> Lyra Gets Lost!
>  by XangelMusic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: It's a Portal!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Heya, Princess!”

Twilight Sparkle looks up from her book and notices an upbeat cyan unicorn waving her hoof fervently at the lavender alicorn. Twilight was catching up on her daily reading on the recent books sent by Princess Celestia, so it wasn’t unusual for Twilight to be seen lying down in the middle of the throne room with numerous books scattered around her. Twilight has yet to be accustomed to the new castle but feels comfortable when surrounded by the several thrones each designated to one of her friends.

“You know you don’t need to call me that, Lyra,” Twilight contested.

“I know but it does have a ring to it, don’t you think?” Ever since Twilight became an alicorn princess, Lyra made it a customary ritual to call Twilight ‘Princess’ every time they meet even though Twilight doesn’t want any of her friends to call her that. Lyra Heartstrings is indeed a friend, from Canterlot no less, although she is a little high-strung, enough for Twilight to describe her as weird. Not ‘Pinkie Pie’ weird but exhaustingly bothersome, Twilight thought, especially when it concerns a certain subject.

“Yes, you tell me that every time, but I’m not comfortable being called that by a friend. Just call me Twilight, please?”

“Alright Twilight,” complied Lyra, nearing towards Twilight. “Have you found anything more on what I’m looking for?”

Twilight heaves a heavy sigh whilst already commencing to organise the chaos that has bombarded the room. “Lyra, there is no such thing as humans,” Twilight sneered at her own remark.

“Of course there is! How else can you explain our technology when they seem more suited for human hands than with hooves? It would’ve made things a whole lot easier, don’t you think?”

“I’ll admit your theory does seem plausible but ponies have managed to be able to use them. Also there’s never been any record that humans ever existed, and I haven’t found any slight bit of evidence that they do.” Of course for Twilight those last two claims were more or less half-true since she has been to the human world several times before with the Crystal Mirror. Although as far as Twilight’s concerned there really is no such thing as a bipedal creature with hands and fingers, not in Equestria anyways. The human world can’t be evident enough for their existence either; it was an alternate dimension after all. From what Twilight has gathered, there are other dimensions containing various other versions of Twilight and her friends, or every citizen in Equestria for that matter. Try explaining that to Lyra; Twilight would never hear the end of Lyra’s pestering. Not like that’s anything new, Twilight thought.

Lyra regularly visited the new castle ever since it appeared in Ponyville after Tirek’s defeat but even before then she was a regular patron of the Golden Oak Library – which got destroyed by Tirek – and constantly pestered Twilight to help Lyra with her research project of which Twilight always dreaded and hoping Lyra’s obsession would soon pass. Unfortunately that dream has yet to come, or would never come. It was ridiculous how she can be so invested in a myth, an issue of which everypony in Ponyville can’t seem to put up with. On that note, Twilight cannot fathom the prospect of Lyra ever finding out about the human world, or even dare think about the dire consequences. But in saying that Twilight wasn’t going to turn down Lyra’s request.

“Go help yourself to the library. I haven’t come across anything new since I’m still trying to replace the destroyed books from the old library after all. Other than that, there’s not much to say.” Most of the scattered books have already been neatly piled and structure making the throne room somewhat presentable. “I’m just going to tidy up a bit here and a few other things then I’ll be right with you.”

“Alrighty then. Don’t keep me waiting too long,” Lyra said cheerfully, while heading off to the library with a bounce in her step.

As the library doors close behind her, Lyra once again admires its astonishing crystalline architecture – well, the rest of the castle is crystalline, with the rooms made out of crystal, and the castle is probably carved out of a crystal itself, which makes you wonder whether the Crystal Empire is also made of the same crystal – but anyways it’s still pretty amazing in Lyra’s eyes. The library in the new castle is much bigger than the one at Golden Oak, somewhat of a silver lining for both Twilight and Lyra. The walls are stacked with books, and its bookshelves are nicely sculptured for performing their rightful task. The library was a bit disorganised though from the many straggling books across the floor and several tables.

“I know I’m close to finding actual evidence of human existence. I can feel it!” Lyra declared to herself, albeit in vain. The only traces of humans Lyra has found so far have been in either fantasy or mythological literature, which usually begets a grunt or sigh from Lyra. She peruses the entire room including the mirror situated in the middle of–
“Wait a minute. I never saw this before.” Lyra stares at the strange contraption adorning the mirror, constructed of wood, gizmos, and other sciency stuff including Tesla coils – Why are they named Tesla coils anyway? Lyra asked herself, needlessly irrelevant to the situation – and a box with a gauge and two pistons inside of it. Most notably it also includes what seems to be a pedestal for – something – high above the mirror at the very top. She studies the machine intensely for a good few minutes unable to make out what the thing is for. “Did Twilight make this?”

Lyra slowly pries her eyes away from the mirror except her curiosity gets the better of her as she looks back at the mirror a couple more times. She finally returns to the bookshelves commencing her futile attempt to find any research material since that mirror contraption still lingers in the back of her mind. Lyra gets annoyed and growls at herself. That’s what you get for being easily distracted, she thought.

Lyra jumps up immediately to the sound of vibration. She quickly scans the room to investigate the source and soon directs her eyes to the central table which contains a glowing, vibrating brown book on top of it. She comes closer to it and could see a fiery red-and-gold sun featured on the cover. It rumbles in place and gleams a pinkish aura. This is very most strange to Lyra as her eyebrow is raised glaring at the peculiar object. Much like she did with that strange invention–

A light bulb flashes above Lyra’s head along with a loud ding ringing inside it. Because Lyra just had an idea, an idea so dastardly clever that she wonders if she’s a natural genius as a snarky grin creeps upon her face. It’s more of a curious guess than an idea though as she remembers the pedestal high above.

Lyra levitates the book still vibrating in her grasp as she brings it over to the mirror and positions herself in front of it. She raises the book high above and fixes the book in place on the pedestal. The machine springs to life causing Lyra to jump. That feeling of surprise soon turns to astonishment as she becomes transfixed with the awesome display before her.

Magic surges from the book and conducts two coils from each side of the pedestal. It transverses its way down towards a large tank on one side and lights up the gauge box starting up the pistons up and down in a constant rhythm on the other, which allows a stream of magic flowing down several rollers. Soon the magic travels upwards upon its two larger coils producing a large massive spark that shoots itself into the mirror which then causes a blinding flash of light. Lyra quickly covers her eyes and soon opens them slowly to see a pinkish whirlpool inside the mirror.

“Wow…” A large gaping smile is plastered on Lyra’s face. She comes closer and suspects the mirror a little more. Raising her hoof, Lyra cautiously touches the mirrors face which, to her surprise, went through it very easily. Her shock forces Lyra to retract and inspect her hoof for any change which doesn’t seem to be the case. Looking back at the mirror, a revelation comes to mind. “It’s a portal!”

Why Twilight Sparkle was in possession of a portal Lyra didn’t know but it’s quite a discovery on her part. Imagine that, one of the greatest inventions right before her very eyes, which makes her wonder as to why Twilight kept this a secret. She must have a good reason, Lyra thought, but worrying about it doesn’t really interest her in the slightest bit. As Lyra gazes deep into the mirror as if hypnotised by it she questions herself as to whether she should go through the portal or not. Of course Lyra doesn’t know where it leads so it would be very risky to enter the portal without knowing. It is quite inviting, Lyra admits. Plus what can possibly go wrong! It’s either now or never!

Lyra takes a few steps and scans the room behind her. It’s still empty except for the books and furniture occupying the room. It’s been a while since Lyra has seen Twilight, she contemplates, but the coast is clear and that’s all that matters. Lyra directs her face forward and stamps her hooves to the floor. She dashes through the mirror and disappears into the abyss.

The library doors swing open almost immediately, allowing the Princess of Friendship to waltz into the room with an open book levitating in front of her along with several others stacked in tow. “Sorry about that Lyra, I had to help Spike with something. I did come across a mythology book while I was cleaning up and surprisingly enough it does contain something about humans.”

Twilight looks up and finds the library completely empty with nopony in sight. “Lyra?” Twilight begins investigating the room. Usually Lyra would be jumping from bookshelf to bookshelf so it is unusual that Twilight couldn’t see Lyra anywhere or even hear her cheerful voice. “Lyra, are you here?” Twilights searches a little more until she finally notices the Crystal Mirror.

The portal seems to be operating, causing a perplexed look on Twilight’s face. “That couldn’t be right. I mean, the book is right over–” Twilight looks over at the central table unable to find Sunset Shimmer’s personal journal. She looks up at the pedestal above the mirror where right there in plain sight was the same journal situated in place in order for Twilight to travel to the human world and visit her friends from Canterlot High.

A sinking feeling begins to overwhelm her. Images start to fill up Twilight’s head of substantial theories and possibilities as to why Lyra wasn’t in the library, why Sunset Shimmer’s journal is on the pedestal, and why the Crystal Mirror is activated. But as each theory and possibility creeps into her mind they’re rejected immediately being unable to produce a reasonable explanation. Twilight hyperventilates refusing to believe such an obvious conclusion. It can’t be true, it can’t possibly be true, Twilight tried to convince herself. But no matter how much Twilight rejects it, reality comes back to strike her otherwise.

Twilight freezes as a different feeling overtakes her. The books she was carrying tumble down as Twilight returns her gaze at the activated mirror, her eyes widen. Her face becomes one of pure horror and she lets out a bloodcurdling scream.

“NOOOO!!!”
> Chapter 2: Hello, Fellow Humans!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


We are all together, ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh
Now it's better than ever, ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh
Now that we are back on track
Yes, I'm so glad that we're better
Better than ever


The Rainbooms – Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie – continue to echo throughout the hallways of Canterlot Senior High from the music room, one of the regular spots for their practice sessions. Pony ears and manes have already sprouted from the several band members as they play their song, “Better Than Ever,” but that’s beside the fact that their practice sessions have been paying off as the band has proven that they can play in almost perfect harmony. The song finally concludes its final chorus as the band’s sound trails off and their pony features vanish just as soon as they appear.

“Oh yeah! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!” Rainbow Dash throws her guitar on the stand and gulps down her water bottle. The other band members follow suit as they begin to pack up their instruments, except Pinkie who is still sitting at her drum set finishing off the last of her water.

“Yeah, Ah reckon we’re jus’ ‘bout ready to hit that gig this Sunday,” Applejack agreed.

“Most certainly. I still have the outfits for when we played in the Battle of the Bands competition,” Rarity stated, as she brings her hand to her chin.

“You mean the one’s when we went up against the Dazzlings?” asked Fluttershy, putting away her tambourine into her backpack.

“Yes darling but I was thinking we should go for something new.”

“Well, whatever ya come up with, I’m sure it’s gonna be fabulous,” Applejack complimented, who was already carrying her packed bass behind her.

“Awww, Applejack, that’s very sweet of you.”

“I’m just a bit worried about Fluttershy’s new song. I still feel we need a bit more practice before we can perform it live.” Rainbow Dash finally placed her guitar into its rightful case and carries it ready to go.

“We have been practicing it for a quite a bit. You don’t think we’ll be ready for it this Sunday?” Sunset Shimmer asked who was sitting on a table with her journal open on her lap.

“Maybe, I just don’t want to perform something when it’s not ready.”

“We can leave my song out if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Are you kidding, Fluttershy? I still want to perform it this Sunday. Just like Sunset said, we have been practicing it for quite a bit but I think maybe we should really get some intense practice for it the next couple of days. Is it alright if we do it at your place, AJ? It might take the entire day though.”

“Ah don’t think that would be a problem, even today shouldn’t be a hassle. How ‘bout everyone else?”

Everybody nods in agreement.

“Then it’s settled,” Rainbow Dash declared, triumphantly.

Sunset Shimmer looks over her friends warmly with a smile while writing in her journal to Twilight about the upcoming performance for the Rainbooms. While it may seem unconventional and unreliable than a cellphone, Twilight has yet to fail missing one of her journal entries and provide a swift reply to Sunset’s message. It was actually comforting to Sunset knowing she can expect a quick response from Twilight, given that Sunset has kept her journal close to her at all times. Still it was the only way to contact Twilight in Equestria, like how Sunset contacted Princess Celestia when she was her student since she didn’t have a dragon of her own like Twilight has with Spike.

“What you doing Sunny? Writing a message to Twilight?”

Sunset looks up to an energetic Pinkie Pie whose face is right up against hers. “Yeah, I’m telling her about this Sunday.”

“Ask her if she can come and watch us play. Oh, how about asking her if she wants to play with us again! I still have that theremin she can use. Or maybe she can sing again. You and Twilight sounded really good together the last time she was here!”

“I’m not too sure whether she can play with us, but I’ll ask her anyways,” Sunset chuckled. She still includes Pinkie’s invitations before signing off the journal with her farewell.
“Twilight certainly does have a superb singing voice,” added Rarity.

“I think Twilight and Sunset sound kinda alike, don’t you think?” Sunset snarls at Rainbow’s comment. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. It just reminded me of when Flash told me the exact same thing recently.” Everyone’s expressions fell knowing exactly the implications behind that memory.

“So whut ya do, sugarcube?” asked Applejack.

“I clobbered him one,” Sunset answered proudly, which resulted the girls in sharing a hearty laugh.

“Don’t get me wrong, Twilight does have a great singing voice, and I do agree with you Rainbow Dash, but–”

“–A gentleman should never compare yourself to another lady,” Rarity finished off Sunset’s statement. The other girls acknowledge the same sentiments.

“I never thought of Flash as being somewhat of a doofus.”

“He is a doofus, Rainbow. I remember so many amusing stories about him while we were dating that if I told you any of them he’d literally die of embarrassment.” The girls stay quiet but snicker as if in anticipation. Even Fluttershy became curious as she leans in to hear more. Soon the girls nodded in sync after Sunset asked them the one question the girls wanted to hear, in a devilishly cheeky tone at that. “Wanna hear them?”

The girls walk down the hallway passing by the few straggling students retrieving their necessities for their next class. The girls each put away their instruments listening to Sunset recall Flash’s embarrassing life moments. While the girls know that what they’re doing is downright mean, it’s totally worth it if it is at Flash’s expense.

Rainbow Dash interrupts Sunset with a question that has been on her mind for some time. “Hey Sunset, I was wondering, where did you learn to play guitar?”

“It was Flash who taught me actually.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah…”

“How’d y’all break up anyways?”

“That’s actually my fault. At the time, Flash realised that I was only dating him to make myself more popular and that I didn’t really like him, like him.” Sunset looks down for a minute before looking back at her friends with a sad smile. “He does have his quirky moments. I admit I do miss his guitar lessons. They were fun, and the way he was teaching me was really cute.”

“He sounds very sweet,” Fluttershy responded.

“Yeah, Flash has his moments, I’d give him that. In fact, those were the only times when I felt like I really did like him.” The girls snuggle close to Sunset when they notice her sombre mood, allowing Sunset to perk up once more.

“I’m thinking we should tell Twilight all the embarrassing things you told us just now.”

“Don’t you dare, Rainbow Dash!” Sunset laughed, amused at the suggestion. “We’re not going to ruin her that privilege–”

Sunset stumbles back and realises she had knocked somebody to the ground. “I’m so sorry; I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Sunset lowers herself down and can see that it was Lyra that she had knocked over. Lyra grumbles with her hand rubbing her forehead demonstrating the pain of the encounter. She opens her eyes to see a hand hovering above her and the person it was attached to. She is a girl with vibrant red and gold hair, sporting a black leather jacket, a magenta shirt with a familiar pattern on it, an orange skirt and patterned black and magenta boots. Lyra grabs the girl’s hand before opening her mouth. “Hello, fellow humans!”

The girls cock their eyebrows and look at each other shrugging not understanding the unusual wording in Lyra’s greeting. It was until Lyra finally notices them.

“I can’t believe it!” Lyra gasped. She jumps up ecstatically to each of the girls. “Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy! Rarity! And Pinkie Pie!”

“Yeah, I know I’m awesome; No autographs, please.” Pinkie Pie relishes in Lyra’s outburst uplifting her nonexistent rock star status.

“Not as awesome as me!” asserted Rainbow Dash, prompting a stare down between the two.

Lyra continues to squeal making the other girls feel somewhat uncomfortable before she directs herself towards the only unrecognisable face amongst the group. “I don’t think I met you before. What’s your name?”

“Sunset Shimmer… Wait, you already know my name, Lyra. We even have Chemistry together.”

“We do?” Lyra thinks for a minute not comprehending the situation but complies regardless. “Oh, we do.” Lyra bares her teeth and gives the girls an unconvincing smile by which the girls respond with blank stares instead. Applejack became the first one to speak up after an awkward silence.

“You alright, sugarcube?”

“I’m feeling dandy!” Lyra announced, still showing her teethy grin. “Anyways I gotta go. Keep on doing all that human stuff!” She turns around and disappears deeper into the hallway.

“That gal just keeps gettin’ weirder and weirder.”

“Hey Sunset, your bag’s vibrating!”

Sunset looks behind her to see that Pinkie was right. Sunset quickly sets down her bag to take out her bag eager to see Twilight’s reply. Sunset did hint a slight giggle from Rarity which causes Sunset to blush, but still demonstrates a gleeful smile from getting a message from Twilight.

Sunset opens her book to the last written page of her journal where Twilight’s last message would most likely be. Her smile then drops and turns into a troubled expression as she reads the page.

“Is something wrong Sunset?” Fluttershy asked. The other girls also express the same concern.

“Girls,” Sunset began, looking up from her book. “I think Twilight is in trouble.”
> Chapter 3: Bon Bon! Octavia!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Spike emerge from the portal within the school’s central statue and are now standing in front of Canterlot High School. Twilight transformed into a human girl with her bag in tow while Spike transformed into a lovable small pooch.

“Explain this to me again, Twilight, how did Lyra manage to open the portal?” inquired Spike, without hesitation.

“I don’t know, Spike! All I know is Lyra was missing by the time I arrived at the library then I saw that the portal was activated!”

“But that’s what I don’t understand. She couldn’t have known that using that book would open the portal. And it’s not like the book was lying in the middle of the room, right?” An awkward silence came prompting Spike to look up and see Twilight cupping her face into her hands. “Twilight!”

“I’m sorry, I was distracted and I didn’t have time to clean up…”

“But you should have been more careful!”

Twilight winced. “This is a disaster…”

While Twilight wallows in her predicament, she scans her immediate area to see if by chance Lyra hasn’t gone far. Alas Twilight cannot see indication of the mare – or girl; it’s most likely Lyra has transformed into a human like Twilight, which piques her mind as if she’s supposed to remember something.  Just as Twilight begins to plan her next move, several voices call out to her.

“Twilight!”

Six girls race from the school entrance towards her. They hug Twilight one-by-one, the last being Sunset Shimmer, albeit in a deeper embrace.

“It’s good to see you again, Twilight.”

“Thanks, Sunset. I’m sorry it had to be under these circumstances.”

“Not to worry, sugarcube. We did ask for yer help with the Dazzlings before. So we can jus’ call it even.” Twilight cannot help but smile at the statement while everyone else follows suit.

“So what’s the problem, Twilight? It sounded really urgent when you last wrote to Sunset,” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“It’s not another adversary I do hope.”

“I assure you it’s nothing like that, Rarity, but it is serious. Someone from Equestria came to this world using the portal.”

“What!?” everyone gasped in one form or another.

“Who is it?”

“Lyra Heartstrings…” Twilight answered Sunset in a disheartened tone. 

“The same Lyra who’s always ramblin’ ‘bout that alien mumbo jumbo?” Twilight grumbled, realising the obvious oversight Applejack unintentionally pointed out.

“No, the Lyra from my world who believes that humans are real, and I just realised there’s another Lyra at Canterlot High as well.”

The girls look at each other until Rainbow speaks up. “Uh, you do realise there are human beings standing before you, right? Not to mention, you are one right now as well.”

“I know, but humans don’t exist in my world. Humans are treated as a myth much like how you treat dragons as a myth here.”

“That’s most peculiar. I do recall Spike is a fire-breathing dragon back in your world,” professed Rarity.

“But now he’s a dog in this world,” Fluttershy concluded.

“But I never thought it would be that perplexing. We were surprised when we found out you and Spike came from a different world. But I can’t get my head around the fact that human beings are treated as a myth there.”

“Either way, whether I’m a dog or a dragon, I do my best to look adorable.”

“Awww, I bet you are a cute handsome little dragon, aren’t you, Spikey-wikey?” giggled Rarity, who just commenced scratching the back of Spike’s ears.

“Why does that happen?”

“I’m not too sure about that, Fluttershy, but I think it’s because we have to adapt to the rules of this world. The same applies to my world or every other world for that matter.”

While Twilight offers her theory to the rest of the group, Sunset draws her hand to her chin and speaks up a peculiar thought. “We did bump into Lyra earlier…”

“Ya don’ think…?”

“I think so, AJ.” Sunset faces Twilight again. “I think we met the Lyra from our world not too long ago. We did think she was acting weirder than usual but it makes sense if she just came from a different world.”

“Really? Where did she go?”

“We met her in the foyer but we did see her heading towards the cafeteria,” Rainbow Dash proclaimed.

“Alright, I really do need to catch her as soon as possible. I’m afraid what’s going to happen if she stays in this world for too long.”

“Of course, Twilight, and we’ll help you find her.” Everyone nods in agreement.

“Thanks girls.”

“But we need to be careful not to confuse your Lyra with our Lyra at school.”

“Fluttershy’s right. We’d need to be sure the Lyra we’re looking for is the right one.”

“I agree with you on that, Sunset, though that might be a tad difficult,” Rarity digressed.

“I know. And from what I understand, Lyra has a fascination with humans, am I right?” Twilight confirms with nod. “That means Lyra would most likely not come with us so willingly so she won’t hesitate to run.”

“Ah can imagine that. It mus’ be a dream come true for Lyra to be able to fin’ this place.”

“Let’s check out the cafeteria first; hopefully she hasn’t gone too far. Let’s go everyone.”

“Woo hoo! Let’s go catch us a Lyra!” Everyone confirms with Pinkie Pie being the loudest of the lot with her announcement. They rush into the school and head towards their destination.


*****


“This place is amazing!”

Of course it’s the first place Lyra sees once she came out of the portal but her fascination with her new surroundings and its inhabitants doesn’t allow her to register that fact. She studies every aspect from the trophy cabinet housing various awards and trophies and their commemorative photos of various sports and cultural events remarkably similar to the ones back in Equestria, to the clothes, accessories and other features these humans wear or use including the way humans use their hands, from opening doors and lockers to carrying and packing their bags quite conveniently. There is no doubt in her mind that she had made the discovery of her lifetime.

But she became so preoccupied that she hadn’t contemplated as to where she was going or what she should be doing from here on onwards. She even bumped into those girls earlier who, by some ironic miracle, are her friends from Equestria – in human form! That psyched Lyra even more but the comment that Sunset Shimmer girl made pronged Lyra’s mind for awhile. It seems she knows ‘Lyra’ and that they have ‘Chemistry’ together. This building she is in seems to be most likely a school, plus all the banners and posters plastered across the walls indicate as such. If the girls from earlier are the counterparts to those in Equestria, then it’s logical that there is a Lyra here as well, of course she has yet to meet her other self.

Lyra comes across double doors that leads to a large room filled with long dining tables. There was also a place where several humans line up to a middle-aged woman giving them food on the trays they were carrying, and a buffet with other sorts of dishes down the line. This must be the cafeteria. As she opens the doors and steps inside anticipation and excitement overwhelms her as she bursts out the widest smile she has ever done. And alas nobody suspects her, not even a glance from anybody in the room as Lyra studies the cafeteria in all its glory.

“What’s got you so worked up?”

Lyra jumps up by the unexpected voice but couldn’t contain her excitement as soon as she sees the very owner of that voice. She is a girl the same height as Lyra with blue and pink bicoloured hair in a white dress.

“Bon Bon!”

Lyra latches onto the girl into a bear hug that made the girl fervently protest at her and telling Lyra to stop. Bystanders take a quick look at the scene but pass it off and nothing unusual. Soon the girl is released while the air returns to her lungs.

“Jeez, Lyra, I told you not to hug me so tight.”

“I do that to you?”

“Of course you do!” Bon Bon answered, angry at her friend’s obliviousness. “Let me guess it’s got something to with aliens, isn’t it?

“Sorry?”

“Well, did you find something interesting about aliens?”

“What are you talking about?”

Before Bon Bon could retort, another voice interrupts them.

“Hello, Sweetie Drops, I have the album you were asking for the other day. I would have found it sooner if Vinyl never lost it in the first place.” The black haired girl in a multi-piece purple-white dress with a pink bow offers a CD to Bon Bon who accepts it with grace. She then notices Lyra staring at her with her mouth gaping open. “Is there something wrong?”

“Octavia!”

Like Bon Bon, Lyra latches onto the other girl, surprising both Octavia and Bon Bon, although her hug was not as strong as she did with Bon Bon. Bon Bon looks at the scene sternly, crossing her arms in an obtuse manner.

“Lyra? What has gotten into you?”

“Oh, nothing, I’m just happy to see you,” Lyra smiled, letting go of the surprised cellist.

“Happy or not, that was quite the exaggeration. I bet it has got to do with your alien business.”

“Aliens?”

“Yes. I cannot understand how you find aliens so interesting what with your talents in music.”

“Why would I find aliens interesting?” Bon Bon and Octavia stare at Lyra from the unexpected question. That’s not exactly the reaction she was expecting, Lyra told herself.

“What did you just say?” Octavia asked in a shocked voice.

“What did I say what?”

“You said you weren’t interested in aliens,” Bon Bon joined in, also in shock.

“Yeah… Oh!” Lyra realises her mistake. Apparently the Lyra in this world believes in aliens rather than humans, which is ironically amusing, she thought. But Bon Bon started to feel Lyra’s forehead as if she is sick, confirmed by the next thing Bon Bon suggests.

“I think you’re not well. Come on, Lyra,” declared Bon Bon who quickly grabbed Lyra’s arm by the wrist.

“Huh? Where are you taking me?”

“I’m taking you to the nurse’s office.”

“What? Hey! I’m not sick, Bon Bon!” Lyra struggles to release Bon Bon’s fingers from her arm whom surprisingly has a very tight grip.

“No buts, Lyra. I am taking you to the nurse and that’s final!”

“No, please, I beg you! I don’t even like doctors. Noooo!” Octavia continues to hear Lyra’s voice trail off into the distance. Again the other students in the cafeteria pass it off as if it’s nothing unusual.


*****


“I don’t see her anywhere.” As soon as she comes into the cafeteria, Twilight looks around but couldn’t see anybody that resembles Lyra. Twilight and her friends split up to expand their search of the place but to no avail. There were no clues that Lyra has even come here.

“Ya sure she came here, RD?”

“I only said she was heading to the cafeteria; we did see her coming here as well.”

“Do you think maybe we might have missed her?”

“Probably, Fluttershy. This doesn’t exactly fair well for us.”

“This is all my fault. I never thought something like this would happen.”

“Hey don’t beat yourself up silly-billy, it’s not the end of the world. Although if the world did end maybe Lyra would have ended up in a different world where everyone is a dinosaur or maybe an alternate dimension where the good people become bad and the bad people become good, or maybe a world with giant transforming robots.”

“Giant transforming robots? Really? ‘Cause that would be awesome!”

“I think someone already made something like that?” Sunset interjected.

“They did?”

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle at their conversation whose laugh was infectious to the rest of the group.

“Listen, we don’t have much time until classes begin but I suggest we split up into several groups and search the main areas of the school.” Everyone nods in agreement, as Sunset formulates her plan. “Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie will take the gymnasium, Rarity, Applejack and, Rainbow Dash you guys check out the pitch.” Rainbow Dash saluted with a ‘roger’. “Twilight and I will check out the library. Is everyone ok with this?” The girls nod in sync. “Then let’s go!”

“Come on, Spike.” Twilight picks up Spike and carries him in her backpack. The girls run off with each group heading towards their respective designation.
> Chapter 4: Catch Me If You Can!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lyra trudges along the wall of the school corridor bewildered by her lucky escape from Bon Bon.

“Ugh, that’s just like Bon Bon. She always tries to get me to the hospital whenever she gets the chance.”

It doesn’t make Lyra like Bon Bon even less. She’s happy with her current relationship with her roommate back in Ponyville, although she is one of those ponies who would chide Lyra for her human research nonsense as she calls it. It does get her down sometimes whenever Bon Bon says these things; to hear such things from your best friend are quite disheartening. Twilight was the same. She could feel it every time she comes to Twilight for help but Lyra figured it was to be expected since everypony else gave the same reaction.

As Lyra looks up for a minute she sees a place that she knows all too well.

“I can’t believe I found the library.”

By mere luck, that’s what it was. It is a large blue room consisting of a ground and upper floor connected by staircases on each side of the room with bookshelves layered across the two floors. In the middle was a gold, gaudy sculpture in the shape of a horse surrounded by a circular table with strange devices on top of them. The devices themselves consist of several large flat panels, flat boards with many buttons on them in front of each panel, and what Lyra believes are small speakers on each side of each of the aforementioned two. Of course, Lyra hasn’t got a clue what the hay they are.

“Lyra, you’re earlier than I expected.” Lyra turns to see an adult woman with freckles and magenta hair, and wearing an old cotton frock that even Lyra thinks is out of date.
“Ms. Cheerilee?”

“I have the reading material you asked for.” Ms. Cheerliee lets go of her trolley and motions behind a counter searching for something.
“Reading material?”

“That’s right.” Before Lyra could say anything, Ms. Cheerilee presents Lyra with a stack of twenty or so books. “Remember to return them by the due date.”

Ms. Cheerilee walks off with her trolley while Lyra peruses the books she didn’t remember asking for. The titles refer to aliens, UFOs, and the universe which sates her curiosity for some reason. She knows they belong to her other self but she can’t help but glue her eyes to their pages.


*****


“So how did this whole thing start?”

“I left your journal in the middle of the library and the portal was there as well,” Twilight sighed. “Lyra must have put two and two together.”

“I did say to Twilight she had to be more careful.”

“Spike…” Twilight was not in the mood for Spike’s snide comments.

“Oh well, what’s done is done I guess. I’m sure nothing bad is gonna happen. Trust me.”

Twilight and Sunset continue down the corridor in a brisk walk. It didn’t take long for them to find the library has originally planned until Twilight comes across an unfortunate familiar face.

“You! What are you doing back here?”

It was the sirens, Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk, and Aria Blaze, who terrorised the school earlier but with Twilight’s help, was able to thwart their plans to take over the world.
“After everything you’ve done to us, we’ve become the laughing stocks of this school.” She appraises Twilight in an intimidating manner forcing Twilight to back off from the supposed leader of the group. “Maybe this is a good thing; I wouldn’t mind having some bit of fun.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind having my way with you,” challenged Aria while pumping her fists.

“Me too,” Sonata repeated the same action.

“Hey, lay off!” Sunset steps up in between Twilight and Adagio her arm sticking out to shield Twilight.

“Why should we? After everything she’s done.”

“After everything you’ve done.”

The two girls stare down at each. Twilight flinches, uncomfortable with the standoff the girls are having. Eventually, Adagio backs up before returning a scoff.

“Come on girls, we don’t have time for this.”

The three girls disappear allowing Twilight and Sunset to relax.

“That was scary…”

“Yeah, they haven’t been well liked by the school since the band competition. I kinda envy them in a way.”

“You do?”

Sunset nodded silently. It is quite surprising to hear Sunset say that wondering what could have prompted that statement.

“After the Fall Formal, I didn’t have anyone to connect with. Everyone avoided me and didn’t want to accept me because of what I did.”

“What do you mean? Didn’t the girls accept you into their group?”

“They did but I felt like I didn’t belong. They have tried to cheer me up before but they couldn’t know what I was going through. I felt alone and guilty over what I’ve done that I couldn’t fall back onto anyone. It was until you came back that I finally connected with someone.”

Twilight blushed. She remembers the time she tried to write her counter spell at Pinkie Pie house when the girls had their sleep over. Twilight did feel something from Sunset when they conversed. It was a warm feeling. Maybe that’s what Sunset is referring to. Twilight perks up when Sunset continued.

“I mean, if you’re going to be miserable wouldn’t you rather do that with those who’s going through the same thing as you?”

“Being miserable is not exactly a good thing.”

“But as long you have friends there’s always hope, right?”

Twilight contemplates for a minute but can’t help feel there is some truth to that statement. It was because of Twilight and her friends that they able to reform Princess Luna from her alter ego Nightmare Moon, Discord who through his antics and chaotic behaviour was able to realise that he too wants a friend in his life through the kind acts of Fluttershy, and now Sunset Shimmer who has grown to become a better person.

“Come on, Twilight.”

The two plus Spike head inside the library. It was as majestic as Twilight remembers it; she couldn’t help but feel nostalgic having her first night in this place. They look around with Sunset taking the upper floor while Twilight scrounges the bottom floor. She then sees the back of a familiar face, at a table, a book open in her hands and a stack of books layered next to her.

Twilight treads slightly towards the female. Her basic concern was this may not be the Lyra they were looking for but in the end she has makes sure.
“Lyra?”

Lyra turns quickly to face a girl she doesn’t recognise with tri-coloured blue-purple-pink hair, a blue blouse and a purple skirt perpetrating a star emblem. But her voice was extremely familiar.

“Twilight?”

“Lyra!”

It was a moment both girls couldn’t ignore as if everything fell into place. Lyra darts out her chair and nearly knocks Twilight over.

“Catch me if you can!”

Twilight calls out to Sunset who then commences to chase after the suspect. Chastised by the scene before her, Ms. Cheerilee sighs. “I need a new job…”
> Chapter 5: Hey, It’s You!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lyra runs through the school as if her life depends on it which is not entirely false since coming to this world is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Twilight is not going to take that chance away from Lyra. Although travelling to another world is a serious confliction, even Lyra recognises that. It’s not as if Lyra knew this was the human world. She just simply decided go through a strange possibly-unsafe portal without any knowledge whatsoever. Of course, Twilight would come take her back, and it’s upon these thoughts Lyra starts to feel somewhat guilty for not asking Twilight without her permission or at least convince Twilight to tell Lyra what the portal was about. But if Twilight knew about the human world, why didn’t she tell Lyra? It was a question that lingers in her mind yet Lyra convinces herself it was for safety and other serious reasons that Lyra might not even bother with, Lyra grinned.

“Lyra! Get back here!”

They’re right on her tail. Haha tail, that’s funny, Lyra snickered, but she has to lose their trail and quick. She turns a corner and enters two conveniently open double doors and hides behind one of them. She listens intensely to find Twilight and Sunset run past her indicating her plan is a success.

After a sigh of relief she looks up ahead to see she came into a gymnasium and sees two more figures she didn’t want to see also staring at her. Lyra grins widely at Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, Lyra!”

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy feels a breeze speed pass them. Flustered and flabbergasted, they look at each trying to confirm what exactly happened. They turn around to see Lyra sprinting at an astonishing rate out the doors on the other side of the gym that leads to the outside.

“Ooooo, she’s fast!”

“Pinkie, I think we should go after her.”

“Right you are, Flutters!”

Lyra marches onwards, her legs taking their toll and she pushes her legs harder ignoring the upcoming pain. Her surroundings indicate she is outside of the school building where the sports pitch is located. Lyra looks ahead on the footpath and curses herself for chancing upon Rarity, Applejack and Raindow Dash. By the split second they discover Lyra, she had already sped past them.

“What in tarnation?!”

Taking a moment to understand the siuation, Rainbow Dash sprints after Lyra.

“Oh no, you don’t!”

Rainbow Dash inches closer like a raging monster coming to eat you Lyra up as she used to dream about when she was a filly. There was no chance; Lyra comprehends there was no chance she could outrun Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash jumps heads on towards Lyra, her arms stretched out to catch Lyra in her embrace until Lyra falls flat on her face and unobtrusively forces Rainbow Dash to skid across the pavement.

Lyra gets up cursing and thanking her tired legs, she again goes inside the school buildings ignoring Rarity and Applejack as they come to Rainbow Dash’s aid.

Regardless where she is running to, Lyra continues deeper into the school albeit slower because of the fall. Lyra has yet to memorise the layout of the school but was able to compensate with her sheer luck. She looks behind her. Good, no one in sight; she must have lost everyone somehow. Lyra reduces her speed convinced that she was far ahead from everyone. She exhales heavily trying to catch her breath, her eyes dangerously closed off to her surroundings. Alas she bumps into someone who catches her before she tumbles to the floor.

“Are you alright?”

She opens her eyes to see a dashing young individual with blue spiky hair and wearing a black sports jacket. He’s really cute but not to Lyra’s tastes. And just like how Lyra received a bright light bulb in her head in order to activate the portal, a revelation also suddenly came to mind.

“Hey, it’s you!” Flash Sentry looks at Lyra curiously by her statement. Of course, he knew Lyra to be somewhat unusual but even then the comment she blurted out didn’t make sense.

“Well, yeah, we take History together.”

“No, I mean you look like that stallion Twilight has a crush on!”

His eyes widen. “…What?”

“Yeah he usually visits Ponyville as a royal messenger for the Crystal Empire. Man you’re gorgeous! Of course I already saw why Twilight would be fawning all over him, but wow as a human even I think you’re kinda hot!”

“…Twilight has a crush…?” Before Flash could finish his trail of thought, voices are overhead near the end of the corridor.

“How could we have missed her?”

“Gosh darnit! Where’d she go?”

“Gotta go!”

“Wait!” Flash stands there dumbfounded and horrified by Lyra’s words.


*****


Twilight and Sunset dash down the hallway as they try to catch up to Lyra who disappeared out of their sight a while ago. They then find Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie running in the same direction up ahead.

“Hey!” Sunset grabs their attention, the both of them looking back. “Did Lyra come this way?”

“Yeah! We saw her come inside the gymnasium but then she sprinted outside once she saw us. We chased after her but then we lost her. And I wanted to invite her to a party too…”

“The gymnasium…” Twilight and Sunset bring their hands to their foreheads. Spike on the other hand shakes his head.

The new expanded group head turns a corner and come across three new recognisable faces coming towards them, with Twilight scrolling her eyes all over Rainbow Dash of her scars and scruffs.

“Rainbow! What happened to you?”

“Lyra tripped when I tried to catch her and fell head first onto the ground.”

“Ah’d tell ya, that hurt like heck.”

“Did Lyra come this way?”

“We thought she came this way?”

Sunset and Rarity stare at each other, allowing similar reactions from the rest of the group.

“How could we have missed her?” Rainbow Dash shouted, unhelped by the pain still lingering all over her body.

“Gosh darnit! Where’d she go?”

Twilight thinks long and hard to plan their next move. They have arrived at a junction which leads towards the foyer she recalls.

“I think she came this way. Come on.”

She calls the girls over as soon as she heads straight down the hallway, the same repetitive scene as always. But just as soon as she began her sprint she runs into a familiar face who catches her as if orchestrating a dance.

“Twilight!”

“Flash!”

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh, nothing special, just visiting, I guess.”

“Well, I’m really glad to see you, Twilight.”

Twilight looks deep into his pristine eyes almost entranced by them. All her troubles wished away as she longs for the charming prince in front. She dreams of being forever in his arms interrupted by Rainbow Dash who drags her away from the popular jock.

“Uh, Twilight, this is no time to be romancing with lover boy here,” Rainbow whispered.

Twilight becomes red in response to Rainbow’s choice of words but later sighs knowing Rainbow Dash is right and comes up to Flash Sentry to bid farewell.

“Sorry, Flash, but we’re actually looking for someone,” she apologised. “Have you by any chance seen Lyra anywhere?”

“Lyra? Yeah, I just bumped into her.” Flash points his finger in the direction of the foyer, assuring Twilight that she was right. “She went that way.”

“Thanks, Flash. I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah… Sure. I’ll see you around, I guess,” Flash responded, disappointed by her sudden retreat. But Flash calls out realising a troubling concern of his. “Twilight, hold up. Lyra mentioned something earlier.”

“She did? What did she say?” Like Twilight, the others also listen, intensely curious. It certainly piqued Twilight’s interest as to what exactly Lyra mentioned to Flash.
“Yeah…” Flash began, who seemed rather embarrassed, Twilight stipulated. No it wasn’t embarrassment; it was uneasiness as Flash’s lips cringe as he utters the next words he says. “She told me something rather strange. She said there’s a guy you have a crush on over in your world.” Twilight freezes and becomes white as a sheet; you can even hear walls shatter inside her head. “And the guy looks like me. What did she mean by that? Well, I’m sure it’s some kind of joke…”

She stands still like a statue not moving an inch. Her two hands were fastened together as if in prayer while her peerless eyes look out into a void trying their hardest to recreate the world around her but fail nonetheless. Flash realises he wasn’t getting a response from Twilight as he calls her name several times and waves his hand in front of her to grab her attention. Alas nothing happens – except Twilight falls down backwards and hits the floor hard like a brick.

“Twilight!”

Everyone hastens to Twilight’s aid but Rarity scoops her up and cradles her. Meanwhile Applejack thought best to deal with Flash. “Alright Flash, I think Twilight jus’ needs some time to breathe… and think.” Applejack pushes Flash away with both her hands scouring his back while Flash skids along the floor in protest.
“But, Twilight–”

“She’s fine! Jus’ get already!” After Applejack gives Flash a heavy shove, he looks back in hesitation still worried about Twilight. He could sense Applejack surveying his every move, pressuring him to eventually walk away from the scene.

“Rarity, why am I seeing red?” mumbled Twilight, lopsided in Rarity’s arms.

“Get a hold of yourself, darling!”

“Yes, you’re right.” Twilight raises herself standing properly, although unusually composed in the eyes of her friends. She was hyperventilating exorbitantly. “I just need to keep calm. Once we catch Lyra, and when we do, I’m going to strangle her in a civilised manner.”

“Um… darling, I don’t think that can be civilised…”

“Then how should I strangle her?” Twilight asked in a cold, icy fashion, moving insensibly close up to Rarity’s face. Shivers run down Rarity’s spine as she looks deep into Twilight’s irises where she could clearly see pure murderous intent. The others also backed away.

“Eeyup, she’s lost her rocker.”

“Twilight!” Sunset shakes Twilight and snaps her back to reality. “I know you are feeling really stressed out right now and we have a lot of questions regarding your coltfriend but we need you to snap out of it.”

Twilight lips were pursed and she had tears welling up but not too much to constitute crying. She wipes them off contemplating with Sunset’s suggestion.
“…Let’s go,” Twilight concurred, unconvincingly.


*****


Lyra walks backwards like a mare on a mission scanning down every corridor hoping Twilight and company don’t catch up her. This day has always been exhausting for Lyra. She can’t imagine how Twilight must feel as her pursuer. Like a criminal, she systemises her escape.

“What are you up to?”

“Oh, sweet Celestia!” Lyra turns to see a tall righteous woman with wavy, fluorescent, rainbow hair, in a golden jacket with a sun brooch on her collar, purple pants and gold formal shoes.

“That’s Principal Celestia to you. Care to explain what you’re sneaking around here for?”

“Um… I… uh…”

“Homeroom is about to start. I suggest you–”

“There she is!”

“Welp, gotta go!”

“Lyra Heartstrings! Get back here this instant!” Bewildered by Lyra’s sudden retreat, Celestia calls out to her. Several girls then coming running past her which torments her even more. “Girls, no running in the–” Celestia sees a recognisable young face whose presence is not what Celestia calls welcoming. “Twilight Sparkle?”

“H-hey… um…” Twilight waves her hands erratically at Celestia, each movement more sporadic than the last. But Twilight ends up not uttering a word, rushing off in the same direction as the other girls leaving Celestia baffled and confused as to what had just transpired.

“What was that all about, sister?”

“I wouldn’t have a clue, Luna.”


*****


“What are you talking about, Bon Bon?”

“Don’t try to deny it, Lyra. I was dragging you to the nurse’s office but then you sprinted off to who knows where, and then you surprised me from behind. Even if it was a joke, I didn’t like that, Lyra.”

“For the umpteenth time, what are you talking about?”

“If you’re not going to admit it, then forget it.”

Lyra eyes Bon Bon with a puzzled expression. She may have made Bon Bon jump at the time but what Bon Bon has been recanting was just ridiculous. But he here is Bon Bon, chastising Lyra for something she didn’t do, and Lyra usually gets away with things like these.

Lyra decides to leave Bon Bon alone and casts off towards the foyer. There she observes something unbelievable.


*****


Lyra was outside in the front of the school even remembering the statue from where the portal lies when she first came to this world. But Lyra is not going to return home, not just yet.

She pushes forth hoping to escape the school grounds when alas a hand grabs hold of Lyra by the wrist. Twilight Sparkle by some miracle had caught up to her, and Lyra was doing so well, she thought. Lyra struggles to get away from Twilight but she resists Lyra’s protests and insists on reinforcing her grip on Lyra.
“Lyra, will you please stop!”

“No, Twilight!”

Twilight wrestles with Lyra whose strength seems to be getting bigger by the second. The others have also just arrived witnessing their quarrel and Spike who earlier on was able to jump out of Twilight’s backpack to escape from the ordeal.

“Lyra, what’s gotten into you?”

“Get away from me!”

Twilight releases Lyra shocked from screeching outburst. Twilight theorises she must have been hurting Lyra but her eyes shoots daggers right into Twilight that reveals otherwise.

“Lyra, please, you’re not supposed to be here. You can’t be here.”

“Why? Because only you’re allowed to?”

Twilight gets taken aback by the statement. “Lyra, that’s not–”

“You know what annoys me is that you never told me about this place and that you don’t want me to be here but what really ticks me off is that all those times I came to you, asking you for help, you have been lying to my face!”

Twilight looks at Lyra in utter disbelief and even her friends are stunned to the scene in front of them.

“You dismiss everything I say and didn’t want anything to do with me. Everypony in Ponyville was like that, telling me to grow up, calling me crazy, saying what I’m doing is complete nonsense, even Bon Bon tells me that, my best friend. I had a sliver of hope that maybe you were different, Twilight, because unlike everypony else at least you tried to help me when nopony else would. But you never cared, did you? About my research or about me!”

“…”

“I really thought we were friends Twilight.”

“You are Lyra…”

“Really? I see things very different, Twilight. Not once have you believed in me! I mean, you could have trusted me about this world, telling me about the risks of coming here. But you could’ve at least put some faith in me for Celestia’s sake!”

Twilight at this point has her head down as if piercing the ground below her not knowing how to resolve the situation before her.

“So much for the Princess of Friendship you are… You’re not my friend.”

With that, Twilight’s heart is pierced. The pain in her chest becomes excruciating unlike anything Twilight has felt physically. The mental anguish building up inside Twilight arrive her at the verge of tears.

“Lyra, I–” She reaches out her hand to Lyra who bats it away immediately.

“Don’t touch me! Just leave me alone! I can take of myself so don’t even bother.” Lyra turns her back to Twilight and her friends.

Sunset Shimmer who had just about had enough walks up to Lyra unable to comfort Twilight as she hoped as she walks past her. It was difficult though especially with an argument like this between friends; it isn’t something to be taken likely, Sunset knew.

“Lyra…”

“Sunset Shimmer, right?” Sunset confirms with a nod. “Just look after Twilight, ok?” Sunset observes a mellow expression across Lyra’s face, looking in Twilight’s direction, who has since broken down, crouching in a foetal position while bawling her eyes out in the palms of her hands. Sunset looks back at Lyra and nods in agreement, a form of trust established between Lyra and Sunset. Lyra inches away from them while rubbing her own eyes.
> Chapter 6: Let’s Be Friends!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lyra has been walking through unfamiliar streets for the past hour. Nobody was chasing her plus she has no idea where she’s going. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t know how to walk back to the school; she’s always had a photographic memory. It is one of the traits that she is proud of about herself especially the fact when she is able to produce an active imagination and ‘produce’ being the correct term she uses for it allows her to play the lyre extremely well.

That’s how this whole human business began because the lyre was an unusual instrument for anypony. Unlike a cello or violin, it has a small frame, much smaller that hooves would have difficulty playing its strings while a cello or violin are structured for hooves to be able to manage both playing the strings and coordinate the frets, the way her friend Octavia plays her cello albeit with a bow. When Lyra found the interesting device she imagined ‘fingers’, because a lyre is supposed to be played with fingers, and with her magic she was able to produce notes beautifully from it by using imaginary fingers.

She wasn’t able to use her magic for anything else when she was a filly which got her down for most of her fillyhood when the other fillies often teased her for not being able to acquire her cutie mark sooner like everypony else. That was until that day when she finally received her cutie mark in the shape of a lyre. Though she wasn’t particular enthralled about receiving her cutie mark, even if her parents were undeniably and obviously thrilled for her, or even if Lyra did forge some sense of pride within her, but rather it was an observation, a hypothesis, a piece of circumstantial evidence for Lyra to digest that suggests humans do exist.

At the time she was already investigating about humans but because of the lyre incident when she got her cutie mark, she never backed down from her theory that humans have existed in Equestria to this day when Equestria’s current tools and machinery that supposedly made ponies’ livelihoods better, would make more sense if they were utilised by human hands than with pony hooves. That said the technology is surprisingly lacklustre compared to the standards demonstrated here in the human world, that is the technology in Equestria was far limited and that it was magic that made up for their inconveniencies that made life better for ponykind.

Lyra grins as she became lost in her own thoughts. Realising she had abandoned any sense of direction, she looks around and notices that she has gotten herself lost in a place she doesn’t know.

“Oh, horseapples…” It was her fault, one she failed to recognise in time. That said she doesn’t mind getting lost but it’s annoyingly taxing if she tries to find somebody to help her with directions. Surprisingly no one is around at the moment, only metal-looking wagons that run through the streets. She looks around to see if there were any landmarks that seem recognisable which was undoubtedly pointless yet her instincts couldn’t succumb to such a revelation especially when she was so confident before. Yeah, you really are a stubborn mare, aren’t you? Lyra exclaimed to herself. So much for being able to take care of yourself…

Lyra relents as she sits against a slab building while trailing off towards the clear blue sky above, not having a care in the world. She thinks back what she said to Twilight. It was pretty harsh what she congested toward the Princess of Friendship; it wasn’t exactly one of Lyra’s best moments in that retrospect. Twilight has always been socially awkward even during their time at Canterlot; she was always in her books, was always beside Princess Celestia at the hip, doesn’t go out that much, or much less know what it meant to have fun. Lyra has always been somewhat spontaneous and being social with the few friends she has, even having got to know Princess Cadance and becoming a bridesmaid for her, although her memory was hazy at that point. Lyra becomes lost in her memories, especially her most recent one that was made not too long ago, a memory she already regrets.

“Are you alright?”


*****


Twilight sits against the stone slab of the school’s central statue careful not to fall through the portal already open for anyone to use. Twilight was already in a rush to come to the human world that there’s nobody on the other side to manage the portal while she’s gone. Spike did send a letter to Fluttershy, the only pony available, hoping that she has read the letter in the time.

The waterworks has since passed awhile ago leaving Twilight to reminisce her earlier conversation with her friends who have now gone to class. Soon after her fight with Lyra, Twilight and her friends were interrupted by the school bell indicating classes have begun.

“Oh no, we’re supposed to be in homeroom by now,” Rarity gasped.

“Yeah, this ain’t lookin’ too good.”

Applejack saw how distraught Twilight was in yet felt frustrated considering they were more concerned with being late to class, than try to comfort Twilight however they can. But even they knew they wouldn’t know where to begin. Only Sunset was the only one brave enough to speak up to Twilight.

“Listen, Twilight, I’m sorry but we need to get to class and…”

Twilight wipes away her tears and stands to face Sunset. She waves her hand at Sunset assuring her predicament is nothing to worry about. “It’s ok, I understand. I just need to be alone for awhile and think things through.”

While that may seemed convenient to Sunset, she was still worried about Twilight. “Alright, we’ll come see you once lunch starts, ok?”

Twilights nods at the assertion.

“See you later, Twilight.” The girls wave their farewells as they head on towards the school. Twilight reciprocates them but still fraught how things didn’t as smoothly as she hoped. Spike could see her downed expression as soon as the girls were out of their vision. Even if Twilight decided she wants to be alone Spike wasn’t going to abandon Twilight just like that. They have gone through so much together and Twilight means more to Spike than just being her number one assistant. She is family.

A long time passed. Spike still sits next to Twilight not budging from his position, looking up at Twilight every once in awhile. He doesn’t say anything thinking it best to follow Twilight’s recommendation. And before they knew it, it was lunchtime.

Sunset purchases two drinks from the vending machine and comes out to the front of the school. She finds Twilight sitting on a bench, her legs closed and her hands clasped on her lap while looking down at the floor, not slouching but neither in an upright position.

“Here.” Sunset offers Twilight a drink after popping the can for her. Twilight accepts it and thanks Sunset in a sombre tone. “You feeling, ok?”

Twilight says nothing but takes a sip from her drink nonetheless. She nonchalantly compliments her drink with a murmur barely audible to Sunset. Twilight then exhales and commences her words.

“She’s right, you know? I never respected Lyra because I thought she was a nuisance. I didn’t want to deal with her antics whenever she came to me. I was being selfish.”
“You’re not selfish, Twilight.”

“But that’s how I treated her, Sunset. She’s my friend and I do think of her as a friend but I didn’t pay much attention to her. I didn’t tell her about this world because I didn’t want her to know not because it was too dangerous or anything like that. I just didn’t want to give her the satisfaction. The only ponies that know are my best friends back home because I trusted only them. Should Lyra be treated any different? Lyra has been so desperate for human beings to exist and I refused her the one legitimate proof that they do.”

Silence envelops them as they sit idly on the bench side by side. It’s a calm necessary for them along with gentle breeze that rustles the grass and the leaves of from the trees surrounding them. Sunset allows Twilight’s words to sink in and soon delivers her words.

“When I was Princess Celestia’s student, I never bothered to make friends. I was selfish and only cared about myself. I was only obsessed with power and was so egotistic in being Princess Celestia’s student that I began to dwell into dark magic. She expelled me soon after that.

“At the time, I did feel betrayed by Princess Celestia and escaped to this world begrudging those same thoughts, getting everyone to fear me. After you and the girls defeated me, everyone stayed away from me. That’s when I realised I didn’t have anyone I could call a friend. I never felt so alone. If it weren’t for you and those girls, I’m not sure what would have happened to me.

“Lyra is the same way. Just because she has something she believes in, everyone began to stay away from her and didn’t want to deal with her shenanigans. I can imagine how lonely she must have felt. I think that’s why she came to you, Twilight. She was hopeful you two can be friends in something, towards the same goal. She respects you and admires you for that. She does care about you. But when she felt you rejected her, she lost hope.”

“It’s funny how I’m supposed to be the Princess of Friendship and then this happens. It doesn’t make me feel confident at all.”

“Researching about friendship and making friends are two different things, Twilight. While I’m still getting used to this friendship thing, I think friendship is quite simple in retrospect, and making friends is much easier than we realise.

“Friends are honest with each other and say what’s on their minds. They’re kind to one another and try not to hurt each other. Friends stick by one another, no matter the situation. They laugh and have fun with each other; and offer help and guidance especially to those that need it most.”

“That’s the exact opposite with Lyra…”

“But you know what friends also do?” Twilight looks up at Sunset, anticipating her answer. “They forgive each other and learn from their mistakes, like how you forgave me, how I learnt from my mistakes. Remember even good friends have arguments and we learn how we can become better friends.”

Twilight’s face shines as if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders and she hugs Sunset in a warm embrace.

“Thank you.”

“Seems like you’re all better, sugarcube.”

Twilight and Sunset’s friend come into view, relieved to find Twilight in high spirits.

“I am. And I believe I need to look for Lyra and apologise to her.”

“No sweat! We’ll look around the neighbourhood for any sign of her.”

“We do have to come right back here once classes start again. I hope you don’t mind, dear.”

“I don’t mind at all. Well, I guess that’s the plan then.”

Twilight and her friends desert the school grounds. While it didn’t seem right to do, finding Lyra to apologies is of utmost priority.


*****


Lyra surveys her surroundings of the luscious fauna covering the landscape of the park. In her hand was an ice-cream cone purchased by the last person Lyra would ever expect to meet sitting right next to her. It was Twilight Sparkle, but she was wearing black, big-rimmed glasses and a pure white lab coat, completely different than the one who was chasing Lyra around the school. Like Lyra, she was also enjoying her ice-cream. Across from them is her dog, Spike, playfully rolling on the grass and running around without a care in the world. It was such an uncanny picture for Lyra.

“So, are you feeling better?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“I was surprised to see somebody laying there in the street.”

“Yeah, well, today wasn’t exactly a good day. I had a fight with my friend. Not to mention, I got lost while I was deep in my thoughts.”

“That’s too bad. But you do know that’s dangerous, right? You should pay more attention to your surroundings.” Lyra chuckles at her sentiment. Twilight on the other hand didn’t understand the joke. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s nothing just that you sound exactly like my friend.” It was truer than true. Right here is the human form of Twilight. Her mannerisms, her speech, even the implication of how this Twilight is such a nerd with her large white coat draped over her that it reflects exactly how studious Twilight is with her books back in Ponyville. “I’m sorry, it’s just really humorous.”

Twilight passes it off taking no offense to Lyra laughter.

“This friend of yours, is she the one you fought with?” Lyra confirms her hypothesis with a nod. “I see. Do you want to talk about it?”

Lyra struggles with herself whether she should confide with this person, especially when she is the spitting image. But soon Lyra pours out everything to Twilight only mentioning the important bits and neglecting the fact that Lyra and Twilight came from another world. Lyra wasn’t sure whether she got the message across, but she at least try to convey them in simpler terms.

“She sounds really presumptuous.”

You have no idea, Lyra chuckled once again.

“Forgive me if I couldn’t comprehend your situation well, it is a bit vague from what you told me, but I think she’s just worried that she couldn’t tell you about her secret especially because it was something she couldn’t tell anyone, not even you.”

“But the secret was something really important to me and would’ve helped me with my project. She could’ve trusted me.”

“But did you trust her?”

For a few seconds Lyra said nothing. She shakes her head recognising that maybe Lyra was in the wrong after all.

“Keeping secrets isn’t exactly a good thing. As a self-proclaimed scientist myself, keeping secrets is the same as withholding important information. But even I do know that there is knowledge that you’re not supposed to know regardless of how much you trust the other person. And you know what else? I do know that you are sorry about before.”

She’s right. Lyra was too harsh on Twilight. It was like all of Lyra’s frustrations came bursting out all at once, especially when Lyra was so desperate to stay in this world for at least a little bit longer. Lyra was acting a like a filly.

“Thanks for that.”

“You’re welcome.”

Lyra smiles at her companion, her ice-cream already finished a few moments ago. That doesn’t stop Lyra from having a crazy idea.

“I know we just met and all but let’s do something!”

“Like what?”

“Let’s be friends! You are pretty cool.”

Twilight is taken aback by the request, unsure whether she should comply or not. “You’re right, we have just met.”

“Come on!”

“Uh…” Lyra was dangerously close to Twilight while she eagerly clasps Twilight’s fist with both hands.

“Come on, say yes!” Twilight says nothing. “Say yes~”

“…Yes.”

“Woo hoo!” Twilight cannot help but smile at her crazy new friend as soon a Lyra lets go of her hand. But Lyra jumps right back up feeling more energetic than before. “Anyways I gotta head back. I lost my way here from Canterlot High.”

“Canterlot High?”

“Yeah, do you know where that is?”

“I do.”

Twilight shows Lyra directions on how to arrive at the school, and ironically it was not too far from the park. Lyra thanks Twilight for being such great assistance as she begins to head off.

“So you’re from Canterlot High?”

“Not really. Me and my friend came from another world.”

“…What did you say?”

“See ya, Spike.” Spike gives a few friendly barks in response.

And so Lyra speeds off leaving Twilight in a daze upon the answer she received but her stern grins revels her in suspense.

“No doubt about it, Spike. There really is something going on at that school.”
> Chapter 7: Alien!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lyra makes it to Canterlot High. Students were loitering around so it must be lunchtime. For what it’s worth getting lost wasn’t such a bad experience. She was able to meet Human Twilight and better yet was able to recognise her won misdeeds. She just needs to find Twilight and apologise.

“I knew it!”

Barely halfway between the statue and the school’s front entrance Lyra quickly turns around to witness another happening. Herself!

“Alien!”

Lyra jumps on top of Lyra, convinced that Lyra is an alien come to replace Lyra. Her other self is strong, which made Lyra happy at the fact but it doesn’t help win the battle. As she struggles against her other self, Lyra attempts to speak to her.

“Woah, hold on there.”

“No, you hold on!”

“No you!"

“No you!”

This is hopeless. All they’re doing is having a tennis match for which Lyra should stop. Lyra then plans to use the only trump card she knows.

“I’m not an alien but I came from a different world!”

Her other self stops still grasping onto Lyra hands. She gets up allowing Lyra to raises herself up. Her other self glares at Lyra wondering whether she is lying. Lyra knows too well her other self is thinking.

“It’s true. I came from the same world as Twilight Sparkle.”

“Seriously?” Her other self seems to be anticipating something, Lyra could sense from her. It hits Lyra exactly what her other self wants.

“Lyra.” Woah, it feels weird calling her name like that. “I have an idea.”


*****


It was nearly the end of lunch and Twilight and her friend couldn’t believe their eyes. Lyra was fighting with Lyra. Everyone dashes towards them, although everyone except Twilight seem really eager to catch up. And catch them.”

“Got ya!”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack, and Rarity and Sunset Shimmer held down the two Lyras not giving them a chance to escape. But then is the predicament as Fluttershy flatly points out.

“So which Lyra is which?” Everyone groans in response. After everything that Twilight had to go through she really couldn’t take any more.

“Ok you two! Which one is the real Lyra? Are you the real Lyra!? Or is it you imposter!?”

“Pinkie, they’re both real.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Hehe, guess you have to take the both of us.”

“Yeah, the both of us.”

Twilight raises her eyebrow. What exactly is Lyra planning? But before Twilight can figure out anything, the two Lyras look straight ahead towards the school. Twilight follows them and sees Bon Bon witnessing an unfathomable scene.

“Bon Bon, don’t–”

And without warning, Bon Bon drops to the floor.

“What’s with the fainting? Everyone has seen much stranger things before,” Rainbow Dash retorted.

While Fluttershy attends to the fallen Bon Bon, Twilight steps forward the two Lyras. It feels strange looking at the two of them completely identical, including their choice of clothing. Even if the concept of twins is a known phenomenon, what’s occurring before her was not the case. Even so she has to do it.

“I’m sorry, Lyra.” The two of them look up at her wondering what she’s talking about. “I didn’t treat you like a friend. I treat like you were a bothersome pony and I just didn’t care enough to focus on your project, or even try to be your friend. I hope you believe me when I say that you are my friend, Lyra. And if you’re willing to believe me then I’m willing to believe you too. I didn’t tell you about this world because I didn’t want to you to know about it. There may have been other reasons why you weren’t allowed to come here, and serious reasons at that, but that not the case with you how I treated you. I really want to start over with you, Lyra.”

The Lyra on the left being held by Applejack and Rainbow Dash began to stand, from which both of them let go. She looks straight into Twilight’s determined to express her own feelings.

“I’m sorry, too. I was acting like a child. When I found out about this world, I couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry for all the things I said before. I was just angry, you know? I’m really sorry, Twilight.”

The girls look on in astonishment; even the other Lyra smiles at this development. Both Twilight and Lyra smile at one another realising their efforts have not been in vain.
“Listen, Lyra, can I ask you come home, please? It is for a good reason.”

“Sure thing.” Lyra then turns to her other self. “It’s really good to meet you Lyra.”

“You too, Lyra.”

It is the end and finally the end, Twilight thought in relief. As lunchtime comes to a close, Twilight and Lyra say their farewells, including Bon Bon who is still confused upon the two Lyras before her. She eventually gets used to the idea that there is another world with a different Lyra. And like before, Sunset hugs Twilight warmly in a deeper embrace than everyone else.

“Come back soon, ok?”

“I will. I’ll definitely come to your concert this Sunday.”

“We’ll be waiting.”

Twilight, Spike and Lyra stand before the portal and each enter the portal without any worries.


*****


“It’s good to be back, Spike.”

“I’ll say. That was a lot of work.”

The library was just how they left it. Books still scattered, across the floor and several tables, and the doors still open when Twilight first entered them. The only differences were the two ponies standing before them being Fluttershy and Lyra.

“Welcome back, Twilight.”

“Hey Fluttershy. I’m really sorry to call you on such short notice.”

“It’s ok, Twilight. I’m just glad to help.”

Twilight motions forward to witness Lyra looking up at everything around her.

“You, ok?”

“Huh? Yeah I’m fine. Just dandy!” Twilight passes it off as nothing to worry about. It is Lyra after all and they had just made up as friends which is all well and good.
Twilight levitates Sunset’s journal from the pedestal on top of the mirror, which suddenly vibrates mid-spell. It’s quite unusual for Sunset for to contact her so quickly without further adieu she opens it to the last written page.

“I’m gonna start on dinner, Twilight. I’ll call you when it’s done.”

Twilight didn’t hear Spike who was eyeing at Lyra attempting to go through those doors. She quickly closes them before Lyra was able to leave. Lyra jumps as the doors to the library suddenly close on each other. She turns back to see Twilight cocking her head up in a stern manner. Lyra wasn’t the only one since Spike and Fluttershy also had no idea what Twilight was doing.

“Twilight?” Spike speaks up.

Twilight motions closer to Lyra and asks her an important request.

“Open the doors with your horn.”

Lyra did observe Twilight levitating the book with her horn. So it shouldn’t be that hard. That is until despite her efforts, Lyra could not produce a single ounce of magic. Spike does a face palm upon the incompetency right before them.

“How did you know?”

“I didn’t. Sunset Shimmer was the one who realised it.”

Twilight opens her journal to the same page she had just read, with the words “Did Lyra say ‘child’ or 'filly'?” inscribed on it.

“Oh…”

“Yup, that was your mistake. And it’s my fault I didn’t realise it sooner.”

“Sorry…”

“Why did you come here, Lyra?”

“I’ve always been interested in aliens and this is closest thing I get to experience an alien world. It’s a once in a lifetime chance after all and I didn’t want to lose this one chance. You’re not angry, are you?”

Twilight contemplates for a moment but offers Lyra’s counterpart a gentle smile. “Actually, I’m not. Tell you what, Lyra. Let me think of something.”


*****


Lyra was sitting on the bench once this time held down by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Lunchtime has already passed but the situation calls for it. After Sunset realised the Lyra here right now was from Equestria, the girls didn’t hesitate to capture Lyra once again. Bon Bon was with them worried upon the whereabouts of her best friend.

Sunset’s journal vibrates. Skimming through its pages she arrives at the last written page and laughs so loud that it catches everyone’s attention.

Sunset motions before Lyra and shows her Twilight’s inscription.

Let’s let them have their fun.

Below it was the contact number for Lyra’s parents in this world. Lyra couldn’t believe her eyes. Is Twilight actually serious?

“You can borrow my phone, Lyra. You’re gonna be talking to our Lyra’s parents so don’t get surprised when talk to them, ok?”

“What should I tell them?”

“Tell them you’re going to be staying over a friend’s house a couple of days. And Twilight and I we’re that would be you, Sweetie Drops.”

“What? Why me?”

“Please, Bon Bon?” Lyra holds her hand in anticipation. “I am best friends with the Bon Bon in my world, and I really want to get to know you.”

“Our Lyra suggests it as well.”

Stunned by their sudden request, Bon Bon eventually agrees prompting a bear hug from the overreacting Lyra.

Once Sunset dials the number into her phone, Lyra holds it against her ear. She almost flipped when she hears a recognisable voice on the other end of the line. Like everything else that happen today, this is another weird strange occurance for Lyra, talking to her parents in this world who sound exactly as Lyra imagined. Once the call was done, with her ‘father’ agreeing to Lyra’s sleepover, Sunset strokes Lyra’s back.

“So, are you ready?”

“I am.”

“Are you ready, Lyra?”

“I am, Twilight.”

“Well then, Lyra. Welcome to Equestria.”

“Well then, Lyra. Welcome to Canterlot High.”