- My Sweet Lyra -

"How's that sound?"

I opened my eyes lazily, coming out of the stupor that the pony next to me put me into. It was so soothing, so tranquil. I wasn't sure what to say, as usual... I straightened up a bit on the bench and turned my head to look at the instrument with a smile. She always sat oddly, but I guess it helped her with her special talent. After a moment I looked up at her.

"It was... great!" Was that all I could say? I couldn't help but look down in self-shame. It was far more than that... The music spoke to me. It filled me with a serenity beyond my calmest dreams... Every time she played it, I felt so peaceful, so without worry... Despite my lack of verbosity in my response, every response, she seemed to find it acceptable, smiling and looking down at the object in her hooves. Someday I'll be able to show her how I really feel about it.

I saw her look around for a moment, and I followed her gaze towards a clock hanging in front of that one quills and sofas shop. It was five to the hour.

"Okay, enough practice for today; let's go see Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corner. She wanted us to come over at noon." She looked at me for my acknowledgement. I looked back at her with a bit of confusion.

"What's Pinkie Pie want?" I didn't remember Pinkie Pie coming over to tell her anything before. She simply shrugged in her seat.

"Dunno, but we'd better hurry. You know how she is about being on time, almost as bad as that librarian..." I saw her roll her eyes as she fell off the bench to a stand, starting to walk towards the direction of the sweet house. Wait... Did she have a glint of scheming in her eye just then? Oh well... I took her little lyre into my mouth and carefully placed it into the knapsack she kept it in, being sure it was secure. Couldn't damage such a precious thing. I then put the straps over my shoulders and hopped off the bench to the dusty road, trotting quickly to catch up to Lyra.

It was a very nice day outside, a mostly clear sky and a cooling breeze filling the air. It was nice and quiet enough that I could see birds flying about and chirping. I looked around at all the ponies busy with their afternoon; Cheerilee seemed to be taking the little fillies on a field trip, how nice. Carrot Top was making a bit of a stir with... I forgot her name, that white avaricious pony. How irritating, disrupting day to day activities... I scoffed at it and I could hear the pony next to me giggle in response. I could see Applejack selling apples at her usual kiosk, that gray mailmare dropping a bunch of them. I remember the time she gave me all those apples from that misunderstanding... I really didn't want them all. Don't even like them that much; at least Lyra ate them.

Speaking of her, I bumped into her pale-green backside while I was distracted. I looked at her apologetically as she showed me that we had reached Sugarcube Corner.

"We're here! C'mon, let's-"

"YOU'RE HERE! I knew you'd make it!" The door swung open with a crash and Pinkie Pie was there with her loud, high-pitched, and cheerful tone. I reared back in fright as usual. Lyra seemed to be a bit less surprised. It was a wonder that there isn't a huge dent in the wall where Pinkie Pie kept slamming the door against.

"What did we make it to, Pinkie Pie?" I asked, trying to ignore her usual obnoxiousness.

"C'mon in, and I'll show you!!" She hopped inside and Lyra and I looked at each other in bemusement. Although, she seemed to be holding back an urge to smile... Maybe it was just me, though. We followed Pinkie Pie inside, shutting the door.

I could see streamers and balloons of bright colors all around. There were tables lined up with cakes, cupcakes, donuts, and other sweets of all kinds sitting neatly on them. The majority of them were colored in a way just like Lyra and I; pale green and white, blue and pink. Lyra prodded me and pointed up at a banner on the wall; it said, 'HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LYRA AND BON-BON!'

"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!" Pinkie Pie jumped out from somewhere and blew a party whistle in my face. I could feel my face turning red, and my head zipped around to see who else was here; there was nopony. I grabbed Pinkie Pie by the cheeks and looked at her sternly.

"D-did you invite anypony else??" I was a bit emotional. I let her go when she shook her head vigorously with an accompanying "Mm-mmm!" and she fell flat to the floor, only to spring up again.

"Lyra planned it! All for you! She's such a nice pony!" I looked over to Lyra who seemed to have enjoyed my overreaction. My face was getting hot again from embarrassment.

"Oh... L-Lyra...! How could I forget...?" I went to hug her close, my eyes starting to get teary, and she did the same.

"You're always so high-strung, Bon-Bon, you forget the little things!" She broke the hug and looked at me in that reassuring way only a lover could. "It's our one-year anniversary; I wanted it to be special! Sorry if it was too much of a surprise...!" I shook my head; it was an amazing gift. She was so good to me... Setting her knapsack on the ground, I made sure it was someplace it couldn't be damaged. I couldn't let it.

Just then, Pinkie Pie bounced toward us while carrying a ribbon-wrapped present, rather thin in size. Could it be... a gift? The ribbon was white, the wrapping a bright green. Just like her to match herself. It made my stomach turn tricks... I didn't deserve a gift.

"I gotcha a little something." She looked to me with that cute face of hers as Pinkie set it down in front of me. I could only blush.

"Open it, open it!" The pink pony hopped up and down as she watched me hesitate for a moment. What could this be? I bent my head down to untie the ribbon with my mouth, and then started to tear the wrapping off. I could see... there was a lyre. Hmm? I tore it some more, getting it all off... It was a book. The title was... 'How to Make a Lyre: Step-by-Step'

I couldn't believe it... I could make my own wonderful lyre, just like Lyra did. It was like a dream come true. I was speechless; I simply held up the book and stared at it silently. I'll make my own beautiful music like her, filling the air with my thoughts and emotions...

"A book? Bleh!" Pinkie Pie was chastising the gift, sticking her tongue out, but I wasn't paying attention. Lyra looked at me with concern and moved her hoof to my shoulder.

"...Bon-Bon? It's not bad, is it...?" She bit her lip and looked away guiltily for a moment, but I looked at her and started tearing up. I dropped the book and hugged her tightly, to her surprise.

"Oh... Lyra! I love it so much, I can't wait to make my own...!" I sniffled and cried over her shoulder, and she patted and rubbed me on the back. I could hear Pinkie Pie blowing her nose loudly.

"Ah, I'm glad you like it...!" She seemed relieved that the present she gave me was acceptable. I had the feeling that she was surprised at my strong reaction to it, but I was thoroughly grateful for the book either way. At that moment I realized something, breaking the hug and staring at her with my soaked eyes.

"L-Lyra, I don't have a gift for you... I didn't know our anniversary was today..." I felt rather sunken. Lyra was such a wonderful partner; she planned this private party secretly, bought me a book to make my own lovely instrument, and not least of all has stayed by my side for a year. What gift could I possibly give that would be worth it for the most perfect pony in the world...?

Lyra calmly and happily reached a hoof up and wiped my tears away, making me smile. I always loved when she did that...

"Well, I gave you something on how to make a lyre... why don't you teach me how to make some sweets?" She smiled and I stared at her wide-eyed; of course! That would make sense... Even though baking doesn't quite give the same feeling as the music, it's the least I could do; I was good at it, after all. I heard Pinkie Pie gasp sharply and loudly.

"Yeah!! Me and Bon-Bon can teach you how to make lotsa sweety-sweet treats!" I looked over to her energetic hops with a little smile. That's true, Pinkie Pie was also good at making them, of course, with her mastery at parties.

"But first... It's time to partyyyy!" The loud pony put on a party hat and blew a party whistle in my face which flapped at my nose. I sneezed rather loudly as Lyra laughed.

"Snf... Pinkie Pie, it isn't really a party with only three of us... Just a quiet get-toge-"

"Three of us?? Lyra, you said you were gonna invite more! Looks like I have to-"

"No!" Both Lyra and I jumped over to cover Pinkie Pie's mouth. Lyra snickered a bit due to the simultaneous action.

"P-Pinkie Pie, I think there was a good reason Lyra decided to keep it a secret, private party..." I looked at her with concern, and Lyra piped up.

"Yeah... Pinkie, we're both girls." Pinkie looked between the two of us for a few seconds.

"Well, DUH! You don't think I knew that!?" I shifted my sight to my partner, and gave her a stern expression.

"You didn't even tell Pinkie Pie what this anniversary was for?" I could feel my face getting warm again. It would be fairly embarrassing to tell her. Lyra stared at me and smiled apologetically, and my hoof went to my face as I massaged away a little tension. Might as well, since she's here...

"You see, Pinkie... Me and Lyra are... Partners." I looked over to Lyra nervously; she seemed to be showing the same embarrassment.

"Partners? What kinda partners? Partners in... Crime!?" She gasped and zipped under my nose and stared upward, cradling a cupcake. "You won't be stealing anything from Pinkie Pie!" Before I let her continue, I covered her mouth with a hoof and shook my head.

"It's, uh... we're... Life partners. Partners for life." My eyes got shifty and my hooves were rubbing each other. I couldn't really say it straight; was I really committed as I claim? Too embarrassed to make it official for real? Not many else really knew...

"We're lovers! Hmph!" Lyra slid over next to me and nuzzled against my cheek, snorting with her exclamation. I blushed brightly at the action, and smiled, moving a hoof to cover my blush a bit. Pinkie just seemed to stand up and roll her eyes at us.

"Well, DUH! You two are always together like, ALL the time! How could anypony NOT know??" She put her hooves on her hips and stared at us, while we looked at each other nervously. I wonder how many other ponies knew...? However, I saw that Lyra simply shook it off.

"We'll deal with that whenever! For now, let's celebrate the first anniversary..." She looked me in the eyes with her own beautiful golden irises. They came closer, and she gave me a quick kiss on the lips. Always so soft... Unfortunately, before I could get a taste or return the action, she broke it. "...that we made it official between us. Love ya, Bon-Bon." I immediately went to hug her, tears welling in my eyes uncontrollably.

"L-Love you too, Lyra..." I was so happy... How did I end up with, or deserve, such a perfect pony? I could hear Pinkie Pie sniffling and blowing her nose again.

"You two are so great together...! Okay, no guests, then! Let's get the party started with a dance!" Pinkie Pie was really nice, and accepting... but she was... Pinkie Pie. I wouldn't really know if anypony else was so accepting... Though I do get feelings about those purple pony sisters.

"Oh, yeah! I love this one!" Lyra jumped over behind Pinkie Pie as the music and lyrics started. It was a bit of a hard dance for me, but I went ahead and joined them happily, getting my hooves going. It was just a jump to the left...

---

Sniff, sniff. They were burning! Looking away from my book, I was about to jump off the stool and run to the oven, but Lyra was already bringing them out, and Pinkie Pie was happily bouncing on the side, waiting for the fresh cupcakes. Lyra quickly tossed the cupcake pan on the counter, and I walked over to take a look.

"They, uh... look..." I wasn't sure what to say. I didn't want to hurt Lyra's feelings. "...G-good...?" I tried to grin and bear it. She looked like she didn't believe me, and stuck her tongue out at them.

"Bleah, these look awful!" It didn't seem to stop Pinkie Pie, however. She grabbed one and I could hear crunching as she bit into it, making the two of us cringe. Seemed to like it, though...

"Well... at least we can make bon-bons, right?" Hopeful, Lyra stepped over to the refri- ...freezer. I put my hoof to my mouth to stifle back a laugh. The bon-bon concoction was put in the freezer before the cupcakes were even started... She was supposed to put it in the refrigerator. I saw the expression on her face as she put it on the center counter. I couldn't help but giggle loudly as I heard her hooves clunk on the hardened bon-bon mixture, and then banged the bowl on the counter fruitlessly. She looked over to me and gave me a critical look, and smiled too.

"Gimme a break, it's my first time!" I only laughed more, confusing her a moment; I tried to hold back my fit so I could speak, and I narrowed my eyes as I looked at her.

"I remember you saying that on our first night, too." Lyra blushed and looked away, smiling after a moment and rubbing the back of her head. I continued giggling; it wasn't easy to get her to blush.

"C'mon, let's try again, I'll help this time." I stepped away from my book again and walked alongside Lyra to the center counter.

"Assistant Pinkie!" Pinkie Pie popped up suddenly inbetween us, and she gave a salute.

"Another set of bon-bon ingredients, stat!" She nodded vigorously and zipped over to the cabinets. I could see that Lyra was paying close attention this time. I giggled and knew that she would make an excellent batch with my help.

---

"Hmmmmmmmmmmm..." I reached my head over and took a chocolate bon-bon into my mouth and started chewing slowly, feeling the flavor and staring at Lyra's hopeful face as she held the plate up with her magic, giving her a critical and concentrating gaze for the fun of it. With my direction, it definitely turned out well. I swallowed it and smiled, nodding at my lover.

"It's delicious, Lyra... I love it!" Lyra squealed with glee, almost tossing the bon-bons everywhere. Pinkie Pie was quick to the punch, hastily sliding around the floor and catching the ones that did fall into her mouth before they hit the ground. She chewed them happily.

"Mmm! They taste great, Lyra! Of course, after we helped!" She giggled and I joined her as Lyra rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah... I'll get it right someday, just you wait!" The determined expression in her eyes gave me chills. Love how she gets like that... I took another bon-bon into my mouth as Lyra sat next to me in her usual way, setting the plate on her belly. I guess sitting weird like that does have its uses... She really was endearing... I couldn't help but stare at her as she snacked on them.

---

I looked out the window. It was getting dark outside... I yawned instinctively.

"Wow, it's getting late already... I really had a great time, Pinkie Pie..." Lyra was staring at me. I knew that look. She was hoping I wasn't too tired for... Well... It is our anniversary, after all. I blushed a little bit as she looked at me in that way.

"Leaving ALREADY?? But... But...!" We looked over at Pinkie Pie who seemed to have put on an odd-looking costume with a bunch of random doo-hickeys on it, not the least of which was some box around her with a flag sticking out of it, plus duck flippers...

"I, um... It's getting late, Pinkie Pie, and Lyra and I want a little time alone at home..." I could feel my cheeks warm up again as I glanced over to my dear Lyra at that statement. Pinkie looked a bit disappointed, but accepted it after a moment with a happy face, tossing her... whatever it was off.

"Okey-dokey-lokey! You should come back for a biggity-big-big party this weekend! Everypony's invited for Spike's birthday! Don't forget to forget your present! Buh-bye!!" Pinkie was practically shoving us out, now; I made sure to grab the book Lyra gave me as she picked up her knapsack, and we walked out of the door only to have it slam behind us, startling me.

"Here, can I put this in your bag...?" Lyra leaned her head down so I could place my book in there. We smiled at each other as we began trotting our way towards our home.

The evening was very quiet, and it didn't sound like any noisy bugs were out yet. Many ponies were inside their houses doing their own thing, though I did see Twilight Sparkle with a magic light looking at the ground. It was an odd sight, but we shouldn't get involved, anyway.

I looked around a little bit, but my attention was mostly on Lyra. She was so beautiful, her coat a perfect green, her mane accompanying it so wonderfully... And the music... The soulful music she plays only intensifies my love for her every time she goes at it. I stumbled for a moment as I walked, feeling faint for a moment.

"You okay?" Her reassuring smile and caring words didn't help my light-headedness, but I nodded quickly, feeling a bit embarrassed. I could see we were almost home.

Stepping up to the door, Lyra quickly opened it for me with a loving 'After you~' which made me blush. She came in after me, closing the door and going into the den. She tossed her knapsack to the loveseat, making my heart turn tricks. I was always worried that it'd break whenever she threw it around...

"C-careful, dear, don't wanna damage it..." I quickly stepped over to the knapsack to open it, and delicately took out the lyre to inspect it. Looked perfect... Just like her. I sighed in relief, and Lyra looked at me without worry as she went to light the fireplace... She knew I always loved that thing...

"Don't worry 'bout it, hon. I can always make another, yeah?" That's true, she could... But the idea of one of her perfect instruments getting ruined... I couldn't stand to think of it. I smiled at her and gently set it down on the couch cushion, taking out my book from the knapsack and tossing the bag away. I then had a good little idea.

"U-um... Lyra...?" She looked to me inquisitively as I struggled with my words. How could I not for such a strong question...? "C-can you play for me...?" Her expression softened with a smile and she hopped onto the right side of the couch, sitting in her unique particular way. I could feel my heart racing, my face automatically going into a beyond happy expression. I was warm; and it wasn't just due to the blazing fireplace. Even after a year with her, the sound of that instrument has not once ceased to influence me.

I followed her onto the couch and rested across her legs, setting the book on the armrest and opening it to where I was; about halfway done. Memorizing this was really easy... I looked around the page I was on for a moment to find my place until I was interrupted by the sound of those strings. My whole body shivered for just a second as I rested limply on Lyra. Each and every time... Since the day we met in Canterlot... Those strings...

I had to have fainted for a short time, as I suddenly woke up. Lyra was still playing, which immediately soothed me once more. I had to finish reading this book, though. I had to make one of my own... I want her true approval. She'll truly love me then... Using the most of my willpower, I let the music flow through me as I read the directions and explanations in the book. It wasn't proper to do so, as I have to devote some brainpower to reading and memorizing instead of feeling her wonderful music... I felt so very guilty... But it's for a good cause, and it can't wait...

---

"How was that one?" Lyra yawned after finishing this session, stretching out her legs as she set the instrument on the other cushion. I looked at her with the most happiest, calmest face I ever had in my life.

"Beautiful... I love you, Lyra... I want us to be together forever..." I leaned over so the side of my head was at her chest. I closed my eyes and could feel her quickening heartbeat... Her warmth... Even her insides, they filled me with a serenity... I felt Lyra's legs around me as she hugged me closer, not saying a word, but I could tell she, too, wanted to be with me forever...

CRASH!!!

The sudden noise was from outside; it made us jump in place, Lyra's reaction making me fall on the other sofa cushion on my back.

"Wh-what was that!?" I exclaimed. Lyra quickly rushed to the window to see what the sound was. As I got up to follow her, I noticed there was something I was laying on... No. It couldn't be... I was afraid out of my mind to look. I was beginning to sweat. I couldn't look... But I had to know...

"Huh, looks like Derpy made a mess again..." I turned around on the couch quickly, and it was as I feared. I stared in stunned silence as I saw Lyra's perfect tool, shattered into several pieces... by my own weight. I could feel my body shaking, my senses shutting away the world, vision getting blurry, Lyra's voice becoming muffled... My hooves went to the broken instrument's sides as gently as I could, as if my desperate, cold, impure touch could bring it back to life. My own life felt like it was draining away... All I can remember afterward was the room tilting on its side, getting more blurry until it turned black.

---

"W...p... Ar...ay? Hey...! Bon-Bon! Wake up... Please?" I drifted in and out of consciousness, the only thing seeming to bring me back to the world being my lover's energetic, caring voice... My eyelids slowly parted to reveal the beautiful visage of my Lyra, whose expression brightened as I gained consciousness. As I realized I was awake again, I remembered what happened; I felt heartbroken.

"Lyra... I-I'm... I'm so sorry..." Tears were welling in my eyes. I felt so ashamed. The perfection of her lyre... ruined by my carelessness... I felt faint again. I couldn't look at it...

"Shh, shh, it's okay, Bon-Bon..." I looked into her eyes, those of concern and seemingly without a care about what just happened... I felt her warm wrist wiping away my tears... I automatically smiled. No matter how I felt, that always did the trick...

"B-but I-" Interrupted, I was, by her hoof silencing me.

"It was an accident, that's all, Bon-Bon. You shouldn't be so worried about it, I can make another one lickety-split!" I looked at her shamefully. I still made a big mistake... But... Wait!! Maybe I can make up for it!

"L-Lyra, maybe I can make up for it...! I-I've been learning how to make a lyre, s-so, I can make a replacement...!" I tried my best to give at least the littlest smile, if it would make her feel better...

"Oh, yeah! That's a great idea, sweetie..." She pecked my forehead and raised me up a bit. I was laying across her legs on the floor, and I turned myself around so my belly was down.

"I-I'm so sorry about that... again... I'll make it up to you, I promise, okay?" I couldn't help but feel constantly awful... I couldn't feel better until I make a replacement. Never until I could hear that beautiful tone once more, engineered by the most beautiful pony...

Lyra seemed to look at me with worry, but didn't ask any more about it. Her instrument seemed to have been taken out of the room; good. I couldn't bear to see it again... I held and massaged my head in frustration. She helped me to a stand as she did the same.

"Hey... It's still our anniversary, you know..." She winked at me in that certain way, and looked away as she started towards the bedroom door, purposefully pushing her hips out lustily as she walked... The sight was making me warm... But the thought of remaking Lyra's instrument was the most forward thought in my mind. After all, she always had a lyre before being with me... This is more important. I still don't want to hurt her feelings, but... I could just convince her... She'll understand. It's for her special talent. Her life, her cutie mark. Even if she leaves me, she would still have her tremendous ability... Yes, it's best...

I was already at the door to our room by the time I was resolved. It was slightly ajar. I pushed it open, and was greeted by my beautiful partner laying on her side, facing me under the moonlight... I was getting warm again, but the natural urges were once more pushed aside... I cleared my throat and walked into the room slowly, staring at her intensely.

Just then, I had just analyzed my previous thought; if she leaves me... she'd always have her skill with the instrument, along with making it. But if she leaves, her perfect instrument goes with her... Two objects of perfection... I couldn't live like that... I would rather die. I can't let it happen. She might not be thinking straight, because she's heated. She'll leave me tomorrow after she realizes what I'd done... She'll be gone, and just make herself a new lyre... Doesn't need me...

"Bon-Bon? You alright?" I could feel myself shaking considerably, luckily I don't think she was able to notice. I couldn't stand the thought of being without my perfection... I had to keep her... And her instrument... But with what... material...! That's it...!! I have it now... I know what to do. She'll be with me forever.

"O-oh, I'm... I'm just thinking of how we can make everything better, Lyra...! Um... Close your eyes..." She smiled and obliged. My perfect Lyra... I slid open the nightstand dresser with my mouth. The clean pillowcases were in there. I grabbed four and laid them over Lyra.

"Heheehee... Whatcha doin'~?" She giggled and squirmed a bit as the cloth pile was draped on her. I didn't answer; I had to get this done. Taking one pillowcase, I wrapped it around her left front hoof, tied it, then squeezed it nice and tight, making her cringe a bit.

"...Bon-Bon?" Her expression neutralized slightly, but was also inquisitive as I moved to tie the other end to the bedpost... Real nice and tight. She pulled against the post, lightly at first, then roughly. She couldn't release her hoof.

"Hmmmmmn~" She bit her lip and made a rather anxious, but anticipatory moan of approval, along with batting her tail on the bed a bit. She liked this sorta thing...? I wish I had tried it before now... I moved onto her other front hoof, then eventually hind hooves. It was a little easier afterwards as Lyra helped me with the rest.

"Can I open my eyes now~?" She seemed a little impatient, but needy. It was a good feeling... This position of power over her... My thoughts were interrupted by the scent of her musk. It was so strong, so sweet, so... overwhelming. It made me feel faint every time... All so perfect... I shook it off. I had to stay conscious.

"Of course, dear, open your eyes...!" I smiled and looked down at her as she did, and she took a look at my quick hoofwork. I was always good at tying knots... She struggled a little bit to be sure it was tight and inescapable, and sighed with approval, looking over at me. I bent over the bed and placed the side of my head on her chest again... So warm... I smiled to myself as I tucked a hoof inbetween the place under the mattress and above the box springs. Ah, good, it was still there...

"So... What's your- What is that? Wh-" I pulled out the small sickle that I kept under the bed for safety reasons. Quickly, though admittedly rudely interrupting my partner, I stuck the sharp end through her lower belly, puncturing her skin. I felt it as the blade went in just a little bit... Trailing the handle up her entire abdomen, I could feel her as her flesh strained helplessly against the sickle, slicing apart as easily as Pinkie cutting the cake earlier. I saw the dark blood trickle down her sides in the moonlight, hearing the gentle, wet sound of her outer shell being parted, opening up her cavity.

I turned my head over to look at Lyra as I set the weapon aside, still feeling her heartbeat, which was increasing. Her face seemed to be in shock, frozen in a stare... I feel bad for not telling her what my plan was, but...

She gasped, and after a moment she was breathing heavily, looking down at me and speaking painfully.

"B-Bon-Bon, w-wh-what're you d-doing!?" Tears were forming in her eyes... I hated seeing her cry... It was making me a bit sad, too.

"Lyra, don't cry... I just want us to be together... You'll be with me... Forever, I promise, and I won't make any more mistakes... I was getting a little teary, myself. Did Lyra not want to be with me forever...? I couldn't bear the thought... I had to work fast...

"I-I f-forgive you...! Really...! P-please stop..." She was sniffling and wincing in pain, clearly not wanting to continue... I could tell from her face that she wasn't sincere. She was lying to me... No, it couldn't be, could it...? Lyra couldn't be like that to me, not on our anniversary...

"But... Lyra... We'll be together forever after we're done... I promise... Just trust Bon-Bon one last time... Please...?" I gave her a petit smile, and she remained silent; her heartbeat was still accelerating. It was pumping so hard, so fast... I had to move on so that she could see how devoted I was to her...

I stood up again over my love, so that I was looking straight down at the opening in her body. Leaning down, I could feel her body heat radiate from inside... I had to see... Gently, I pried apart the two sides of the opening in her skin. I could hear her groaning and wincing loudly, her breathing ever more frequent...

"Shh... It'll be over soon, Lyra... I promise..." I felt the blood on my hooves. It was so warm... But not as warm as her inner heat... I looked at it with awe... Her stomach and intestines churning, giving the love of my life, well... life. I needed to feel her life, too... Closer than ever...

My face smushed against her meaty coils. She cried out in pain... I wish she would understand... I could feel her warmth. The energy that drives her every day, pulsing and moving. To be this close to your love...

"Engh... D-don't do this... B-Bon-Bon... I-I love you... D-don't...!" She was in so much pain... But she had to see that I truly loved her more than anything... Than anypony. Even more than what pleasure that her special talent could ever offer, I was sure of it... I wanted to show her that. Still, even though she was in so much physical pain because of me, she managed to squeeze out that she loved me... It made me smile. She always made me smile so easily...

"I love you too, Lyra..." I rotated my head on her to look at her so that I could speak. I could hear the churning inside... I wanted to feel it more. I moved over and grabbed the end of her large intestine tightly with my mouth. Her inner body tasted so perfect as well... I yanked hard so as to disconnect this end from her body, and she screamed once more, writhing in agony, helpless against the pillow ties...

"Please, Lyra, don't let the pain get to you... Let our love overpower it... It hurts me, too... But my love for you is greater than anything..." I held her colon in my arm, moving to separate the other end from the small intestine. She squirmed and yelled again, continuing to breathe high and heavy. I wanted to watch her lungs move... But I had to wait. This part of her first...

Standing up, I held her intestine at one end and pushed along the length of it, so as to get rid of the impure matter within her... I heard the air expel out of it, and watched as the soft brown waste fell to the ground in a neat pile. There was quite a bit...

"Lyra, you ate too much cake..." I giggled a little bit and started to wrap the intestine around me, starting from the nape of my neck, going around my chest and belly... I couldn't help but let out a joyful moan as I hugged it to me. It was so warm and wet of her juices... This was her. This was my Lyra.

Her juices... I could see them. A stream of urine was coming out from between her sweet nether lips, when so soon ago her sex exuded the scent and drippings of a true mare... Even so, this was close, too... I stepped over to the end of the bed and watched her liquids drain out wastefully. Quickly, I leaned down to catch it; first with my face. It splattered over me, drenching my forehead and dripping down my face and neck. It was so hot... And the smell... No, not enough... I wanted the taste, too... I moved closer to cup my mouth around her opening so as to catch it all. It filled my mouth quickly, overwhelming my taste buds with her amazing, perfect flavor, so I swallowed as much as I could, the hot liquids tickling my throat... I continued until she abruptly stopped, though I couldn't help but let some run off my lips and down my neck... It felt so wonderful on my fur, as well...

With a gulp I looked up at my lover again, who was shivering, likely from being in too much pain...

"The physical pain will be over soon, love... And then, then we can be together for all eternity..." Her colon that I made into a scarf was beginning to cool down. It wasn't the same... I had to have her warmth... Discarding it by tossing it onto the floor, I moved over to the side of the bed again to look down and figure out the next part of Lyra I had to connect with, looking into her abdominal cavity and figuring out what could be coming...

Looking at her face, she seemed out of breath and calm... Was she being overcome with my love? She wasn't wincing or groaning in pain anymore...! I felt so happy! I fell onto her and hugged her lightly shuddering body, kissing her nose and resting the side of my head on her chest once more. Her heart was still beating, but only just a bit now... Her golden, vibrant eyes continued to glow faintly in the moonlight, but she was slowly closing them...

"Lyra, Lyra, don't go to sleep yet...! I need to show my love for you... Just one more thing..." Her heart. That was it, the true center for what gave my sweet pony her life. I crawled onto the bed and laid on top of her, sitting up on my knees and directing my eyes to her chest. I had to have it, to feel its warmth, its life... The truest part of Lyra.

I bent over to grab the handle of the sickle again, and stuck the point just under her neck, puncturing just the outer skin and getting her sweet juices to drip around there and onto the bed. She cried out again, loudly; it hurt me that she was still feeling such pain, but soon, she won't feel any pain anymore, only her and my love...

Dragging it down to meet the other, earlier opening, the sickle made one big hole inside her for me to look at all of her insides at once. I could see her ribs clearly, along with her lungs and stomach... All moving on their own, pulsing and vibrating with each of her pained, shallow breaths... I pushed aside her smaller organs... There it was, her heart... Red and filled with energy. I set the sickle aside on the bed, scooting closer and stomping on her ribcage repeatedly, breaking it into many pieces. I tried to do my best to move the ribs out of the way of the heart. I listened painfully to my lover's shouts and yells as it crunched and splintered apart... I had to keep going.

After a few moments, I stopped, staring down in awe at my lover's deepest and most valuable piece of their body. My own heart was aflutter as I bent my body over and got my face close. Her warmth... It was so close to me... My cheek gently cushioned it. I heard Lyra grunt a bit, and saw her tighten her muscles. Her beating increased, only adding to the pool of blood on our bed and the stains on her pristine fur...

I could feel its pulsations on my face. The churning of blood, the pumping of her life, the core of her essence. I wanted it... Needed it... Turning my head to prod it with my nose, I sniffed at it a moment before taking an anxious, shaky deep breath in, and then breathed hot on it. I could see Lyra looking down at me, shaking, but also a bit calm... Maybe she knew what was coming... I could barely continue, but I must...

My jaw opened slightly, and I moved forward, feeling the pumping organ on my lips and teeth. I bit down with a squishing sound. The hot, dark juices filled my mouth and ran down my chin and the sides of my lips, dripping onto her other organs. It was so wonderful... Lyra's essence... It was inside me... I swallowed it, feeling its warmth slide down my esophagus and into my stomach. I could feel it giving me strength. It was her love for me... I needed as much as I could.

"Oh... Lyra..." I took in all the love that I was able from Lyra's now-tiring heart, moaning with pleasure as I suckled. The taste was sublime, entrancing. My mind was in a haze from how good it felt. I would be overcome and go unconscious if it wasn't for the power of my love for her keeping me going...

The heart's contents finally gave way. I looked at her face. She exhaled one final breath, and I had sworn I heard the word 'Bon-Bon' come from her lips. It made me so happy... I felt my face smile broadly, and I sat up to look her over. She was so perfect, no matter what happened to her...

She wasn't moving anymore... Her blood stopped coming out of her torn skin, and her organs became slowly inert until they stopped. Lyra was... Gone from this body. Her life was absorbed by my love, I could feel her. Lyra was truly with me.

After a moment I realized that I may have gone on too long. I needed to get started... Lyra's replacement lyre. I had to make it, make it with her. It would be the most perfect instrument in all of Equestria... No, the universe, all existence. It will be.

Quickly, I grabbed the sickle and cut away the binding pillowcases from her hooves, and turned her body over in the bed gently. The bedsheets were soaked with her red essence, as they will be forever. I directed the sharp instrument to the base of her head, dipping it under the skin gently, then slicing with it all the way down her spine, revealing the cord glistening in the moonlight. This was the base, her support, her drive. This held things firm in place...

I used the sickle to slice the top of it, to detach it from her head. I then used my hooves to stomp the back of her ribcage off her spine, hearing it crunch again and seeing the pieces break apart and puncture her other organs. Moving the ribs off, I tore her spine out of her body easily... It was like a snake, in the way it was able to bend. I held it up to my face and gave a lengthy lick along it. Every part of her had a wondrous taste...

I stopped after a moment. I needed to get to work replacing the perfect lyre that she had created... I committed everything in the book that Lyra gave me to memory. It was necessary. I'm positive that I can make this work...

Bending her spinal cord into a letter U-shape, I noticed it seemed to be just the right size and shape for a lyre... It looked so fitting, so perfect. I turned Lyra's lifeless body over again, some of her other organs having fallen out of her abdominal cavity onto the bedsheets. Taking her ribcage's sternum with a hoof and setting it down, I broke off the rib connectors on one side and also the top end, leaving it looking like it had pegs. Perfect size and shape for the strings...

The strings... I just realized I did not have any string. No... it couldn't be. I wasn't prepared... I was about to shout in frustration when my gaze went by Lyra's body again. Her mane... Her mane! That was it...! Even after death, a unicorn's body still has magic in places... Their mane was one.

I turned her head toward me, her face in an expression of deep sleep. Even with her life gone, she still looked so sweet... I shook off the momentary feeling. I needed to complete this. My eyes shifted to her horn. In the back of my mind I was glad that Lyra did not try to escape my taking of her life with magic... But would she have done so if she truly loved me? I smiled. It had to be true, then. She really loved me... I don't believe a lack of concentration due to physical pain would be accurate, no. I've seen far worse, and she had many chances... Lyra loved me and and wanted me to continue. I love her so much...

I let out an exhilarated sigh filled with love. I needed to concentrate on what I was doing... Her mane would be the perfect string for tying everything together... Magical mane strands are nearly unbreakable, normally. Leaning down with my red-stained mouth, I plucked a couple green strands from her head, and set the two lyre parts together with my hooves. Very carefully, I started to tie together one end. Luckily, I've always been good at tying things real tight. I guess making knots and pulling tight and such is just a side effect from all the taffy I've made before.

One end down. I tested it; very tight with just a couple strands. I added a few more for good measure, and repeated the action with the other side. There...

After a while, I managed to get a D-shaped instrument. It was not quite ready... The final touch was needed. I took a single white strand of her mane and laid it as the center string, tying it around the center of the arm of the lyre. I then brought it up to tie it around the crossbar 'pegs' where they all stretch to. I pulled almost as tight as I could to be sure the string was nice and tight, so that it would make the proper sound.

I plucked the string once just to test if it was alright; the result was overwhelming. I could feel Lyra within me, as if the magical mane strand was resonating with the life I had consumed. The feeling put me into a momentary euphoria that was beyond anything I had ever felt before, despite the fact that I could not hear much of a sound, not with my ears. It did, however, touch my soul in a way that could not be explained at all, not one bit...

I regained my senses once more after a minute. I had to continue. After knowing what I do now... I needed to finish it. I plucked out two green mane strands to work outward from the first.

After quite a long time, I finished it... It was done, all seven strings. The replacement lyre for Lyra that I had broken... This was the truest essence of Lyra, and it could only be heard by me and my love for her. I stared down at my work with pride. This is what love truly meant... Our connection was deeper than anything...

I resisted touching the strings for a moment so that I could look at my partner's body once more. Her body was so frail without her life, breaking easily like that... If only her body could have kept her perfe-... Wait...! Maybe there's still time...! I needed to get over to Pinkie Pie's house, and fast. If I hurry, I still may be able to...! Kissing my love's body on the cheek, I brushed her mane out of her eyes, looking lovingly at her as I set her lyre down as gently as possible, leaning on her shoulder. I quickly ran out of the bedroom, into the living room, and out the door, shutting it silently. I needed to get to Sugarcube Corner and get Pinkie over here... I may have been covered in my lover's life juice, but I had to move fast, and luckily nopony was outside this late... Pinkie Pie was so accepting and sweet to us. I knew she could help...

-----

"Hmm? I wonder who that could be? I'll take a look, Lyra." I heard the door being knocked on as I walked by Lyra, sitting in her usual way on the right side of the sofa. Her lyre was on the other side of the couch, leaning on the armrest. I walked out of the den and to the living room and front door, opening the top section and poking my head out.

"Yes...? Oh! Pinkie Pie! It's good to see you!" I smiled and opened the lower part of the door, walking out a little. It was good of her to come over, she's been busy with a lot of party planning lately.

"Hiya Bon-Bon! Didja like the party lastnight? Didja, huh, huh?" She bounced up and down. I giggled a bit.

"Yes, of course! I'm just sad that Lyra couldn't go, though." I gave a disappointed expression with a smile. It was unfortunate, really. Pinkie did a short inhale of surprise.

"Aww... Oh well! So how IS Lyra lately? I haven't seen her since... Well, that time you were all like, 'Come help!' and I was all like, 'Sure!'" Giggling a little, I backpedaled out of the doorway so as to invite her inside.

"She's doing fine, come and see for yourself!" I smiled as she walked inside, and I closed the door behind her. Motioning her to follow me, I stepped over to the den where the fireplace was crackling, and the candle was lit next to the loveseat. Lyra was simply staring forward at the roaring fire happily. I ran over to the other cushion and moved her lyre onto the lamp stand carefully before laying down across my love's lap.

"See, Lyra's great! We're so happy together..." I smiled and nuzzled under the nape of my love's neck. Pinkie Pie hopped up and down happily.

"Aww, that's super-fab-tacular-tastic!" She stepped over to us and looked Lyra in the face, and my love simply stared back with her happy expression. "Boy, I'd hate to get into a staring contest with Lyra!" We both giggled heartily. After a moment I let out a sigh and looked at Pinkie Pie with a caring expression.

"Pinkie, once again I'm so glad that you helped me make sure Lyra could stay with me forever and ever. We're really happy together..." I laid my head down in Lyra's lap and moved her forelegs so that they would lay over my back. It felt nice...

"Nooo problem! Lyra gave me good practice! I'm really positive now about keeping friends forever and ever and ever and ever!" She nodded her head up and down vigorously. Then, I remembered something.

"...Oh, Pinkie, one more thing."

"Yes?" She tilted her head in that cutesy way.

"When my number comes up... Could you... do the same to me, so Lyra and I can be together for all time...?" I felt a little embarrassed asking the question, but I needed to. Our love was the most important thing in the world to us; to me, I believe that when our lives end, I want everypony to know how much we loved each other.

"Okey-dokey-lokey! I'll remember! Oh yeah, and I moved Derpy up, just like you asked!" I exhaled a sigh of relief. Good, the biggest thing I was worrying about... I was so glad. Pinkie was really great to us... "Oh, ohmygosh! I forgot, I have a party to make! Seeya!" Before I could respond, she zipped out of the room and out the door, slamming it behind her.

"...Thank you so much, Pinkie, for giving us the chance..." I sat up on the couch, mimicking my love's method of sitting, and scooted over to her side, snuggling up to her. I reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the instrument made from Lyra with both hooves, carefully setting it in my lap, and I held it up with my right hoof so that I could play it with the other. Leaning my cheek on Lyra's, I closed my eyes and ran the tip of my hoof across the strings repeatedly.

Every time... The music that I can feel from it... Wondrous... It filled me with life. Lyra's life. The magic of her body and soul flowed throughout my own. It resonated with my sensitive heartstrings, making my body warm and tingly all over. I trembled and breathed heavily out of being overcome with the feelings, almost fainting, as I usually do when I play it at length...

I stopped momentarily, coming back to this world. Opening my eyes a little I looked at my eternal love and her unchanging expression of happiness. My hoof went to Lyra's far cheek. I kissed the cheek on my side passionately, whispering to her over the crackling fireplace, my words weighing heavily on my heart by my truest sincerity.

"We're together forever, my sweet Lyra."

- End -