began to walk away. Applause erupted from the audience, it was deafening. Overcome with emotion, Lyra didn't know what to do. She looked over to Bon-Bon. The earth pony was making bowing motions indicating to Lyra that she should keep bowing. Lyra quickly turned back to the crowd and bowed several more times until eventually the applause died down. Finally, once the last pony had stopped clapping, Lyra stepped offstage. She suddenly felt something hit her as Bon-Bon tackled her to the ground. The filly was hugging her as hard as her little hooves could manage, squeezing the very breath out of Lyra. "Bon… you… are… crush… ing …me" Lyra said through short gasps. Bon-Bon quickly let go of her death grip and helped Lyra get up. She lurched forward and hugged her again, unable to contain herself, though her hug was decidedly less bone-crushing this time. "I'm sorry,” she said, “it's just, I'm so happy. That was great!" Bon-Bon could hardly contain herself, and she kept praising Lyra, "You were wonderful! Everypony loved it! There is no way you could possibly lose!" “I'm not so sure,” Lyra said doubtfully, “I kept messing up all the time and I was so nervous. I'm just glad it’s finally over.” "But you enjoyed it didn't you?" asked Bon-Bon. "Yeah I guess. I mean, being in front of the crowd was pretty cool, even if I could barely breathe,” she laughed. Lyra joked about it now, but just minutes ago she really thought she might pass out. Bon-Bon nodded sagely, "That's the spirit. You just need to build up your confidence. C'mon," she said, patting Lyra on the back. "I think they're about to announce the winner soon". The two of them stepped away from the stage and went back to where all the other contestants were awaiting the judge's decision. All of them were huddled together listening intently to the announcer. "Now that we have reached the end of the talent show competition it is my absolute pleasure to announce this year’s winner.” He paused to take a breath. “Many competed, and we had some truly great performances, but only one can walk away the winner.” Another pause. “It appears the judges have come to a decision.” All the ponies in the room tensed up. This was it, the winner was about to be announced. “This year's talent show competition winner is..." the announcer paused for dramatic effect. Lyra could feel the anticipation in the air. It was like static crackling around her. She felt sick in her stomach again. The butterflies had returned and it seems they had brought friends. The announcer continued, "Drumroll please......” Drums rolled, building the tension more and more until finally the announced shouted, “…... MISS RARITY! For her fabulous display of fashion know-how. She wowed the judges with not only outfits designed by herself, but also an impressive visual display to accompany them. Everypony give it up for Miss Rarity!" Applause erupted from the audience, and near Lyra a white unicorn was bouncing up and down. She was squealing with excitement. Eventually an older mare came up to lead her back onstage. She stepped in front of the audience and dipped her head into a graceful bow. A gray unicorn came from offstage holding a large trophy in front of him with his magic. He walked across the stage and presented it to the filly. Lyra was crestfallen. She had worked so hard to get here and now she just stared off into space, her mouth slightly open. Bon-Bon tried to comfort her. She rubbed Lyra’s back as she hugged her and told her, "Don't worry about it. It was only a dumb talent show anyways. You still did great, and I know everypony loved you. I know I did." But her words fell on deaf ears. Lyra couldn't hear anything besides the roar of the crowd cheering for Rarity. It was soul crushing. She lost track of time standing there, her eyes staring vacantly off into the distance. After some time, probably at least a good six months or so, she felt something pushing against her. "-ra... -yra... Lyra!" Lyra snapped out of her trance and looked at the pony shaking her. Bon Bon was standing on her hind legs, her forelegs pushing Lyra's side. “Lyra, they're calling your name. They want you on stage.” “Wha-?” Lyra mumbled, confused. Bon Bon took her hooves off Lyra. “They want you to go back out there,” she said, glad that she had finally managed to get Lyra's attention. She pointed a hoof towards the stage, “You're the runner-up. Go out there and take a bow with Rarity.” She pushed Lyra again, forcing her towards the stage. Still confused by the whole situation, Lyra allowed herself to be led out of the waiting room by the earth pony. Bright lights flooded Lyra's vision as she was pushed back on stage. She squinted her eyes, trying to see past the bright lights to discern what exactly was going on. She saw a white unicorn standing next to a large trophy and next to her was a gray unicorn who was very slightly jerking his head towards the white unicorn while looking at Lyra. Lyra blinked several times, and then realized that the stallion was motioning for her to stand next to the white unicorn. Bon-Bon had said something about taking a bow… or something. She quickly cantered across the stage and took her place next to Rarity. Glancing over at her competitor, she saw the filly had an enormous smile on her face. She seemed to be so happy about winning. Lyra smiled a little to herself, at least one of them was happy. Then, the announcer called out again, “Everypony. Put your hooves together for Miss Heartstrings! She may not have won the contest, but she impressed the judges enough to be named the runner-up. Normally we don't do this and as such we unfortunately don't have a prize to give to her. So, instead your applause and admiration will just have to do! Put your hooves together for MISS HEARTSTRINGS!” The crowd's applause grew, now cheering for both unicorns. Lyra smiled, she could hear her name being called in the audience. She saw next to her that the other unicorn was now bowing. She quickly did the same. After several bows a photographer came in, he told them to stand next to the trophy and smile. The two fillies stood on either side of the large trophy, smiles on their faces. Flash. The camera snapped a picture and the photographer looked satisfied. He thanked them then left to go take more pictures. By now the applause had died down and the crowd had calmed. Both unicorns took one final bow. Rarity, helped by another unicorn, lifted the trophy and walked off stage. Lyra turned the other direction and began to walk away. Somehow coming in second place had only made her feel worse. It felt like having sand kicked in her face after she had already lost. Like the world was saying to her “Hey Lyra, I know you really wanted to win this whole talent show thing buuuuuuuut, you’re just not good enough. And, to make things worse, how about you come in second place so you can go up on stage and stand next to the real winner while she gets her picture taken.” Lyra was making herself more angry the more she thought about it, she didn’t understand why she was so upset but she felt like this talent show was more than just winning. She wanted to prove to everyone that she was a good, no great, lyre player. She wanted everyone to understand, especially Bon-Bon. She just wanted to be alone. Her head hung low, Lyra made her way towards the emergency exit at the rear of the auditorium. She stepped outside. It was cold. She shivered, but didn't stop. As the door slowly closed behind her, a hoof reached out to stop it. The door swung open, a cream colored earth pony stood in the doorway. Lyra, her head to the ground saw the light from the opening grow. She turned to see the culprit. One hoof placed on the door holding it open, Bon-Bon stood with a worried look on her face. "Where do you think you're going?" she asked. Lyra just turned her head away, "Go away, I don't want to talk to you,” she growled, slightly meaner than she had meant to sound. The earth pony closed the gap between herself and the unicorn. The door closed behind her. "You don't want to talk to me?" Lyra shook her head. Bon-Bon stepped closer. She put a hoof around Lyra’s shoulder. Lyra pushed her away, stepping further from the other pony. "Just leave me alone," she said, a pained expression on her face. "I'm sure there's some other more talented ponies you could go talk to," Lyra said, wiping away tears forming in her eyes. Bon-Bon moved forward, getting closer to the green unicorn. "I don’t want to talk to more talented ponies,” she said, “I want to talk to you.” Bon-Bon took another step forward. “Are you upset because you didn’t win?” she asked. Lyra sat on her haunches, her hooves to her face. "I'm such a failure," she sobbed, tears flowing like a running like a stream down her face, soaking her fur. Despite herself, Bon Bon chuckled a bit at this. "You're getting this worked up over a dumb talent show?” she looked at Lyra questioningly. “I thought you were better than this.” Bon-Bon put a hoof under the green unicorn’s chin, lifting her head so she could look her in the eye. "You are silly filly," she giggled. "But, but," Lyra began to reply, wiping away more tears. “I wanted to win this for you, to prove to you and to everyone else that I’m a great musician," she said crying softly. “I couldn’t even do that.” "I already know that you’re great," the pink maned pony retorted. “Haven’t I told you that a million times?” Lyra stopped crying and looked at Bon-Bon. “You think you have to prove yourself to these people?” Bon-Bon shook her head. “The only pony you need to prove anything to is yourself,” she said. “Do you think that you’re great?” she asked. Lyra nodded quietly. "Then what is there to be sad about? So what you didn't win, who cares? All that matters is that you enjoy what you do". Bon-Bon laid a comforting hoof on Lyra's head, patting her gently. "For what it's worth, you're still a winner to me". The earth pony smiled, wiping a tear from the unicorn's cheek. Lyra smiled back. Rubbing the tears from her eyes, she smiled again and said, "Thanks, Bon-Bon. I don't know how I’d live without you." "Well you certainly wouldn't get very far," the earth pony replied, laughing. Lyra joined her and the two shared a long laugh. Bon-Bon hugged Lyra again, pulling her close. Suddenly, Lyra found herself very much wanting to stay in that position, despite the sub-arctic temperatures. After not nearly enough time Bon-Bon broke the embrace and offered a hoof to her companion. "Well come on," she said, pulling Lyra up. "We'd better get back inside. This cold is really getting to me." The two turned back to the door, smiles on their faces. The door swung open and the warmth from the building rushed out to greet them. The two ponies stepped back inside, leaving both the cold and the bitterness behind them.