Deeper Than Friendship

by JustaninnocentPony


Flashback

A/N: This whole chapter is meant to be a flashback to explain why Twilight thinks the way she does in Chapter 4. The sentences in all bold are thoughts Twilight has. Enjoy!

Chapter 5
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It was a nice day out in Canterlot, The capital of Equestria. The sun had risen and everypony was busy with their own agenda as many of them walked down the street with heads high, eyes closed, suits on, not caring to look to anypony else as they passed on by. They were looking as snobbish as ever.

Twilight Sparkle was sitting outside of a very fancy restaurant named “l'amour de la nourriture”. Twilight didn’t know what it meant in English, but it sure did sound high class and professional. Then again, didn’t French make anything sound that way? She made a note to look it up later in one of her books.

The restaurant resided in the less expensive district of Canterlot. As much as the purple mare would love to, she couldn’t afford to eat in a restaurant that charged over 20 bits for a small and unfilling appetizer.

A waiter dressed in a black suit with a white color came up to her what she would like to order. The question caught Twilight off guard since she hadn’t even looked at the menu yet. She turned her attention to the silky menu, everything spelt out in big, italic, letters.

“So many choices… I think I’ll, no… maybe I’ll, no, not that either” Twilight went on trying to decide as she pondered her options.

“Madam?” The waiter asked impatiently.

“Oh, um, I’ll take the Italian Salad please.” Twilight said not knowing if she really wanted it, but she also didn’t want to trouble the waiter any further

“It’ll be her soon Madam” The waiter responded as he trotted away from the purple mare.

“Lyra should be here by now” Twilight said aloud angrily. Her best friend was supposed to meet her here over 30 minutes ago. Lyra had been late to all of their usual gatherings recently. Their nights out, their study sessions; She even skipped out on their spa date! Twilight rarely agreed to do something like the spa when she could spend her time doing more important things like studying. But this time she had reluctantly agreed to meet the green mare there, where she had shown Twilight up.

Twilight groaned in frustration as she scanned around her whole area; there were plenty of savvy business ponies trotting around as if they owned Equestria, but no Lyra. Twilight dropped her head onto the table, allowing her mane to partially droop over her eyes. She perked up at the sound of cluttering glass on the table.

“Your food, madam” It was the same snooty waiter as before. He had dropped the food on her table and walked away, obviously not caring about the delivery.
Twilight looked down to the salad, it sure did look delicious. It was covered in a thin layer of Italian dressing and cheese with little croissants touching the edges of the plate. Twilight’s stomach growled and she decided she couldn’t wait for Lyra anymore as she began to eat.

Clop Clop Clop

Twilight looked up from her plate to see a certain green mare galloping towards her. Lyra had sweat beading down her brow and her fur was in truffles.

“Well it certainly took you long enough, didn’t it” Twilight spat bitterly

“I-I’m so sorry Twilight, I was with my colt friend again and-” Lyra tried to say out of breath. Twilight sighed frustrated and stared at her unfinished food.

“Just sit down”

“O-okay” Lyra nervously replied as she took a seat infront of her friend. The two sat in awkward silence for awhile, Twilight not even touching her meal. The first few times she was alright with it, infact she was a bit happy for Lyra too. Lyra had gotten herself a wonderful stallion that she had fallen in love with recently. But after awhile of her blowing Twilight off again and again the magical pony have enough of it.

“You need to stop doing this Lyra. I’m happy for you and all but…what about us?” Twilight asked with worry in her voice. She never wanted to loose her best friend, not after all they’ve been through and done together.

“I’m sorry Twilight I just lost track of time an-”

“You’ve seem to be doing that a lot lately.” A frown came upon Lyra’s face as she hung her head in shame. Twilight was right, though she was in love she still had to remember about her friends and keep her promises.

“I’m so sorry Twilight, I’ll try my best to make it to our next get together…whenever that is” Lyra was earnest but Twilight was still upset with the green unicorn.

“You don’t even know? Lyra, I’ve told you about it a thousand times” Twilight said crossly. Lyra stared blankly into her friend’s furious eyes as she tried to pull back in her mind what was so important.

“Really? Lyra it’s my bir-” Before Twilight could finish a colt marched up to their table. He was tall and muscular; he had a black and blue coat with a lovely black mane and deep blue eyes that could pierce into your soul. His horn was the same color as his mane stretching above his head. Though Twilight wasn’t personally connected with him; she had to admit, he was a good looker.

At the site of the unicorn Lyra instantly forgot about her friend sitting next to her and screamed in glee.

“Raven Night!” she squealed with excitement as she hugged the colt tightly.

“Hi Lyra” His voice was soft and caressing; like it could soothe even the most afraid foal or filly. Twilight sighed and rested her head on her hoof.

I guess this ‘get together’ is ruined now too

“What are you doing here?” Lyra asked curiously

“Yea, what are you doing here?” Twilight muttered. Lyra turned around and shot a look at Twilight that said ‘Be Nice’ before turning her attention back to the black colt.

“I forgot I was going to give you this earlier” He said as he pulled a gold necklace from his pouch. Lyra screamed out of joy as she took in the beautiful item being handed to her.

“Oh! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!” she kept rapidly repeating. Twilight wasn’t surprised; Raven was the son of a rich business colt after all. Lyra placed the jewelry upon her neck as she sat down again.

“Would you like to join us?” Lyra begged more than asked.

Please say no, please say no, please say-

“Sure, wouldn’t mind if I do” He said elegantly as he took a seat beside the green mare. Twilight shook her head in frustration as she only pushed her plate of food away and trotted off.

“Wait Twil-”Lyra tried to call after her friend but couldn’t. Her ears drooped down as she dropped her head.

***

Twilight stormed around her library in fury as Spike stood idle, leaning on and off the balls of his feet.

“I can’t believe her! She doesn’t even remember my birthday is coming up in a week! It’s one thing for her to be forgetful but to be to totally oblivious?” Twilight Roared. It had been like this every day. She’d set up a plan for Lyra and her to do something the green unicorn would enjoy, she’d show up, and Lyra would either not show at all or be so late they didn’t have enough time.

“Common Twi, she’s in love. I’m sure she’ll come around soon if you give her a chance.” Spike said kindly, trying to ease his friend’s frustration.

“Oh she’s had plenty of chances Spike! She does this every day! I don’t even get any time with her anymore!” Twilight continued to rant. Spike winced in fear that he was about to get launched through the window with a magic spell. He held out his claws and gently tried to persuade the purple mare.

“Look Twi, just talk to Raven Night and ask him to back off a bit. I’m sure he’ll agree.” Spike suggested. Twilight stopped pacing around to think for a moment.

“Not a bad idea Spike…”

***

Twilight was sure this could work. She would go to Raven, ask for a little more time with Lyra, and everypony would be happy. Twilight marched down the street in Canterlot in search of Raven Night. She knew from Lyra that when the black colt wasn’t with her he usually resided in his house. It wasn’t going to be hard to find it again; Lyra had practically dragged her there for a visit once.

Twilight eventually came upon the large white house. It was massive and had everything a rich pony would want. Classic art, fountain out in front, smooth stone walls, a balcony. Twilight could go on and on about it as she walked up to the door of the fine establishment. She lightly tapped on the large door with her hoof as she waited outside.

No response

Another knock, this time a little louder

Nothing

Twilight feared he might not be home as she trotted to the window and peered inside. Oh Celestia it was amazing. Everything was so clean and pristine; there was a shinning marble floor and priceless statues and works of arts and books. Oh, how she would love to take a look at one of the books Raven had. As she was admiring the inside of the elegant house she noticed an unfamiliar pony walking into the main room. She was a normal sized Pegasus with a luxurious brown coat and eyes, her mane however was a lovely black that cascaded down her face and touched the tip of her back.

Wow… she’s beautiful… What’s she doing in there?

As Twilight was lost in the beauty of the magnificent mare another figure appeared beside the Pegasus. A rather familiar black and blue coated one. Twilight was confused; what was Raven doing alone with such an amazing mare? Could it be…?

Twilight furiously shook her head in disbelief. Raven would never cheat on Lyra. As she looked up again into the house the two were gone, walking upstairs. Twilight backed up and looked for some way to get onto the balcony of the house. She had no wings, so it was going to be a challenge. She managed to use her magic to stack a way for her to climb up. As she stammered onto the balcony of the huge house she looked into the 2nd floor through the classy glass door. There was a curtain draped behind it but a small crack was left open which the purple mare took advantage of.

Raven was in there…with the Pegasus she had seen earlier. He was… getting into bed with her? Twilight stepped back in shock. Raven had been two timing her best friend after all! She continued to back up until she fell over the balcony and made a harsh contact with the concrete path below. As she struggled to get up on her hooves she could hear the glass door opening slowly. She had to escape before somepony found out she was there!

Twilight looked all around, searching for some suitable exit before her time ran out. She couldn’t find anything so she made do by hiding behind the fountain out front. A Blue and Black stallion came out and peered over the edge. There was nothing in sight; he could’ve sworn he heard a feminine scream just now. He took one last look around and brushed it off as he trotted back inside. The glass door slowly slid close with a barely audible *click*.

Twilight emerged from her hiding area, breathing heavily. She had to let Lyra know about this! The purple unicorn began to gallop away from the estate, in pursuit of her friend.

***

“You’re telling me, that Raven Night is cheating on me” Lyra’s reaction was a mixture of disbelief, offence, and laughter. Twilight had come to the local park where Lyra usually stayed before going home. It was obvious her friend hadn’t believed her at all but she had to tell her.

“Yes Lyra, I was going to his house to talk to him and I saw him with a lovely Pegasus in there with him.” Twilight said truthfully.

“Why were you going to talk to him in the first place?” Lyra said, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. Twilight instantly shook her head

“No no no no! I was going there to ask him about…backing off and giving you and I some time together” Twilight nervously finished as she winced. Lyra’s look changed from one of suspicion to one of outrage.

“I see what this is about…You’re trying to break him and me apart so you can have me all to yourself!” Lyra accused hotly. Twilight shook her head again and placed a hoof on the green pony’s soldier.

“Please Lyra, you have to believe me. He’s playing you.” Twilight begged. Lyra felt like she couldn’t even look her friend in the eye anymore. Here she was, accusing a perfect pony like Raven Night of cheating on her!
“Twilight I will not sit here and listen to you accuse my coltfriend of something as horrible as that!” Lyra spat viciously. She turned around and galloped off.

“Lyra wait!” Twilight screamed as she ran after her. She tackled the green mare to the ground and held her there. Lyra squirmed around and shot dagger eyes at her friend.

“Look Lyra, I can prove he’s cheating on you” Twilight reasoned gently. Lyra stopped squirming and pondered for a moment. Though the accusation was ridiculous, Twilight was her best friend.

“Fine, how?” Lyra asked impatiently.

“Follow me” Twilight got up and started galloping off towards Raven’s house, Lyra following suit.

***

The two mares eventually arrived back at the estate. It was as silent as Twilight had left it. The lights in the main room were off now though as the ones in the bedroom upstairs shined. Twilight carefully walked up the makeshift stairs she made before and gesture for Lyra to follow. Lyra reluctantly obeyed and was shortly up on the balcony with the Purple mare.

Twilight led her to the big glass door, the curtains still closed with a slight crack open.

“Look in there” Twilight pointed her hoof to the crack and Lyra looked through it into the bedroom. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing; there was the love of her life… snuggled up next to some tramp Pegasus as if it were an every night occurrence. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked away, not being able to bear anymore. Twilight saw this and tried to comfort her friend. Who just rejected it.

“I’m so sorry you had to find out like this Lyra” Twilight said in a gentle voice. Lyra just shook her head as tears flowed freely out. This couldn’t be happening, not…not…not Raven…

Lyra didn’t hold back her sobs anymore; the sound of them filling the sky as she ran away. She needed to be someplace else right now; somewhere she could fix her broken heart.

“Lyra wait!” Twilight screamed out not caring if the 2 ponies inside could here her or not. But Twilight couldn’t catch her friend this time; she was already too far away. But the mare now faced a bigger problem. She heard trotting behind her and the slow opening of the sliding door. A shock went up her spine causing her to run, luckily the darkness hid her color and figure before anypony saw her.

Raven Night came to the balcony; he heard Lyra’s voice just now…she was…crying. Raven felt his heart come up in his throat. Did Lyra know his secret? He shook himself out and dismissed it. What did it matter to him anyways? Lyra was but one of the many mares he busied himself with on a day to day basis. Having all the money and prowess he did it was fun to be a Mare’s Colt. He walked back in to join his gorgeous Pegasus.

***

The next morning Twilight Sparkle was still searching for her friend. She had checked every corner of Canterlot but found nothing everywhere she went. She had tried Lyra’s house, but it was dark and nopony was there. Had…Lyra left to someplace else?

Twilight drooped her head and let a tear slide down her cheek. No…she couldn’t loose her best friend. Not like this. But she already had. Lyra was no where to be found. Twilight didn’t know a relationship could end this horribly. The pain of seeing her friend like that and the possibility that she might loose Lyra broke her heart.

Twilight walked with her head low the rest of the way home to her library. She entered slowly, closed the door slowly, and walked up to her room. She plopped on the bed and let tears slide out her eyes and stain her pillow.

Spike shortly came in, bearing a stack of books.

“Hey Twilight, I found so-” Spike looked to the purple mare who did not hide fact that she was crying. Her eyes were wet and so was the pillow and sheets below her. Spike dropped the books and his smile was replaced by a concerned frown. He walked over and laid his claw on her shoulder lightly

“What’s wrong Twi?” He asked worriedly. Twilight shook her head as to signal that she didn’t want to talk of it. Spike frowned and petted her mane lightly, wearing a look of deep worry.

“I hate it when you’re like this Twi… It’ll be alright though.” Spike spoke soothingly. Twilight let more tears fall as she shakily rose up.

“Spike…”

“Hmmm?”

“From this day forth I vow I will not let a relationship hurt or ruin a friend of mine…even if I have to intervene before it’s too late.” Twilight said determined. Spike knew it was a bad idea but he didn’t protest. He knew not to when Twilight spoke in this tone of voice. Twilight got off of her bed and looked out her window, tears still forming in her eyes.

“Hey, at least we still have the Summer’s Sun Celebration next week in Ponyville.” Spike tried to change the subject. A smiled appeared on the purple mare’s face as she wiped a tear from her eye.

“Yes, yes we do…”

END