Day 1, Part 1
Starlight Glimmer sat down on a leather black chair in Rarity’s dress workshop. Everypony else - Sunset Shimmer, her new friend, and the other six, strikingly similar to her pony friends in Equestria; took their own seats around her. They were preparing for the anticipated premiere of the new Daring Do movie, which the girls told Starlight they had saved not too long ago.
Starlight was still not over everything that had happened today. Had it really only been a few hours since she first met Sunset and entered this strange new world? Did she really just manage to save these seven girls from a weird magical mirror? And how lucky was she that her teacher, Princess Twilight Sparkle, had actually allowed her to stay there for a few more days? Well, whatever the answers, the news proved very exciting to everyone sitting in the room, all of them eager and determined to make their new acquaintance feel as welcome as possible.
Because she now had enough time to relax, she took a closer look at the reflection of her new, peculiar body in the large wall mirror. Her face did look similar to the people she’d seen, as expected, though with a bit more mascara around the eyes than most. What she didn’t expect was the full, stylish “hair”, as Sunset called it, that was somehow even more wavy than her pony mane. And then there was the purple beanie lying on top. She found it curious why she wore that of all things upon entering this world, having not worn a lot of hats in her lifetime. However, she chose to shrug it off, as she was starting to kind of like the thing anyway. But regardless of how acceptable she found her appearance, the idea of her reflection showing a completely different visage than the one she associated herself with all her life was really weird.
She then looked down and studied her limbs, which - now that she was observing them up close - looked more off-putting to her than before. The limbs that ended with her hands were much, much shorter and limper than those attached to her feet and even though she got used to using her fingers to manipulate objects, they still looked very odd and jarring. This transformation was easily the single strangest thing that has ever happened to her.
Her inspection was cut short by a familiar, excited squeal. “This is so exciting, I don’t think there is even a word to describe how excited I am!” Pinkie Pie beamed, jumping out of her seat to bounce around Starlight. “We have, right in front of us, an actual visitor from the magical pony world!!! And we get to show her around for the next. Three. Days! Oh, this is the greatest thing to happen to us since we got our magical glow-thingies!”
Starlight smiled weakly in response to Pinkie’s excitement, reassured at just how familiar the people around her were despite barely knowing them. Their personalities were clearly very similar between dimensions, she thought contentedly.
“Don’t overwork yourself, Pinkie Pie,” Rarity noted, brushing Starlight’s hair. “Still, I can’t stress enough how nice it is to finally meet Princess Twilight’s student. She’s told us quite a bit about you!”
“She did?” Starlight asked, opening her eyes wide. She still felt self-conscious about her past, so she was a little worried about what Twilight might’ve said. “…Like what?”
“She told us about how impressively you’ve changed since she first took you in, and that, even if you don’t always know how to act, your heart is now always in the right place.” Fluttershy replied from the opposite side of the room, smiling kindly.
Starlight grimaced slightly at the more negative parts, but still nodded. Unflattering as it may be, it was a fair description.
“Not to mention your awesome magical abilities!” said Rainbow. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to be able to hover in the air without wings?!”
Starlight blushed a little bit, only to quickly hide it.
“It still feels so weird to know that, around here, I was once associated with a magical pony princess,” Twilight added, quietly looking away while crossing her arms across her torso. “Never mind the multiple dimensions and magic leaking out of nowhere.”
“By the way, was what ya said true about the village and forcing away their talents?” Applejack asked, recalling what Starlight said among Sunset and Twilight's own admissions.
“I-I didn’t know better back then, okay?” Starlight blurted out, waving her hands defensively. “I just did what I thought was right when really I turned out to be… obsessed.”
Applejack paused, thinking of how to respond. “Uh, I’m sorry, I guess,” she finally replied, in a rather downbeat tone.
“She just has a little trouble dealing with her insecurities.” Sunset explained to the others, patting Starlight on her torso. “Don’t worry too much about it, AJ.”
Starlight reacted more warmly to Sunset’s statement and simply gave her a small smile.
“Well, don’t you worry about us Star Glim!” Pinkie reassured, her new nickname getting a chuckle out of some of the girls, Starlight included. “Any friend of Princess Twilight’s is a friend of ours!” She once again went up to Starlight to give her the tightest hug she has ever received. Rarity gave Pinkie a glare, moving her hand up and down to say “Tone it down”. The pink girl received the message, dropping her friend back onto the chair.
Five others nodded in agreement with Pinkie’s last statement, leaving Starlight more grateful than ever for the friendships she has gained over time in Equestria.
At that moment, Rarity turned her chair around so that Starlight was now facing her and the mirror. “Voila!” she went. “Doesn’t that look absolutely beautiful, darling?”
After getting past the shock of her reflection, she had to admit -- Rarity’s contributions seemed to complement her features quite well. Her mane- err, hairstyle, was largely similar to the one she begun with, but with her front bang moved to a slightly higher point on her head and many of the back waves straightened into a longer, more flowing mass. She gave a modest smile alongside a confident nod.
However, even after the good hair job and all the kind faces, Starlight still couldn't help but feel tense, especially on the inside. She still barely had a grasp on what to make of anything in this world, especially given she had no idea these creatures even existed until she had actually arrived, let alone that she would become one herself! And she was expected to go with it for three whole days? Just thinking about it made her anxiety grow to the highest point it had hit all day.
She got off her chair, and took a couple steps toward Sunset Shimmer. "You think I could write something to Princess Twilight in that journal of yours?" she said quietly.
Sunset at first looked a little nervous herself, but that feeling quickly went away as she knew where this was going. "Here," she kindly replied, handing Starlight a pen and held out her journal for her. Starlight tried writing "Dear Princess Twilight" on the first blank page she found, only to quickly realize she wasn't comfortable enough with her fingers to write anything legible, and her reliance on magic prevented her from ever getting the hang of writing with her mouth.
"Yeah, fingers sure take some getting used to." Sunset sympathized. "Maybe I should take care of it. I'm pretty sure I know what you want to write her about anyway."
Starlight looked at the kind, warm face in front of her. She had gained enough trust in Sunset Shimmer to know if there was anyone in the room who could help with her problem, it would be her. So, she nodded in approval, handing back the journal and pen. As Sunset began to write, Starlight returned to her chair, with Rarity eager to continue. “Now, let’s get to work on your fingernails.”
“…Fingernails?” Starlight asked. She looked at her hands, trying to figure out what the fashionista was referring to.
“Why, yes, of course.” Rarity replied. “Any girl who wants to look pristine should always keep their nails shining and decorated for events like this. Just relax,” she gestured as if to take a deep breath, “and you’ll barely even notice.”
“…Alright,” Starlight accepted, uneasily holding out her hands on the sides of the chair. The blue paint being applied to such a curious feature felt funny at first, but it didn’t take long for her to genuinely start to relax at the sensation. It was surprisingly soothing, regardless which Rarity was treating her.
As Starlight was holding her hands still for Rarity’s sake, she looked around the room and noticed seven dresses hanging in an open closet near the door, only to then realize how clothed everypony - including herself - was. “You know what’s funny to me?” Starlight said. “In Equestria, fashion largely seems to be an… afterthought. There are nice dresses and all, but I hardly see anypony actually wear them outside of fancy parties and whatever.”
Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack gave somewhat curious glances toward each other regarding the pony-specific term, but none of them decided to speak up about it. Sunset just gave a slight cringe.
“Well, I hope you don’t underestimate how much clothing can affect one’s appearance, darling, at least while in this world.” Rarity replied, upon finishing her paint job.
Starlight looked at her painted nails. The look on her face, similar to the one she gave toward her hair, told Rarity all she needed to know, who then smiled back and continued. “And speaking of clothes, it’s time we picked out a new set for you to wear tonight.”
Starlight tilted her head, confused by this statement. “Why would I want to change my clothes?”
Rarity, understanding the visitor’s perspective, calmly explained. “Well, I don’t know how clothing works where you’re from, but here your outfits must always match how you want to be perceived. Like, pardon my temper, but those rips in your pants make you look like one of those annoying city beggars.”
Starlight curiously looked down at her legs, and started to see the fashionista’s point. The two then walked into the dressing room while the other girls took care of their own appearances.
Rarity and Starlight browsed the wide selection. Starlight decided to try on a simple black dress with slender, navy blue pants, which Rarity decided looked too plain. Next, she pointed her guest to an elegant, maroon-colored, short-sleeved, collared shirt with a solid black skirt. Though it looked nicer overall, Starlight felt quite uncomfortable wearing it, particularly with the skirt. Finally, the two chose a sleek, gray dress adorned with plenty of shiny white beads along the sleeves, along with some black pants decorated with a few solid, purple stripes aligned horizontally.
Meanwhile, the other girls were just getting into the same dresses they donned for the opening of the Friendship Games (with an extra purple one made for Twilight). When Starlight walked back into the main room, they all turned their heads to her and then to Rarity, giving the two various positive reactions.
“Hoo boy, and I thought ya did a darn good job with Princess Twilight at last year’s Fall Formal…” said Applejack.
“Definitely not what you’d see me wearing, but even I have to admit you look cool in that,” said Rainbow Dash to Starlight.
“I do seem to have a knack with helping new visitors find their voice, don’t I?” Rarity blushed, flexing her hand in front of her face as if her pride wasn’t already clear enough.
“Th-thank you.” Starlight replied, suddenly feeling tight around her waist as she saw Rarity had tightly buttoned her pants. “Do your clothes always feel this constricting?”
“Not always, but it’s one of those things that just comes natural to you with time.” Sunset reassured.
Suddenly, a vibrating noise rung in the girls' ears. Sunset instantly recognized that it was coming from her journal, and quickly approached it to look at Princess Twilight's response. After reading the first line, she gave it to Starlight, allowing her to read for herself.
To my faithful student, Starlight Glimmer:
I understand how difficult it is to deal with entirely new surroundings, and being completely unsure if you would ever be able to get used to it. I myself felt the same way when I first visited the world, and believe me when I say it wasn't easy.
But I really meant it when I said that all of those girls are such great friendship teachers, and I have no doubt they will do everything in their power to help you feel comfortable. Every time you feel nervous or get caught off guard by something strange, they will be there for you, especially Sunset Shimmer who I know you have already gotten along swimmingly with. And you have been accomplishing such wonderful things lately, that I think you'll find you are more capable of handling yourself there than even you may think.
During your time there, I recommend you focus on: enjoying yourself, spending time with others, and seeing if you can find a few more friendship lessons to learn. I will be looking forward to hearing all about it once you return. And if you do continue to feel unsure of yourself, don't be afraid to write me back.
Best of luck,
Twilight Sparkle
Starlight immediately felt a lot of the stress lift off her shoulders as she finished reading. She always knew she could count on Princess Twilight to reassure her when she felt troubled.
She chose to sat back down and observe everyone else putting on the finishing touches (minus Rainbow Dash, as she was never fond of what she called “those girly habits”). She couldn’t help but imagine how her Rarity would react toward their impressive attention to detail. After just a couple minutes, they were all ready to go, and Rainbow was easily the most excited of the entire group. “Oh man, wait until you see us in the Daring Do movie! Sure, we may not appear very much, but my role is extremely important! Just you wait!”
Starlight rolled her eyes and suddenly saw Pinkie appear on her right side. “C’mon, Star Glim! You won’t believe the ride we have waiting for us outside! It’s got everything: automatic doors, super comfy seats, ample elbow room, candy ceilings… okay, maybe not that last one, but still - you’ll love it!”
Letting out a slight chuckle, Starlight walked alongside the other seven girls toward the building’s exit. She couldn’t help but break into a smile of gratitude at all they have already done for her. She may not yet fully understand how this world functions, but she could already tell she would have a fun time just finding out for herself.
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Looking pretty good so far. Can't wait to see what Starlight thinks of this world's Spike...
I wonder how did Cadence (EqG) became Crystal Prep Principal?
Hmm, I wonder if there's any possibility of encountering the Shadowbolts here?
Nonetheless, this is a GREAT start to Starlight's 3 to 4 day visit to the human world!!
Looking good so far!
I liked it so far. I will keep track of this story.
I find myself intrigued....
Following and upvoted
Please, continue. I'd like to see where this is going.
8299461
Well, it's a good thing I uploaded my second chapter just now then. :)
I think that's one thing that Starlight and Sunset have a lot in common: Anxiety. Both of them (for different reasons) have loads on their shoulders and fear relapses.
At some point, someone needs to deprogramme Pinkie of her need to make 'movie nicknames' out of everyone's names.
8401244
Yeah, it was really fun to explore how similar yet different the two are as I was writing this. It's a good part of why I made this fic in the first place (that, and I found EqG Starlight very adorable).
Oh yes; she even took the other six of you hostage after stripping them of their 'talents'.
Which...would've likely caused a war between Our Town and Equestria & Crystal Empire, if Princess Twilight Sparkle, Former Student of Princess Celestia, sister to the Crystal Empire's Prince-Consort Shining Armour and dear friend and rescuer of both Princess Luna and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, had failed to return.
I also would not have wanted to see Discord's reaction to Fluttershy being harmed.
MLP: EqG Holiday Special. Ouch.
This seems like a decent start to what should be some excellent friendshipping.
We don't talk about that holiday special.