Soft humming filled the air as a young, pale yellow pegasus tended all of her animal friends. She was just wrapping up for the morning. Today was usually the day that she and Rarity would go to the spa together. However, the unicorn had been forced to postpone the spa meeting for a trip to Manehatten. Fluttershy did not mind and certainly hoped that she had fun at Manehatten with Pinkie Pie. Rarity's business was booming and when an opportunity to travel there arose she simply had to jump on it. Fluttershy understood this, though it did leave her with a free afternoon to fill.
A thought occurred to her as she looked around her small cottage. Stuffed animals were overflowing every nook and cranny of available space. They made the cottage feel a little too crowded, particularly when all of her animal friends were visiting. Though she simply could not resist a well made plush animal every once in a while occasionally she got a little carried away. Usually when out shopping with Rarity or Pinkie Pie. With a smile she started to gather up a few of the ones least dear to her specifically. Perhaps Twilight, Spike or Starlight would appreciate them in the castle.
The pegasus quickly brushed her pink flowing mane to remove any imperfections. Her animal friends enjoyed resting in or playing with her mane and often left it in rather a mess. It was best to simply give it a quick once over before she left her house, so as to avoid any build up. Satisfied with her appearance she walked out, carrying two bulging saddlebags.
After an uneventful stroll, Fluttershy arrived at the castle. Pushing one of the huge doors open a crack she slipped inside. As the door closed, Fluttershy started to look for her friends. The library was the most likely place Twilight would be. Smiling slightly, she thought back to the times before the castle. Golden Oak Library had been Twilight's joy. That small and humble little place had helped them solve numerous problems. Though the new castle was much more impressive they would all have many memories of the old tree library for a very long time.
Once she found the library, Fluttershy gently called out from the doorway. It was much easier than trying to find anyone among the shelves. Sure enough, as had been expected, Twilight answered her call.
“Fluttershy! Hello! Come in!” came the excited response.
Fluttershy nodded and made her way deeper into the library. Only a few moments later Twilight appeared before her, having emerged from behind one of the ceiling high bookcases. Extending a wing, she pointed Fluttershy towards a set of cushions where they could talk comfortably.
“Anything I can help you with?” Twilight asked, settling down on a plump, deep purple cushion.
Fluttershy took her seat on an equally comfortable yellow cushion. After removing her saddlebags she turned to Twilight who was waiting patiently for a response.
“Oh nothing really. I just came over to see if you wanted any more stuffed animals. I seem to have ended up with too many again. I brought a few over.”
So saying she opened the saddlebags with her hooves and let the contents spill out onto the floor. Twilight's eyes widened as she saw the number of plush animals that cascaded to her feet. Gingerly she picked one up and examined it. An exquisitely made stuffed crocodile that was soft to the touch and pleasing to look at. She already had plenty of Fluttershy's stuffed animals in her own bedroom. Though there were two other residents of the castle who would appreciate them as well.
“Thank you Fluttershy. These are lovely. I am sure we can find a place for these in the castle.”
“I'm glad. It's always nice to see them used. As I get more some of my older ones get put to the side and that just seems like such a shame.”
“I know what you mean,” Twilight nodded, thinking to all her old books which she had tried to sell during the Trade Fair. She had wanted them to be useful to others and though she had decided to hold onto them, she could appreciate Fluttershy's predicament.
“So? How are things?” Fluttershy asked.
“Great. I was just replacing a book on baking that Pinkie returned on her way to Manehatten. I may have gotten a little distracted re-organising that particular shelf though,” Twilight replied, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof and giving a sheepish grin.
Fluttershy giggled lightly. When it came to books Twilight was a whole new level of obsessive. It was something her friends had come to accept as a given very quickly. The butterscotch pegasus' ears pricked up as Twilight addressed her.
“What about you? How are things with you?”
“Oh. Things are lovely, thank you. I was just wondering what to do with my afternoon since Rarity had to postpone our spa session.”
“I see,” Twilight muttered, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
After only a moment an idea struck her. The light bulb popped on inside her head and a wide smile spread across her face. If Fluttershy was willing, then this idea would help a few things into motion. Plus it would mean Fluttershy would not have to miss out on her spa session.
“What if you went to the spa with Starlight instead of Rarity?” Twilight suggested.
The suggestion caught Fluttershy a little off guard. It was not something she had even considered. While she loved visiting the spa with Rarity and all her friends she was never the one to lead the event. Taking one of her other friends never even occurred to her. However, with Starlight things were a little different. The mare was still a bit of an anomaly in their little group and often her reactions felt alien to Fluttershy. Some of her uncertainty must have reached her face because Twilight continued apologetically.
“Sorry, was that a bad idea? I just thought it might help you both. That way you don't have to go alone or miss out and Starlight can see a little more of Ponyville. But if you don't want to that's fine. It was just a suggestion.”
The alicorn hoped with all her heart that she was getting through that it was just a suggestion. She did not want her friends to feel pressured into helping her or anything like that. They had been through too much with her and indeed for her already.
Fluttershy smiled slightly and quickly allayed Twilight's fears.
“I know Twilight. It's fine. I'm just not as into the spa as Rarity is. But it does seem like a nice idea to take Starlight out of the castle for a while. I'm just not sure I'm the right pony for the job.”
“I understand,” Twilight nodded. “Spike left on a trip to Canterlot earlier this morning or I would suggest he goes with you and I have an appointment with Mayor Mare in an hour...”
Fluttershy did not have to hear any more after that. She now knew exactly what Twilight wanted. Ever since Starlight had been added into their circle of friends Twilight had been loathe to leave her alone. Practicality and the worry that she would drive Starlight away kept Twilight from smothering her as she wished she could. Fluttershy herself felt a certain protectiveness towards the mare, though a much less outspoken one. All of her progress would be for nought if she was sparked to spiral into darkness once more. Loneliness was the catalyst for her first venture down the twisted path. Loneliness, her own instability and a frayed outlook on life.
Despite her misgivings about her own confidence, Fluttershy reasoned that a trip to the spa would be a perfect way to spend some one on one time with Starlight. Ever since her reform she had gravitated more towards Twilight and Spike. If they were truly to be her friends then everyone else would have to step up to the plate a little. Fate decreed that now it would be her turn. Renewed in her determination, Fluttershy nodded.
“I can go and see what Starlight says at least,” she said gently. “It's not really for us to decide ourselves.”
“True enough,” Twilight sighed heavily, her brow furrowing slightly. “I'm sorry...I just don't want anything to happen.”
“It won't,” Fluttershy smiled, getting to her hooves and picking up her saddlebags once more. “I'll take some of these to her.”
“Good idea.” Twilight replied, though her voice sounded distant and her unfocused stare was fixed on the wall.
Leaving Twilight to her thoughts, Fluttershy let herself out of the library and made her way to Starlight's room. She allowed herself to frown slightly, all of the doors looking the same certainly did not help with navigation. It was no wonder Starlight had often found herself lost. Finding the mare's room was fairly easy. Starlight had taken up residence in the last guest room of that hallway. A muffled thump caused Fluttershy to jump, taking two steps back in her surprise. Starlight's voice grumbled from behind the door.
“Great! Starlight you clumsy fool!”
Fluttershy swallowed visibly. She forced herself not to back out now. Twilight was counting on her. If she could be instrumental in reforming Discord then she could do this. Edging her way forwards, she made it to the door. Raising her hoof Fluttershy knocked three times, very quietly. The scrambling on the other side told her that she had been noticed regardless. Moments later and the door was cloaked in teal magic before being pulled open to reveal a rather flustered Starlight backdropped by a very messy room. Seeing Fluttershy, her face lit up and she beamed.
“Hi! Can I help you?”
Fluttershy could not restrain herself from peering in to see the mess of Starlight's room. It was an oddity, the mare usually loved everything to be organised. Just like another purple magic user everyone knew. Noticing her gaze, Starlight felt heat rise to her cheeks and a faint blush formed there.
“Sorry about the mess. I'm writing a letter to Sunburst but I just can't seem to find the right words and...got a little flustered looking for inspiration.”
“Oh it's no problem,” Fluttershy said gently. “Do you need any help?”
“Oh...not really,” Starlight chuckled, waving her right forehoof dismissively. “I need to get this on my own. Thank you though. Is there anything I can help you with?”
Fluttershy smiled slightly and turned to once more open her saddlebags. Starlight's eyes widened slightly at the volume of stuffed animals.
“I just wanted to ask if you would like some of these. My cottage is getting a little bit crowded,” Fluttershy started, deciding it was best to start off with the easier of her two missions.
“I see,” Starlight nodded. “Just, give me a second.”
Ducking back inside her room she closed the door. Fluttershy was left to stand outside. Her only reaction was to blink as the space behind the closed door suddenly exploded with the sound of movement. Merely moments later Starlight was back in the doorway once more. Her room was now in a more orderly state, with only her writing utensils strewn across her desk.
“Much better...Sorry, that was getting on my nerves. Come in,” Starlight beckoned, standing aside to allow the pegasus inside.
A wave of memories suddenly assailed Fluttershy. The only other time Starlight had invited her into a space had been back at her town. Back then they had been sworn enemies. Despite being the most open to the concept of the town Fluttershy had been terrified once the unicorn had revealed her true colours. Now, even though there was no hint of malice within Starlight, Fluttershy felt her resolve start to fade. As much as she did not want to, she could not help but to associate the mare who stood before with the mare who had almost stolen everything from her.
Starlight tilted her head at the shy pegasus' strange behaviour. She looked back into her room, trying to see what was making Fluttershy act so worried. Seeing nothing she came to the only conclusion. Her stomach dropped like a stone and her heart felt like it would crack. Of course Fluttershy would have misgivings. How could she have been so stupid and insensitive? Fluttershy was the one who had been the most personally involved in bringing her down. She had been the one forced to share a home with one who had stolen everything from her. The current situation was probably causing all sorts of feelings to boil and bubble up to the surface. Her hoof came up and smacked into her head with an audible thunk!
“I'm sorry...” Starlight mumbled from behind her foreleg. It was something she would be saying for a long time to come.
What Starlight had not expected was for Fluttershy to say the exact same thing in unison with her. The two mares regarded each other for a moment that seemed to stretch for an eternity. Starlight's visage quickly morphed into one of confusion. Bringing her hoof back down to the ground, she asked.
“Why are you apologising? You're not the one who was completely and utterly evil. That was me.”
“I know,” Fluttershy muttered. “But I still shouldn't be acting like this. You're trying to change and I know that, I just...keep thinking back to the village. I trusted you, I thought what you were doing was good.”
“So did I.” Starlight said weakly. “Truly, but that doesn't excuse my actions... You and your friends have every right to hate me.”
“Starlight, we don't hate you...None of us do. But memories can sometimes take a long time to go away. I'm sure you've heard of Discord?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah...Twilight told me about him but suggested I probably shouldn't meet him yet. She mentioned he was a bit uhh...hard to get along with.”
“A little,” Fluttershy admitted. “Once you get to know him he's really sweet and funny but he does have his moments... I also think he enjoys messing with Twilight, which may have soured her to him slightly.”
Starlight nodded. She had gotten that impression herself from Twilight's description. While Discord's magic sounded fascinating and was something that Starlight would very much like to study, she knew that now was probably not the best time to add any more unpredictability into her life.
“Anyway, the girls still don't trust him completely... a lot of what he did is still fresh in our minds. It'll go away, but everyone needs time.”
“I understand,” Starlight said softly.
She knew just how long feelings and memories could remain. Her own problems were caused because she could not let go. One day she might be fully forgiven, but for now she simply had to try to make herself a better pony. Today, tomorrow, the next day...every day one more step. She had made progress, but no one, especially herself, had expected this to be a quick process.
Meanwhile Fluttershy was slowly working up her courage. She had come here with two intentions after all. The first one had fallen through and the second one would be even more difficult for her. However, she had promised Twilight that she would try. The last thing she wanted was her friend in a constant state of worry. Taking a deep breath, she formed the words and thought them over carefully before releasing them as a simple question.
“Would you like to go the spa with me?”
It was blunt and out of the blue. Starlight raised an eyebrow at the question, staring quizzically at Fluttershy. Said timid pegasus recoiled a little.
“Sorry... I, promised Twilight I would ask and well I know it's probably not the best thing to ask after what just happened but...” Fluttershy's stammering quickly became unintelligible and she eventually trailed off into a silence which hung in the air.
Starlight was deep in thought. Twilight had most likely brought up the suggestion so that she would not be alone during the meeting with Mayor Mare. The gesture was appreciated, though something else was crossing Starlight's mind. After searching her memories and coming up blank, she questioned.
“Umm, what's a spa?”
Fluttershy jumped a little. Of all the responses that was one of the least expected. Being close friends with Rarity and listening to her speak so passionately about the importance of a good spa date made the question sound odd. Just another reminder that Starlight was an outsider, not just to their group but in some ways to society in general. Her town had been isolated, devoid of anything but the barest essentials.
“Oh...well, it's a place where ponies go to relax, and you do look like you could use some relaxation,” Fluttershy pointed out.
Starlight turned and glanced at herself in the vanity mirror. Certainly not the worst she had looked, but definitely not her best appearance. Her stance was off due to long hours poring over her failing letter and her eyelids were heavy over her gritty eyes. She rubbed her hoof across her face to try and push away the heaviness. Her efforts were temporarily effective. The spa sounded like a nice new experience at least; she was eager to try.
“Well, I'm always up for trying something new,” Starlight stated, unable to keep the excitement from her tone.
Fluttershy nodded her head. She was glad that the weight in the air had lifted. Her own misgivings were leaving her as well and her unease was gradually dissipating. Hopefully the spa would do them both some good and give Fluttershy some time to get to know Starlight. Properly this time if all went well. Putting the past few minutes behind them the pair made their way out of the castle and into Ponyville.
“So...this is the spa?” Starlight asked when they came upon the quaint, out of the way building.
“Yes,” Fluttershy smiled, making her way inside.
Following behind her, Starlight was immediately overwhelmed by the thick scents wafting through the air. Various shampoos, oils and herbal mixtures filled the air with their smells. Starlight turned to gauge Fluttershy's reaction and was surprised to see the pegasus completely at ease. Her eyes watered profusely as the onslaught continued to cling to her nostrils. Resisting the urge to immediately duck back out she tried to regulate her breathing again. Hopefully soon she would grow used to the new sensations. Or she might just take the ducking out option.
“This is...interesting,” Starlight coughed, finding it exceedingly difficult to not breathe while speaking at the same time.
Unable to bear the weighty air any longer Starlight instinctively cast a spell to filter the air around her and alleviate her discomfort. Several heads, including Fluttershy's turned towards her. That had been a little too powerful it seemed. Though it did have the desired effect. Aloe walked over to her and Fluttershy felt herself wilt in behalf of the unicorn next to her. Starlight however simply waited for whatever complaint was about to be thrown at her with an even expression.
“Excuse me, could you kindly refrain from using magic like that. Our scents are supposed to calm the body and mind. They are relaxing.”
Starlight blinked. “I'm not really sure how anypony could find that relaxing.”
Aloe narrowed her eyes slightly, while Fluttershy gently nudged Starlight's side. Taking the cue from the cowering mare, Starlight lowered her head a little and grumbled.
“Alright alright, sorry. I can reverse the spell. Here...”
So saying the unicorn removed her magic from the air, once more reeling visibly because of the overpowering aromas. Aloe's demeanour brightened considerably. It was all just a little misunderstanding clearly. Smiling now, she asked.
“I assume you are new to the spa?”
“It's her first time inside one,” Fluttershy answered, saving Starlight the trouble of fighting with the air.
“Ah, well come this way. We can take you to one of the back rooms so you can adjust.”
“That would be lovely,” Fluttershy smiled.
“If you say so,” Starlight muttered dryly, trying to breathe as shallowly as possible without using her nose.
Aloe rolled her eyes slightly but said nothing else as she led the pair into a room where the aromas were less intense. Inhaling deeply, Starlight finally started to breathe normally again once they had left the main spa room.
“It can get a bit overwhelming if the baths are being used,” Fluttershy said sympathetically.
“I'm guessing you get used to it,” Starlight snorted, flopping down onto her haunches.
“Mostly,” Fluttershy smiled, taking a seat next to her. “It is really relaxing, though I guess someponies take to it more than others.”
“Great, looks like I'm difficult apparently,” Starlight snorted, before shrugging her shoulders. “It is a lot nicer in here though.”
“Yes, it is. Though maybe this was a bad idea...” Fluttershy started. “I don't want you to be uncomfortable.”
“We're here now, and I am curious at just how good this can be. Every pony else seems to be enjoying themselves.”
The two mares waited in the room for a few more minutes. Every so often Starlight would stand up and walk over to the door. Opening it slightly she would force herself to take a whiff of the main spa room. The first three times were similar to her initial reaction but after the fourth she felt a little more at ease. Breathing was easier and the smell did not instantly make her feel constricted.
“Better?” Fluttershy asked, standing and moving over to the door to stand next to her.
“Yes,” Starlight replied, shaking head slightly. “It is rather amazing how first impressions can be overwritten...I'm glad mine was.”
Fluttershy nodded, though said nothing on the subject. Continuing that conversation in public was not the wisest of ideas, for several reasons. Starlight turned towards her, changing the subject herself.
“So, what do we do now?”
“Oh, umm let's go and find Aloe again,” Fluttershy suggested, making her way towards the pink spa pony.
Seeing them approach, Aloe smiled and called Lotus over to her before addressing the two ponies.
“All ready now?” she asked.
Both Starlight and Fluttershy confirmed this and Lotus asked,
“Excellent, and what would you like today?”
This question made Starlight turn expectantly towards Fluttershy, who froze. This was what she had been afraid of. Rarity was always the one to make these kinds of decisions. Now with the attention on her to make a decision not only for her but for Starlight she panicked. If she chose wrong then Starlight might not enjoy herself, or worse. Her eyes darted around nervously as she tried to search for an answer in her surroundings. Nothing came to her. Seeing the spa ponies starting to get a touch impatient, Starlight quickly grabbed a leaflet and scanned it. She put her hoof on something that looked fairly basic.
“This please,” she called out, turning the attention on her.
Both spa ponies assessed her choice and nodded once again.
“Okay, right this way please.”
Starlight and Fluttershy followed behind. The latter leaned into the former and whispered.
“Thank you, I'm no good with decisions.”
“That's fine. I just picked something that looked pretty simple,” Starlight sighed, showing Fluttershy just what she had chosen.
“Oh, that looks similar to what Rarity and I used to get.”
“Looked okay to me,” Starlight shrugged. “Though we'll see because I have no idea what half of that stuff even means. Why would I want to bathe in mud?”
She wanted to seem eager and upbeat, but the new experience was rubbing off on her badly. She was not in control any more, there were a lot of rules she was still unaware of. Ponyville would not bend to her, she would have to adapt. Something she only hoped she would be able to do. Fluttershy looked down. The last thing she needed was for Starlight to recoil and never want to leave the castle with her or anyone again. The first thing was a simple stay in the steam room, though it would not be until the mud bath that they would have time to talk out of earshot.
Despite the apprehension of their new customer Aloe and Lotus took everything in stride. When the unicorn was insistent that she could put on her own robe they simply stepped back and helped Fluttershy into hers. Once in the steam room both spa ponies left them to their own devices, only stepping in to top up the steam. The room itself was pleasant enough. Starlight became accustomed to her surroundings quickly and simply let the warmth soothe her. All the while she and Fluttershy engaged in small talk. She could tell the mare wanted to bring something up with her, but held her tongue.
Fluttershy allowed herself to relax as well. Starlight kept up a steady stream of questions about the workings of the spa, which Fluttershy answered to the best of her ability. If Fluttershy could not answer then Starlight merely made a mental note to find out somewhere else. Next was the mud mask. Fluttershy opted out as usual. Starlight however jumped right in, causing the pegasus to giggle slightly. Lotus gently applied the green mask to Starlight's face. It felt nothing like actual mud, tingling slightly and cooling her skin underneath. The wet mud hardening on her face was a sensation Starlight could only describe as weird but pleasant. Though something she did not enjoy was her inability to see as she was instructed to keep her eyes closed as the mask was applied. Then two cucumber slices were strangely placed over her eyes. If it was supposed to be soothing then she was missing that experience. Fluttershy noticed her discomfort and quietly pulled Lotus aside and requested a few minutes delay after the mask was applied before moving on, to allow Starlight to relax again. The blue earth pony agreed and backed away to allow the pair to talk once the mask was applied.
Fluttershy carried the conversation this time, bringing up her animal friends. Starlight was grateful for the talk, it made not being able to see what was going on around her a little more bearable. Eventually she started to relax a little, becoming more at ease with simply listening to her surroundings.
It was all for naught; the moment they were directed to the tables so that the massage could begin Starlight ditched the cucumbers and opened her eyes. Fluttershy had explained just what the word massage meant when asked and there was no way she was allowing any pony to touch her while she was essentially blindfolded. While she appreciated Fluttershy's attempts to set her at ease, there were some things she just would not do.
“Sorry...I'm drawing the line at that for now...” Starlight said, attempting to sound apologetic.
Lotus and Aloe just smiled professionally and led them towards the massage tables. Fluttershy laid down without hesitation, prompting Starlight to steel herself and follow suit. This was a much more in depth massage than Rarity usually came for. Before they could get started a loud crash roused them into complete alertness. A huge hole had been created in the wall of the massage room as a huge white pony, bulging with muscle burst through the sturdy structure as though it were paper. After picking up a now very apprehensive looking pony in his front legs the huge stallion re-entered as unceremoniously as he had exited, creating another cavernous hole before disappearing into an adjoining massage room by breaking a third doorway for himself.
Aloe narrowed her eyes, while Fluttershy and Starlight just stared at the fresh new doorways. Both mares had leapt from their tables at the sudden burst of commotion. Rubble was strewn all over the floor, ruining the otherwise picturesque cleanliness.
“Oh this again?” the pink spa pony sighed, before turning towards her customers. “Sorry about that, just lay down once again please.”
Starlight lowered her gaze towards Fluttershy, who had jumped onto her and was now hanging onto her neck for dear life. Gently, she pried the startled mare from her using magic and lowered her slowly down onto the massage table.
“S-Sorry,” Fluttershy stammered, blushing profusely as she got herself comfortable.
Starlight just chuckled and waved her apology away. “It's fine. I'm just glad whatever that was, I didn't pick it.”
“That would be the extra strength hot stone deep tissue massage,” Lotus smiled, waiting for Starlight to return to the massage table.
Realising that they were all waiting on her, Starlight chuckled sheepishly. Instead of returning to the massage table though she focused her attention on the rubble. It was bothering her, and had to go. In only a few seconds the rubble was not only gone but back where it belonged. Every wall was repaired as if it had never been broken. Once she was satisfied she let her magic fade and turned.
Both Aloe and Lotus were staring at her in disbelief. By now they were all used to Bulk's antics and cleaning up in the aftermath but to see it done so proficiently was a new experience. Starlight felt herself wilt this time at the intensity of the reaction. Using magic like that was natural to her, but the looks she was now getting made her fidget slightly. Every pony in the vicinity was now staring at her, with a mixture of expressions. Wariness and wonder were chief among them. Twilight was the most powerful magic user they were used to living among them. Tirek, Nightmare Moon, Discord and Trixie had soured their opinion of magic. Disconcerting and even fearful looks now showed on their faces as they regarded this new powerful presence in their midst. They knew nothing about her, except that Twilight had brought her to town and she was now living in the castle.
Feeling the multitude of stares boring into her made Starlight decide that it was best she simply left. She did so as graciously as she could, thanking both Aloe and Lotus for their time. The spa ponies were still stunned but responded to her warmly. While they thanked her for clearing the mess and assured her that it was not necessary for her to leave Starlight's mind was made up. She had upset the whole atmosphere. Fully expecting Fluttershy to stay and enjoy herself she left quickly, but not before hanging her robe on the wall. Walking past the ponies made the stares intensify. Forcing herself to project an aura of calmness she walked to the exit. Despite her outward image, her heart was pounding and her mouth was dry. Sweat was forming on her brow and the smile she was putting on tugged painfully at her face.
Breaking free into the open air gave Starlight a chance to quicken her pace into a run. Several ponies turned to her, but could not compare to the scene she had just escaped from. On and on she ran, only stopping when a stitch in her chest made continuing impossible. She had come to a halt near a small lake. Settling down in one of the sandy beaches, she let herself calm down and catch her breath.
Back at the spa Fluttershy was staring at the space Starlight had been only moments before. She had been unwilling to stop Starlight, but too rooted to the spot to follow her. Now she was awkwardly laying down on a massage table, while her friend could be anywhere. Cursing her own weakness she stood up to leave. A hoof on her shoulder stopped her.
“We're sorry about what happened,” Lotus said gently. “The help was appreciated but I think everyone is just a little wary of powerful magicians. Especially after the Tirek incident.”
“I understand,” Fluttershy said gently.
Now she was even more glad that Twilight had decided it would be for the best to keep Starlight's past misdeeds secret from the town. Lying to everyone felt wrong but alienating the town against Starlight before she had been given a second chance felt equally wrong.
“If you find her, then may I suggest coming back later this evening? The spa is usually not so busy then and I would hate this one misunderstanding to ruin your friend's day.” Aloe suggested.
“Thank you for the offer,” Fluttershy said gently
Following Starlight's path out the door, she heard Aloe and Lotus begin to restore order to their spa. With a heavy sigh she took to the air. Her wings held her aloft as she gained altitude in order to more easily locate Starlight. Spotting the mare's signature deep purple mane, teal streak and lilac coat near the lake she started towards that direction.
“Starlight?” Fluttershy asked as she came into land.
Starlight lifted her head in surprise and looked towards the incoming Fluttershy.
“What? I thought you would stay at the spa?” she exclaimed incredulously.
“And leave a friend alone?” the pegasus replied, landing neatly next to Starlight and smiling kindly at her.
“It's not your fault I can't fit in anywhere,” Starlight murmured. “Doesn't mean you have to miss out.”
“Missing out wouldn't be missing the spa. Missing out would be not spending the day with you,” Fluttershy assured her.
Starlight raised an eyebrow.
“Why? After everything I just did in there... I can't change who I am. No matter how hard I try! I'm still the same pony who did all those awful things! They were all terrified of me!”
Fluttershy shook her head, not fazed by the sharp rise in Starlight's volume. Now would be a good time to have that talk she wanted to have. “You are and you aren't. No one is asking you to not be you. We wouldn't expect it. Just like Rarity didn't force me to sing in front of a crowd. All you need to be is a better you, but that doesn't mean you have to give up the old you.”
Starlight's ears drooped as she listened. That made it sound so easy. Fluttershy was not done quite yet though.
“Besides, I don't see anything wrong with trying to fix something. Neither does anypony else, Ponyville just...hasn't had the best track record with magic.”
“Twilight said something about that. But she never mentioned that the ponies were nervous around powerful magic.”
“They're used to Twilight, so it's easy to forget. Everypony will get used to you as well,” Fluttershy said with a smile. “They just might need a little time.”
The water in front of them gently started to ripple as Starlight used her magic to play with the surface waters absent mindedly. The high early afternoon sunlight danced in the ripples and waves forming in the otherwise still water.
“That looks beautiful,” Fluttershy whispered.
“Magic is just whatever you do with it,” Starlight murmured, almost under her breath, and Fluttershy had to strain to hear her. “You can do a lot of good, and a lot of bad. Twilight said on that day that I could do a lot of good if I tried...”
“And she was right,” Fluttershy said. “You'll know what you need to do when it comes.”
“I hope so...” the unicorn said wearily, continuing her gentle manipulation of the water surface.
“Aloe said that if we wanted we could return in the evening, since there will be less ponies there.”
Starlight looked up at this, and allowed the water to fall still once more. The idea was tempting, as her curiosity was piqued but she would much rather avoid another disaster.
“Do you want to?” she asked, directing the question at Fluttershy to delay her own response.
“I'm fine with whatever you choose. I do think you should give it another chance though. It really is quite lovely, and might even make you feel better.”
“Well when you put it like that,” Starlight chuckled lightly. “Okay. I'll give it a shot...”
“Wonderful.”
“Though...what are we going to do until then?”
The question hung in the air for a moment until Fluttershy suggested they go back to her cottage for some tea and a bite to eat. Starlight agreed and followed Fluttershy to the outskirts of Ponyville. When they arrived a question came to Starlight, one she could not believe she had not considered before.
“Hey Fluttershy? Why do you live so close to the Everfree Forest? Is that not dangerous?”
“Only if you go inside,” Fluttershy answered. “And ever since we gave the Elements of Harmony back to the Tree it's a lot less dangerous.”
“I see,” Starlight muttered. She had heard mention of the Elements of Harmony but would have to make a point of bringing up the subject with Twilight later.
Once they were both inside the cottage, Fluttershy set about making tea. Starlight was standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. She could not help but draw parallels between the current situation and the one in Twilight's castle. Only now the roles were reversed. She continued to stand, lost in her own thoughts until Fluttershy returned carrying a tray of tea and biscuits in her hooves. Seeing her guest, she frowned.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, setting down the tray on the table and sitting on the small sofa.
“Huh? Oh...no,” Starlight replied, snapping from her thoughts. “Sorry, I just...kept thinking back to before, in the castle.”
Fluttershy only nodded, smiling invitingly as she patted the space next to her. Hesitantly, Starlight sat down. The pegasus offered her tea, which was enveloped in her magic. Still smiling, Fluttershy took a sip from her own cup before saying.
“I think it would best for us to talk openly about this.”
Starlight did not respond, instead she stared intently into the depths of her tea. Fluttershy took another sip to steady her thoughts before continuing. This would be difficult but it simply had to be done. Starlight needed to hear this, and she needed to say it. What happened before could not happen again.
“I'll go first... When we were at your village...I was thrilled. I thought that what I was seeing was a place where ponies were living in peace, not being pushed around by someone else...like I was.”
Starlight turned away from her cup at this to regard her companion. She had witnessed first hoof how meek Fluttershy could be, even among the circle of friends. Often she was content to sit back and let things happen around her. Only occasionally did she speak up with any authority, usually only about certain subjects she felt strongly about.
“You and Twilight went back to the time of Sonic Rainboom...which means you would have noticed that I was not a very strong flyer.”
Starlight nodded. That much had been obvious and even through her psychotic rage had sparked a small feeling of sympathy towards the young shy mare. Maybe it was only a self indulgent confirmation that she had been right all along, but it had been there. The speech about a world of equals being devoid of bullying, or being lifted through the flying course were two events Fluttershy would never remember. Starlight on the other hand would always remember and the memories caused her to feel deeply conflicted each night. Her methods had been wrong and her actions despicable. However, several times when reading in Twilight's library she had come across accounts of ponies being treated as less than equals due to their social standing. She had never broached the subject with Twilight; instead trying to banish it from her mind. With little success.
“Anyway, that often got me bullied and shunned. It would have been worse if not for Rainbow Dash. She was always jumping in for me, saving me from everything. At the village I saw what I thought was perfect, no ponies being pushed around, no pony feeling better or worse than another. It felt nice, though that all changed when you stole our cutie marks and forced us into your world.”
Starlight's head tucked into her chest as she stared down at her hooves resting on the comfortable sofa. Fluttershy took a sip of tea and continued.
“Then I was convinced by my friends to trick you into thinking that I had adopted your philosophy so that I could get our cutie marks back. That meant living in your house. You were welcoming. After Party Favour gave himself up for us you treated me like a villager. You treated me like a friend. Then I found out about your cutie mark and I was confused.”
Having already puzzled out just how and when Fluttershy would have discovered her secret Starlight maintained her silence.
“After that I was scared, you could do whatever you wanted to me. I had no way to defend myself until the next day. Even though you didn't actually do anything, that stayed with me. I didn't know just how much until today when you invited me into your room. Everything came rushing back and it felt horrible. Things are going to take time. I know you know that already. No one knows how long it will take. We just have to take each step one at a time.”
Fluttershy fell silent after this and let out a heavy sigh. Her shoulders loosened as she leaned back on the sofa, allowing herself to sink into the soft back rest.
“Um, that's me done...” Fluttershy whispered. “If you...have anything to say...”
Starlight felt numb. She had been sitting completely still, and her neck was stiff. Slowly, she raised her head and rolled her shoulders to ease the tension. The effect was limited at best. After listening to Fluttershy's speech she felt that adding anything would come across as pathetic whining. Whatever she had been feeling was nothing compared to the turmoil and despair she had put everyone through.
“I'm sorry,” she started. “I...don't really have anything to say. Except that I never intended to hurt you all...once you accepted the village ways. I know that's weak...I know it is. But it's the best I can say.”
Her eyes burned with hot salty tears that threatened to leak onto her cheeks. Forcefully she squeezed her eyes shut, adamant that she would not cry. She did not deserve to cry now. Only when she started to feel a haze of dizziness fall upon her like a thick woollen blanket did she realise that she had been holding in a breath. Her chest rose and fell as she steadily began to breathe once more. The activity eased her and she felt the tears recede on their own.
Fluttershy, who had remained still and silent throughout Starlight's inner struggle, brushed the unicorn's side lightly with her wing feathers. The touch was barely there but even so Starlight turned to face Fluttershy. Smiling gently, the pale pegasus spoke gently but firmly.
“That's all in the past now. Only you can know your motivations and intentions. Just remember, that Twilight would not have reached out if she thought you were completely evil. She must have noticed something in you. You do have a lot of power, and sometimes it will make ponies wary. Even us. But it will pass, it always will. ”
“What about Discord?” Starlight had to inquire. “From all accounts he's much more powerful than I am.”
“Yes, that is true...” Fluttershy admitted, moving so that her mane hid a little more of her face. “I don't know why it's different. It just...is. Maybe because I was the one who Discord opened up to. Everyone else is almost looking in on us. Similar to how you opened up to Twilight and it is now me and everypony else who is looking in.”
Starlight was silent, this time staring pensively at the doorway. Everything that was being said made sense, yet it did not. Once more she braced herself against the tears, denying them the right to fall. The only sounds in the small cottage came from the animals who had free run of the space. From the small mouse to the extravagantly feathered parrots, animals roamed freely around the two ponies. Eventually, Starlight broke the stillness.
“Keeping my cutie mark was the biggest mistake I ever made. I kept telling myself I needed it to do what was necessary but that was wrong. If I had truly been committed I would have found another way. I had always planned to remove my cutie mark when Equestria was equal but every day made it harder to convince myself of that. Every new pony who came to us was always another excuse. I tried...more than once to remove my mark but could never finish the task.”
“I can imagine that removing your own cutie mark would be difficult,” Fluttershy said sympathetically. “Sort of like trying to remove your own bandages or pull out a splinter on your own.”
“That makes it all sound so domestic,” came the dry reply. “But yes I can understand the simile. Anyway, one day I would have done it when our influence was strong enough that more learned scholars than I could devise a way to allow ponies to remove their own marks. At least I hoped that's what would have happened but...”
Starlight trailed off as her thoughts turned to the future Twilight had shown her and the ones she had been told about. That night, after every other pony had left the castle, Starlight had practically begged Twilight and Spike to go into detail about the other alternate futures. They were all just as horrible as she had been imagining. No matter how she stopped the Rainboom she herself had never come out on top... Or perhaps she had. The last future, the one she had witnessed personally. Could that have been what an Equestria without special talents would lead to? Could that have been her “victory?”
A shudder that she was unable to suppress shook her frame to its very core. Only now had this revelation occurred to her. Though there was every chance that the desolate wasteland was not the result of her victory over Equestria, she could not one hundred percent prove that it was not. Deep within herself she would always hold that belief, that maybe she had been more wrong than anyone could realise. Her face was as pale as the moon and her stomach was churning. She tasted bile in her mouth and her bottom lip trembled violently. Not wanting Fluttershy to see her in an even worse state, she tried to excuse herself.
“I'll...I'll be back in a minute,” Starlight murmured, dropping from the sofa and onto her four hooves.
“Oh, okay,” Fluttershy nodded. “Take your time.”
Once the door had closed behind Starlight, Fluttershy moved from her seated position towards the bathroom. She had hoped that the talk would allow them to begin to clear the air. Taking a facecloth that Rarity had crafted for her as a Hearth's Warming present in her hooves she started to wet it with cool water. Passing the luxuriously soft material over her face refreshed her. In preparation for her friend's return she wet the cloth again before moving to the door to wait. Disturbances outside caused all the animals in the cottage to look towards the window. Just within sight through the fringes of the Everfree forest was the distraught unicorn.
Starlight muffled her anguish scream behind her hoof before her vibrantly glowing horn started to expel vast quantities of magic, displacing every inanimate object in the vicinity with brilliant flashes of colour. As her emotions began to build her sobs and screams became louder and the sphere of influence of her magic expanded rapidly. Fluttershy's door soon burst open and a stream of frightened creatures piled into her home. None were harmed but they were unaccustomed to the unbridled distress of such a gifted unicorn. The mare comforted them all, as she always did. Every creature big or small felt safe in Fluttershy's caring hooves.
The magical disturbance escalated. Entire trees were torn from their roots and thrown through the air, before being warped back to their original position. Gargantuan, dark, boiling storm clouds formed in the air generated an intense yet localised storm. Ponyville would have noticed by now, and that filled Fluttershy with worry. Starlight's reckless emotion would draw attention and would only further impact negatively on her image. She could not contact Twilight and no one else had a hope of dissipating such power. Not directly anyway. For now it was just a matter of waiting.
As if on cue the lavender alicorn appeared in front of Fluttershy. She had quickly determined the source of the spectacle and magicked herself to the nearest safe location. Eyes wide, Twilight demanded.
“What happened?” she asked, struggling to make herself heard over the rain lashing against the windows. “Rainbow is gathering the pegasi to deal with the storm and Applejack is helping Mayor Mare keep everyone calm. Is Starlight alright? Are you alright?!”
“I'm fine,” Fluttershy answered. “Starlight is umm...out there. We had a talk and then she left to calm down. I think she's just letting everything out...”
As she spoke the pegasus moved over and gently wrapped a wing around Twilight. The alicorn's jaw had dropped as low as possible and her eyes were wide as she stared out into the magical tempest. Her astonishment lasted only a moment before she turned to her friend.
“What caused this?”
“Well...I took her to the spa like you said and she used her magic a few times. It made the ponies a little wary so she left. Then we came back here to talk about what had happened back at her village and I said every pony would just need a little time to get used to her.”
Twilight's expression morphed into one of confusion and concern. She began to nervously rub her wing with a hoof. Her problems were now threefold: stop the storm; calm her student and get to the bottom of the issue and lastly explain the incident to Ponyville's residents while not staining Starlight's already shaky image. The first two were interlinked so she would tackle those first. Gulping audibly she started for the door. She tried to slip out from under Fluttershy's wing but the butterscotch mare simply moved with her. A silent acknowledgement passed between them. Whatever was going to happen, they were going to face it together.
Starlight was only vaguely aware of what was going on around her. Her eyes were shut tight and streams of emotion were finally soaking her cheeks, melding with the icy rain she had conjured. She had been unable to hold herself back any longer and everything had spilled forth at once. Now her magic was lashing out at the world indiscriminately. After this she would never be able to show her face in Ponyville. Twilight would probably cast her out, calling her unteachable. Another sob escaped her and she screamed again, this time letting the full volume tear from her throat.
“I think something else might be going on...” Fluttershy strained to shout over the rain. “I don't have any idea what it could be though...”
“We'll work it out,” Twilight assured her, summoning a magical barrier to protect them from the arcane elements.
Together they hurried towards the forest. The drenched earth sucked mercilessly on their hooves, hampering their progress. Thankfully, Starlight had remained on the forest fringe and it was only a short walk to her location. Fluttershy felt herself press a little tighter against Twilight as huge trees were tossed like rag dolls through the air. Twilight's barrier allowed them to cut through the whirlwind of stones, earth and debris which would otherwise have prevented their passage. Their progress was punctuated by Starlight's agonised screams. Each one caused Fluttershy's heart to skip a beat. She wanted to run to the mare but the tempest around them necessitated a slow and steady approach. Twilight had to keep absolute focus to sustain such a sturdy barrier. After several heart wrenching minutes they were within the eye of the storm. Here, Starlight was protected from her own raging magic. Deeming it safe, Twilight weakened the barrier to allow herself more energy for the next phase.
With her eyes firmly clamped shut, Starlight had not noticed their approach. Her horn was burning and the rest of her body was numb from the icy rain. Fluttershy and Twilight both glanced at each other nervously before steeling themselves. Both placed a hoof on Starlight's shoulders. With a jolt her eyes opened and she turned to look at them. Recognising the two mares she instantly recoiled. The scene was reminiscent of a filly being caught in the middle of a tantrum. She pulled away, shrinking into a shivering ball. Around her the magic began to dissipate, the raw emotion that had fuelled its rampage now gone. Using her own magic Twilight guided the settling world back to its original state with a finesse grown from years of practise and study.
Fluttershy had rushed Starlight the instant her horn had ceased glowing. By this time the unicorn was choking out a stream of apologies. All of which Fluttershy ignored in favour of guiding Starlight to her hooves. Laying a wing across the mare's back, Fluttershy firmly but carefully started to steer her back towards the cottage. Starlight was shivering violently, all her efforts to speak were ruined by her chattering teeth and exhausted throat. Twilight caught up with them and wordlessly fell into step on Starlight's other side. The mumbled apologies that fell on the princess' ears cut through her like a knife. They were words she herself had mumbled to Princess Celestia many times before.
Once at the cottage Fluttershy slipped inside to assure all the animals that it was safe to be outside once again. Now alone with Twilight, Starlight shrunk back even further. In her mind's eye she visualised the severe disappointment, anger and the icy glare that Twilight had fixed upon her. She did not look up to see her teacher and friend's pained look of concern and sympathy. Starlight kept her head fixed downwards, watching her tears fall to earth, even as Fluttershy beckoned them into the now empty cottage. The door was closed behind him, and the voice she dreaded spoke up.
“Starlight...look at me.”
Still trembling, she looked up. Reactively, she flinched back before registering Twilight's expression fully. Ashamed, she lowered her gaze once again until she was staring at Twilight's hooves. A heavy sigh above her was the only warning she received before Twilight's hoof cupped her chin and gently forced her head upwards.
“Starlight...” Twilight murmured. “I'm not going to give up on you, or cast you out. I'm not angry. We just want to know what happened. Please...we can't help you if you don't tell us.”
“I...” Starlight started, even though she had no idea how she was going to continue.
She was momentarily saved the stress of answering fully when Fluttershy returned from the bathroom laden with the prepared cloth and several towels.
“Twilight let her get dried first,” the pegasus commanded softly.
Starlight took the items in her exhausted magic. A quick wipe with the cloth removed the salty tears burning her eyes. The towels she used to haphazardly mop up the rain dripping from her coat and hair. However, towels had their limits and she was still very much damp when they were spent. That was quickly remedied by Twilight, who cast a warming spell on the entire room. The lavender mare was still expecting a response from her. Sighing heavily, Starlight said,
“I...was just...thinking about what a future would be like if I had won. If my vision for an equal Equestria was fulfilled. I only saw one alternate future, the one you showed me Twilight.”
Twilight's eyes widened slightly, understanding coming to her almost immediately. Fluttershy caught on a second behind Twilight, quickly pressing herself against the lilac unicorn Grateful for the comfort, Starlight continued.
“I got to thinking, while Fluttershy and I were talking that the future I saw, could have been my victory. Without special talents, what if Equestria just...failed? Is that how wrong I was? And I...I went out to get some fresh air but I just kept thinking about it. I wanted to deny it, but I just couldn't. It was the only future not accounted for by another threat to Equestria. Was I really that wrong?”
“Starlight, you can't dwell on these things,” Fluttershy sighed.
“Fluttershy is right,” Twilight added in agreement “We don't know what caused that future. No one does.”
“I just feel so conflicted. I was wrong, I know that. But inequality is all around us. I see it in Canterlot, Manehatten, The Crystal Empire, even in Ponyville. I see it everywhere. Ponies being pushed around by others for one reason or another. I keep telling myself it's better. I keep trying to convince myself. But every night I lie awake debating with myself. It...It hurts. I've been bottling it up, but not so well I guess.”
“Bottling things up never helps anypony,” Fluttershy murmured, shaking her head. “You need to talk about these things. We can help you, or at least listen. We're your friends, and that means we listen to you. Just like you listened to me today. Getting all that out was a nice feeling and you were kind enough to allow me to. You need to allow us to help you before we are able to.”
Twilight nodded. “You can always come to me if you wish to discuss anything. I took you on as my student to help you learn about friendship. That means all kinds of friendship. We understand that you may still hold to some of your old beliefs. In some ways inequality does create rifts between ponies but it does a lot more harm than good. Nothing is perfect. If you're unsure or worried about anything we can help.”
“I know...and...I'm sorry, again. I didn't mean to cause so much trouble. My magic just tapped into my regret and I let it go haywire.”
“It happens,” Twilight said, cracking a small smile. “Especially when you have the amount of magic you possess. Don't let it worry you. No one was hurt and I was able to put everything back to normal. This isn't the first time Ponyville has seen magic like that.”
“I know...” Starlight sighed. “At the spa...”
“Fluttershy told me,” Twilight said, cutting her off. “Don't let that worry you either. It takes a bit of time but they get used to you. Don't make the mistake I did. I hid my magic, fearful that I would be called a braggart or a show off. Your gifts are special, use them to help ponies and they'll soon see how good you can be.”
“They just need to get to know you,” Fluttershy said. “Like we know you. I'm glad to have met you Starlight. Even with the umm... rocky start. Soon everyone in Ponyville will be glad to have met you. I'm sure of it. And we're all here to help you when things get a little rough. Because we know you'll help us.”
Starlight just nodded slowly, overcome by the kind words. Time and time again she was astonished by the fortitude of these six ponies, and one dragon. They had faced down threat after threat, battled with demons and monsters. All the while maintaining every ounce of their compassion and loving natures. Their differences kept them strong, allowing each to bear the burdens of the other if the need came. Though throughout their differences, not one was more important than the other. That was what it meant to be equal.
“I...I think I finally understand...” Starlight whispered. “Thank you...”
“No problem,” Twilight replied. She leaned over and nuzzled Starlight's cheek lightly before standing up.
“I need to go and let everyone know what's happening. It won't take long,” the princess stated. “I'll be back soon.”
“We'll be here,” Fluttershy said with a nod. “Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
With that Twilight made her way out of the door, leaving the two mares to their devices. Fluttershy moved to her own hooves, going into the kitchen. She returned with multiple containers of animal feed. Addressing Starlight she asked,
“Would you like to help me feed the animals? It will help pass the time until Twilight returns.”
“Sure,” Starlight replied, nodding vigorously.
Smiling, Fluttershy began her rounds. Starlight followed closely behind helping her both dish out the portions and make sure there was no competition. The rounds took almost an hour, due to the sheer multitude of animals that needed attention. Feeding Harry had been particularly entertaining. The huge bear had made sure to give Starlight the heartiest hug he could muster. While her ribs did not thank him, her heart did. Elated, she helped Fluttershy store the leftovers away for later. Just as they were wrapping up the whole task, Twilight walked through the door.
“How did it go?” Fluttershy asked, greeting the alicorn.
“Well enough,” Twilight replied, sounding exhausted. “Took a bit more explaining than I expected but we got everything straightened out in the end. How are you both?”
She directed the question to both of them but her gaze was firmly fixed on Starlight. The unicorn gave her a warm smile.
“I'm okay. Thanks.”
Twilight closed her eyes and smiled widely. Fluttershy looked between them before giving a small suggestion. Perhaps not the best suggestion but it was all she had.
“So ummm should we go to the spa now?”
Starlight chuckled nervously, her gut suddenly gripped with apprehension. She had agreed earlier and though Fluttershy would definitely not hold her to her earlier words, she held herself to them. Previous events just made the whole suggestion seem like a pretty bad idea at the present moment.
“I think it might be best for me to stay out of the way,” Starlight answered, biting her bottom lip. It was a nervous tic she had never gotten rid of from childhood.
“If that's what you want,” Twilight said. “Though I'm pretty sure putting the whole thing behind you will make you feel better in the long run. I'm pretty sure I can deflect any awkward questions. Though again, if it would make you feel too uncomfortable we can stay here.”
Starlight turned in on herself to think. On one hoof, she was still curious about the whole affair. On the other side of the spectrum the reaction she had received earlier would likely be the tip of the iceberg compared to how Ponyville must view her now. However, as Twilight said hiding would only make such problems fester. Fear of the unknown was almost the worst kind of fear. Starlight could not allow herself to become an unknown on top of being a powerful magic user. Biting her lip once more, she made her decision.
“Let's go to the spa. I'm going to have to face this sooner or later. I can't hide in the castle the rest of my life. However much I may want to right now.”
She laughed weakly at the last part, plastering one of signature forced grins on her face. Both Fluttershy and Twilight smiled at her. This helped dispel her apprehension. Her expression melted into a more genuine smile when Twilight assured her once more that she was dissuade any unwanted prying. It was after all, none of anyone's business if some pony wanted to vent their emotions away from town. Regardless of whether said venting caused a spectacle or not.
Luckily, the journey to the spa was relatively quiet. Only a handful of ponies were out on the streets and those that were only glanced at the trio before continuing their own business. Even so, Starlight felt a wave of relief wash over her when the door of the spa closed behind them. Aloe and Lotus both greeted the group in their usual cheerful manner.
“So glad you decided to come back,” Lotus greeted them “And welcome to you as well Princess.”
“Hello Lotus,” Twilight smiled. “Just something simple and relaxing please. It's been a weird day.”
Lotus nodded and mentally booked them in for a steam room, mud mask and massage. The mud bath would unfortunately run them long past closing time. She had heard all about Starlight's outburst but considering that the mare was standing not five feet from her this was not the time for gossip. Aloe meanwhile recruited a third spa pony, a young mint green mare with a dark blue mane and tail by the name of Mint Breeze, to assist them.
Starlight tried to hide behind Twilight and Fluttershy as much as possible. The other patrons, few as they were, were too busy enjoying their relaxation to pay much attention to the three who had entered. Just as before they were led into the steam room. This passed uneventfully with the three mares discussing Fluttershy's “plushy problem.” The pegasus blushed at the accusations, though Starlight was quick to come to her defence and proclaim that Twilight had a book problem. The back and forth continued during the application of the mud masks.
“Have you ever actually tried this?” Starlight asked, noticing that once again Fluttershy had forwent the mud mask.
“Oh, I umm... really don't think I would like it. It looks a little weird, and it might get in my eyes.”
“Yeah but after it dries it really does feel nice. I would recommend trying it at least once,” Starlight countered, lifting the cucumbers from her eyes so she could look at her friend properly.
Having been through this whole thing once before she found herself able to relax and appreciate the mud mask much more. Even the inability to see her surroundings did not bother her. She felt much more secure than she had previously. The only reason she could come to was it was Twilight's presence. As cheesy as it sounded in her head it felt true. As good a friend as Fluttershy was, as the pegasus herself had said, Twilight was the one who opened her home and her life to her. Though Starlight felt that she would be remiss to give Twilight too much credit. Fluttershy had been right beside the alicorn as they had journeyed through her rampage. The usually shy mare would go to the ends of Equestria and beyond for her friends. It was an admirable trait and something Starlight hoped that one day she would be able to emulate.
“If you really don't want to then it's fine,” Starlight added, seeing Fluttershy's growing trepidation. “But you helped me to try out coming to the spa...twice. I want to help you try something new, if you want me to.”
“Umm...maybe just a little more then,” Fluttershy found herself saying.
She did not know why she agreed to the suggestion. Something in how readily Starlight jumped into new experiences had emboldened her. There was a merit to trying everything at least once. Lotus was gentle as she applied the mask to more of Fluttershy's face. The pegasus was trying her utmost to stay still during the process. A gentle hoof touched hers and Starlight's voice came from her side.
“Relax, it'll be fine... If you still don't like it when it's finished I'll wipe it off myself.”
Hearing this, Fluttershy slowed her breathing and sagged into the chair. Lotus finished off the mask and stepped back to allow it to dry. From behind the cover of her own mask, Twilight was both watching and listening to Starlight trying to ease Fluttershy through the new experience. Her heart swelled with pride and just how her student was handling the situation. The pair were discussing Harry's hugs when Fluttershy shook her head and stated that she would rather have the mask off. True to her word, Starlight took it upon herself to remove the green mud while promising that it would be the end of her coaxing for today. One new thing at a time and all that.
Last up was the massage and Starlight found herself a little sceptical. Both Fluttershy and Twilight were hyping it up as one of the greatest sensations ever during the short trip to the massage tables. Showing her cynical side, Starlight snorted,
“The only thing I know about massages is that a pony basically rubs you all over and the only actual context I have is the Extra Strength Hot Stone Deep Tissue Massages, where three walls were broken through like paper."
Twilight giggled. “It's nothing like that. Though you will have to ask Spike how that actually feels.”
“He puts fabric pins in his scales and feels nothing...” Starlight said, rolling her eyes. “I don't think even I'll be trying that for a long time...though I'm not going to say never.”
“Ponies actually find the experience very enjoyable. It's helps them relieve tension and allows them to move much more easily throughout their day,” Lotus said gently.
Mint Breeze snorted as she muttered under her breath. “How anypony actually still goes for it is a mystery to me... Bulk shattering walls would put me off.”
“First impressions can be deceiving,” Starlight answered abruptly, having overheard the statement.
Lotus and Aloe both let out a chortle as Mint Breeze's face turned the colour of a strawberry. The green spa mare busied herself with rushing away to replenish the room's supply of massage oils. Starlight tilted her head at the odd behaviour. Aloe ceased her chuckling to shed some light on the situation.
“Mint Breeze was trying to be discreet in her opinions. She is sorely lacking in that department. You startled her a little.”
“Oh...whoops,” Starlight replied sheepishly, which caused another round of chuckling.
Mint Breeze returned at the tail end of the merriment, carrying several bottles. By this time Twilight, Fluttershy and Starlight were all laying down on the tables and had gotten themselves comfortable. Starlight tried to flash Mint Breeze an apologetic look and received a nod in response. Once comfortable the unicorn waited on the supposed greatest sensation ever. Feeling Aloe's hooves press gently into her back she inhaled deeply. While exhaling she let herself sink into the massage table. Almost immediately she understood just why Twilight and Fluttershy were so passionate about their opinion on massages. They felt great. Having a pony taking such care of you, using their skill and finesse to make you relax and feel amazing. It was blissful. Far too soon Starlight felt Aloe's hooves leave her body.
“Well? How was that?” Twilight asked, a knowing smile showing that she already knew the answer.
Starlight decided not to give her the satisfaction of such an obvious answer and simply rolled her shoulders. Tension she did not even know she had been carrying had been melted away by Aloe's skilled touch. She felt loose and at ease. Unfortunately the massage had one less desirable effect. Being so relaxed for so long made her eyelids droop. Due to her earlier exertions the effect was amplified and she was now fighting the urge to collapse. Leaving the table was a struggle.
“Maybe I'm a little too relaxed,” she giggled, shaking her head in a vain attempt to rouse herself. “Still, that felt really nice. Thank you.”
“You are welcome,” Aloe replied. “I am pleased you enjoyed yourself.”
“We should go before you fall asleep standing up,” Twilight teased.
Starlight nodded wearily, using magic to remove her robe. Then she left the spa with Fluttershy and Twilight, much happier than her earlier exit. Twilight and Fluttershy stayed on either side of her, just in case anyone got too curious. They were reminiscent of very friendly bodyguards.
Outside in the cool evening air Starlight felt herself waken up. The warm fuzzy feeling remained all over her body but she could think clearly again. Without warning she pushed her head gently under her friend's chins in turn. It was a very forthright display of the affection she harboured for them both. After an initial instant of surprise they both reciprocated the silent affection. The touching moment lasted for almost a full minute before they pulled apart and made their way towards the Castle of Friendship.
Within the castle walls, Twilight excused herself from Fluttershy and Starlight in order to reply to a letter that Spike had sent her. Remembering her own unfinished letter, Starlight smiled giddily. She had a lot more to write about now. The trouble would be fitting it all while still being legally a letter and not a parcel. Fluttershy accompanied Starlight to her room, needing to pick up her saddlebags.
“Here you go,” Starlight said, grabbing the saddlebags in her magical aura and passing them to Fluttershy.
“Thank you,” the pegasus replied with a smile. “Though I still don't have any room for any of these in my cottage.”
“Oh...right,” Starlight chuckled sheepishly. Her ears folded back and she rubbed the back of her neck as she remembered what had started all this. “That...that happened didn't it.”
Fluttershy simply nodded. “Would you like to have a look through?”
“Uh, sure...” Starlight answered, gulping slightly as she looked between her room and Fluttershy.
The door was closed, almost symbolically so. It was a barrier between them, a perfect pegasus who was the literal spirit of kindness and a unicorn who once had a heart so selfish it almost destroyed Equestria. It was a comparison that would be brought up again and again. Her eyes narrowed and she strode over to her door. She was not going to allow herself to keep feeling insignificant. Wallowing in her mistakes was only going to cause her to make even more. Taking a deep breath, she yanked the door open and stood in the doorway. In the most level voice she could manage, Starlight asked,
“Would you like to come in? It's better than being in the hallway. A doorway is just a doorway, I won't think any less of you if you say no...but I'd think less of myself if I didn't ask... I-”
She was cut off by Fluttershy's hoof. The pale yellow mare's eyes were soft and full of the smile that showed on her face. Removing the hoof from a stunned Starlight, Fluttershy nodded and stepped inside.
“Thank you Starlight.”
Starlight nodded and felt herself smile as well. Wiping some sweat from her brow she herself stepped into the room, leaving the door open. By this point Fluttershy had started spreading the array of stuffed animals on her bed. The pair spent the next hour deciding just what ones would go well where, both within the room and the castle as a whole. Twilight had joined the fun after finishing her letter. The castle was soon filled with stuffed animals, though several had been kept aside. Both Twilight and Starlight had unanimously agreed that Spike would get the most enjoyment out of some in particular.
Now, Starlight as alone in her room. Fluttershy and Twilight were dealing with dinner but she had another task. A letter to her oldest friend. Gently hugging her new stuffed crocodile to her chest, she settled down at her writing desk. Taking a new piece of parchment, she started to write.
“Dear Sunburst,
I'm really glad that everything is going well in the Crystal Empire. I'm sure you're doing brilliantly as a Crystaller and Flurry Heart will have a great guide in you. She sure sounds like a handful, even with her power fluctuations in check. Just keep doing your best, and don't worry so much. Like I said, I'm sure your doing fine. Princess Cadance and Shining Armour are most likely glad for your help. I know your worried that you won't be a good magical influence for an alicorn when the time comes. Though from the way I see it, you're pretty good at teaching powerful magic users the way to go. I'm waving at you right now, though I'm pretty sure you can't see me.
I learned something today. No matter how big your mistakes are, your friends will be there to help you. You can always talk to them. Meaning you can always talk to me, Shining Armour, Princess Cadance or anyone else. You're never alone when you have friends. As someone who's made bigger mistakes than most ponies ever will, I know this first hoof. Just be yourself Sunburst. That's why you were made Crystaller and that's why you were able to help save the Crystal Empire.
On lighter topics, I learned what a spa was today. It was a little rough at first because I may have overused my magic a bit but it feels amazing. You need to come to Ponyville so I can show you! Unless there's one in the Crystal Empire. If there is, tell me so I can visit and compare. Not that I won't be visiting you anyway of course. Eagerly awaiting your next letter,
Starlight Glimmer.”
Satisfied, Starlight folded the letter and slipped it in the envelope. She had toyed with the idea of going into more detail about her breakdown but had decided against it. Sunburst did not need that burden on top of an overpowered adorable alicorn baby. It was also not something she wanted to put in a letter. The correspondence was too slow and she would have to spend about three paragraphs convincing him that she was perfectly fine to prevent him from diving on the next train or laying awake at night worrying. Leaving the now sealed envelope on her desk to be posted early in the morning, Starlight exited her room. Today had left her exhausted but also inspired. She felt freer than she had in a long time. The next few days would tell just how Ponyville would react to her and she would deal with it. As Fluttershy had said, it would take time. That, and effort were something she would be more than willing to give.