//------------------------------// // 6 Lyra doesn't understand fate. |July 12. 2022| // Story: My lying pages. (Anthology Speed-writing!) // by PacifistDoodl3r //------------------------------// Ten months had passed since she moved out of Ponyville. It was an impulsive decision that came with immediate regret soon after. Just like that, in less than three minutes her bag was packed and she was ready to move away. But where to? She had no idea. It was as if something in her mind switched on, egging her to leave everything behind. Lyra Heartstrings, the pony that disappeared into the woodland and never to be seen again. That would make a pretty interesting headline in the newspaper but she didn't think about such things. Her mind was on how lonely it is now. Just… being in the middle of the woods, with nothing but the birdies and frogs making a sound. It was truly awful. Then again, she put herself in this strange predicament. Like, really? Who else up and leaves without saying a word to anypony? I guess many had done this before but now that she committed to running away, it just slowly dawned on her. Poor Lyra, was this written in the book of friendship? I mean– is there a page that explains what to do when someone leaves without warning? She sure hoped so. It's a terrible business, not having anyone knowing what happened to you. Maybe they'll think you're running errands? Or perhaps they won't even bat an eye from your inexplicable ghosting. Lyra was now pondering if she had done the right thing. Obviously, leaving your friends behind without telling them is pretty awful. However, a part of her felt justified. Somewhere, deep down, this is what she wanted. Clearly, Lyra wasn't the first pony to take a break from her mundane life by heading within the Everfree wood. The bones and remains of many creatures remind her of that. This change of scenery felt jarring; in a sense of… there's nothing to really look at. Yes, there are huge mushrooms, trees, and a ground covered by plants but nothing is here to entertain her. Back at the village, there is a local pub, a flower shop, a hair salon, and Sugarcube Corner. Has fate decided to bring Lyra here for a reason? Maybe, be it the princesses or destiny itself, she was meant to leave Ponyville and take a trip within the vast gift of nature. It already opened her eyes to the experience of being alone after so long. Speaking of which… How long has it been? A day? No, it was at least four. She lost track. It would be quite embarrassing if somepony saw how messy and entangled her mane has gotten since then. Her looks were the least of her worries right now. Lyra was aware of the many things that considered her a snack. And there were quite a bit of things indeed. She caught a glimpse of something sprint from the corner of her eye, prompting a frantic head turn to spot it. Apparently it was too fast? And she's usually one to easily point out whether or not she's being watched. But this sixth sense wasn't working. It's almost as if a creature as small as a mouse had her in its sights. Lyra backed up against a tree because of this, with her heartbeat punching her chest by the second. Oh, how she wishes fate told her to stay home. The sky was dark purple, with a very dim moon amongst the horizon. Her magical aura was about to give out, using it as a torch for this long was mentally ruining her. It was her go to spell seeing as Lyra's mind melted, rendering her memory of everything else obsolete. What mattered now was survival, a primal mindset to have but one that pecked at her frequently. It was truly frightening, seeing double. That wasn't the only thing her mind played tricks with. Sometimes, she saw what appeared to be ghost ponies gazing from a distance. Or when she's walking, a second pair of hoofsteps every now and then. This has gotten to the point where her mind reflects on all the weird stuff going on, that the current moment escapes her. Like right now. Lyra exited her current situation by imagining her past encounters within the Everfree forest. With her back stretching against the huge tree, a breath or two per second, wondering what that growling noise is… she closes her eyes and everything fades to white. “Lyra? You haven't touched your daisy sandwich? Come on, it's not poisoned. Although, I'm wishing it due to your lack of respect right now.” The familiar voice inquired, as the mare poked at Lyra with her hoof. “Bon Bon, I missed your cooking and meals but I'm just not that hungry.” Lyra responds, giving her a weak smile. “Not hungry? I bet it's because of all those sweets you get from Sugarcube corner. You seem real comfortable at that place.” Bon Bon spits, giving her a serious stare. “Are you accusing me of something? Bae? It's just free sweets because I'm… friends… with a kind pony there.” “Of course I'm not accusing you of anything! I'm just worried about… uuhmm… how concerning it is to eat so much sweets.” Her eye twitched, about to implode any second. “I'm careful, sweetie, I take a fine amount of candy and sweet rolls every time I visit.” “VISIT? Oh, yeah? Alright, I got you. Loud and clear.” Bon Bon’s voice was sharp and felt like cold ash amongst a sea of ice to Lyra. “Bonnabel? Are you alright?” Lyra cautiously asked, backing away in her chair. “The pink pony… Pinkie? That's her name? I'll pay her a visit. She seems… nice.” Bon Bon looks up at Lyra, and slowly leaves her chair. Walking off. The search party lasted five days, involving pegasi and led by Pinkie Pie herself. Within the deep forest of The Everfree, no sign of Lyra was reported back. Nothing of course, save for the few remains left behind by whatever eats anything but the bones of those who wander alone.