> Starlight's Adventures Through Season 6.
>  by EclipseSight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Relaxing Under the Stars. "The Gift of Maud Pie"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

> Friendships Forged in Starlight.  "Gauntlet of Fire"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sky was blue and the sun was reaching its peak. The pegasi had cleared most of the clouds, though enough remained to dampen the midday heat somewhat. Starlight was grateful for this, because apple bucking was certainly hard work. Panting heavily, she rested herself against the tree she had been trying to clear of apples. Being in the shade helped immensely but even so sweat was dripping from her brow. Starlight raised a hoof to wipe it off then cast her eyes towards Applejack. The farm pony was bucking trees like they it was second nature and seemed as fresh as when they had begun. They had both been up since the break of dawn but as of now Starlight was the one feeling it. Unable to stop herself feeling a little jealous of Applejack's endurance, Starlight gave herself a shake to loosen her aching muscles and got back to work. 

Spike had arranged to help Rarity mine gems for her latest creation all day and Twilight was probably entertaining Princess Celestia and Princess Luna back at the castle by now. Starlight had decided to make herself scarce to allow the princesses time to catch up as well as give Spike some alone time with his favourite unicorn. She chuckled a little. Thinking back on it as she was now, perhaps apple bucking had not been the best activity to partake in. Using magic would make the whole process a stroll in the park but Starlight knew all about Applejack's stubbornness. Whether the apple farmer would say it directly or not, she much preferred that no magic be used in her farm work. 

“A little hard work never hurt anyone anyway,” Starlight muttered under her breath, taking another swift buck at the tree.

A dull ache was beginning to form just below her knees. Constantly smacking her hooves into objects as sturdy as trees was beginning to take a toll. Every strike caused her a little more discomfort in addition to the pressing fatigue. Applejack looked over to check on the unicorn's progress and a small smile crept onto her face. She was reminded of her own first attempts at apple bucking. The job was a physically demanding one, especially for a unicorn who was much more comfortable with magic than her own body. 

“Let's take a break,” Applejack called over in her thick southern tone. “Ya look like ya could use one.”

“Perhaps just a little,” Starlight chuckled, pushing her mane out of her eyes and straightening up. “This is much tougher than you make it look.”

“Ah shucks sugarcube, I just happen to have a lot of practise is all. Plus we earth ponies have a bit of an advantage with work like this.”

“That's true enough. Still it was better than before when I could barely get one apple out of the tree. I think I might have managed four at one point.”

“Yeah I was watching, ya almost got five but the last apple just didn't fall for ye this time,” Applejack grinned. “Anyway let's get these apples into storage and cool off a bit.”

“Sounds good to me,” Starlight nodded, arranging the baskets on a tether across her back so the apple laden containers hung on each side of her body.

Similarly loaded with the fruits of their labour, Applejack lead Starlight towards the apple storage building. Once the apples were put away safely the pair made their way to the Apple family home. There had been a time when Applejack would have been on the attack if Starlight was even within sight of her home. Now though she led the other mare into the kitchen without hesitation and poured her a cool glass of water.

“Thanks,” Starlight said as she took the glass in her magic.

“Sure thing,” Applejack replied, pouring her own glass and settling at the table.

Starlight sat herself down across from the earth pony and took a small drink. She still felt the remnants of the burning heat from her exertion on her skin. Fervently, she hoped that she was not flushing too much, or that she did not look too bedraggled. Applejack made no comment on her appearance, however bad it was, and instead asked her.

“So, you gonna head back after this break or do you wanna do some more apple bucking?”

“As much as I would love to help I feel like if I do any more apple bucking my legs will be complaining for a week,” Starlight chuckled. 

A slight wince twitched her features as she shifted her back legs. Her muscles protested at every movement and her joins still ached from the blunt impact trauma they had been put through She would need to have a hot bath to soothe herself, or find a spell that would do the same thing. Applejack nodded slowly and said.

“Yeah, probably for the best. Don't wanna do too much and wear yerself out. Already done that mahself and it's no fun.”

“I feel like you told me that story before. Didn't it involve something about baked bads?”

Applejack laughed heartily. “Yeah it sure did. I was stubborn as a mule back then. Still am if I'm honest.”

“Which you are,” Starlight shot back, stifling a giggle behind a hoof.

“Fair. Well when ya finish up I'll go out and finish that field then I can catch you around. Spike's probably gonna spend all day with Rarity. Dunno how long the princesses will be but I'm sure they wouldn't mind having you around.”

“Maybe not. I just feel a little nervous around them.”

“Yeah I can tell. Take it from me, being nervous around the princesses is something everypony is at one point and no pony has to be. They're about the nicest ponies you could meet. No matter what kind of background you have.”

“Yeah...I know...” Starlight muttered, lowering her head.

“Just remember Starlight, Princess Luna went through the same thing you did. Everypony makes mistakes but it's also in every pony to redeem themselves. I know you might be sick of hearing this by now so I'll keep it brief. Every pony who knows you now knows that you're a right nice mare who's good to be around.”

“Thanks Applejack, I'm trying at least.”

“Which is all you can do. Now, how about we talk about other subjects. Like how you managed to beat Thunderlane in a race.”

Starlight felt herself chuckle. Her spirits were lifted considerably, both by Applejack's words and by the memory that her tactful change of topic brought up.

“Well, I guess when you practice with the fastest flier around you improve rather quickly,” Starlight began. She took a small sip of water to wet her throat before continuing.

“Anyway, Thunderlane saw me racing with Rainbow Dash yesterday and he was a little confused at first. When I explained what was going on he wanted to give me a shot. So I took him on. Good thing Rainbow and I had just started for the day or I would probably have been too spent to be a challenge.  When racing Rainbow I'd been pushing myself to get faster, though it wasn't really a race since she could beat me going backwards. Thunderlane was a challenge but I poured everything I had into it. Something just made me want to win, maybe because victory was actually within my grasp, I dunno. Anyway I bested him by maybe a few inches using every bit of magic I had available to me. Rainbow had to carry me back down to the ground.”

Finishing with a chuckle, Starlight said. “I think Thunderlane was a little surprised at losing to a levitating unicorn. Not sure I could replicate the feat.  I'm almost certain he was going easy on me.”

Applejack smirked. “I think another race would say for sure. Though maybe when you've rested a little. Next time I wanna watch.”

“I'll let you know,” Starlight promised, finishing up her drink.

She took the now empty glass to the sink. After cleaning, drying and putting it away Starlight turned to Applejack.

“I think I'll be going now so you can get back to work. See you later.”

“Thanks for yer help sugarcube,” Applejack nodded. “I'll walk you out then go to the fields.”

The orange farm pony stood up and washed her own glass. Both mares walked out of the house and into the beating sun once again. Applejack waved to Starlight before turning off back to the fields.

“You have fun now, and try not to strain yourself too much. Ya wanna move tomorrow.”

“I won't,” Starlight smiled, before walking towards the castle.

Walking through Ponyville on aching legs was slow but uneventful. A yawn escaped Starlight, forcing her to a quick stop as the sudden symptom of tiredness rolled through her. Once she was able to move again she commented.

“Between racing Thunderlane, staying up with Twilight to go over friendship lessons, writing that letter to Sunburst and then bucking apples with Applejack I think I've worn myself a bit thin. And that was just yesterday. Friendship is fun but it sure can be hard work,” she said to herself. 

Amused, Starlight added lightly,

“Though I don't think I'll ever be as tired as the day I agree to help Pinkie Pie plan a party. Even watching her is exhausting.”

Unbeknownst to Starlight her good spirits were about to be shattered. Pushing the heavy doors open, she stepped inside. The castle felt quiet...crushingly quiet. The stillness pressed down on her heavily. Shivering at the sudden chill which she knew was more than just the temperature change caused by coming into the shade, Starlight picked up her pace. Ignoring the protest from her limbs she forced herself into a trot towards the centre of the castle. She was unsure about why the sudden burst of nervousness overcame her. This was most certainly not the first time she had come in to an empty castle. Most of the time it was about as good as empty if one considered just how few occupants actually lived within its walls. 

Cold sweat was forming all over Starlight's form, adding to the intense chill she was feeling already. Her heart was racing, to the point where she could practically feel it hammering against her ribcage.  By the time she came to the huge double doors of the throne room she had worked herself up into a frenzy. Had something happened? Was everyone alright? Those were just some of the questions were whirring through her mind as she magicked the huge doors open.

Everything looked normal, nothing was disturbed. Releasing a breath that she did not know she was holding, Starlight moved into the room. Hobbling slightly, she made her way over to the huge crystalline round table and surrounding thrones. A flash of yellowing white on the otherwise uniform surface of the table caught her attention. Starlight's horn glowed with magic as she grasped the note with levitation and pulled it towards her. Her eyes widened as she read the note, and her horror only grew with each word.

“Starlight,

We're going to be away for the day. Spike was called by the dragon lord and if he doesn't answer the call he won't stop itching and glowing. Rarity is with us as well. We should be hopefully back by the days end, and if not definitely tomorrow. Don't worry about us. If you have any problems I'm sure the others can help you. See you later!

Twilight”

The note floated slowly and gently downwards once Starlight was finished reading. Spike was going to go and see a dragon lord? He was being summoned by a dragon lord? No...that could not be happening, they could not be going there. The unicorn backed away from the slip of paper, now trembling violently. She closed her eyes tightly, tensing like a drawn bow as images of raging fires and choking smoke filled her. Louder and more vibrant the images became, in the background the deep booming laugh of a dragon. Without a sound, the paper found a resting place on the cool floor.

Starlight's blue eyes snapped open. Stalking around the note she moved over to the table. Planting her front hooves firmly on the surface she fired a beam of her teal magic at the centre. The energy activated the map and Equestria sprang to life under her hooves. Scanning the map furiously, Starlight found what she was looking for. East and a little bit south lay the dragon lands. Trepidation filled Starlight when she noticed the huge volcano at the heart of the dragon lands. Of course dragons would live in one of the most inhospitable parts of Equestria.

Worry clutched with icy talons at Starlight's still racing heart. Twilight, Rarity and Spike were travelling right into a volcano to see a dragon lord. How many dragons would really call themselves Lord? Pushing off with her hooves she launched herself out of the throne room. Nothing would stop her. Even her own body burning incessantly only served to infuriate Starlight, pushing herself to gallop even faster. To the land of dragons she would go, unless body and magic betrayed her first.

Several ponies turned their heads at the sound of the huge violet doors of the Castle of Friendship bursting open. None dared to apprehend or even question the lilac unicorn who came racing out from the depths of the castle. It was best to just get on with their day and hope that everything was well. Whatever was going on, they were probably powerless to help anyway.

Upon seeing that there was not already a train at the station Starlight let out a wordless scream. Having not memorised the train schedule at all she had no idea when the next train that would be travelling that way would be. It could be hours or it could be a few minutes. She also had no way of knowing the exact time Twilight, Spike and Rarity had left. Somehow she had to catch them up. Drawing on her still recovering magic reserves the unicorn lifted herself into the air and sped to the east. Using the tracks as a guide Starlight flew, the wind whipping and tugging at her mane and tail. Her eyes streamed with tears as they were pelted by the vicious air. Angling her gaze downwards provided some respite against the winds. Keeping up her reckless pace she charged ahead, not knowing if she was already too late.

Not long after Starlight had left, Applejack was able to finish up her apple bucking for the day. Being able to work on her own let the mare move at her own pace. While she enjoyed the unicorn's company and enthusiasm, Applejack could work much faster without her. As she was moving the last of the apples to storage a familiar buzzing sounded from her flank. Turning, she saw her cutie mark, three red apples, glowing and pulsating. The map was calling her to it. That meant there was a friendship problem somewhere. Grateful that there were no pressing events she had to attend to this time, Applejack deposited the apples and secured the storage house before trotting towards the castle.

By the time the farm pony reached the map, Rainbow Dash was already there. It made sense, the map had so far called no less than two of them at a time. Perhaps because it took friendship to solve a problem and you needed at least two for that. Rainbow and Applejack both presented their glowing cutie marks.

“Wonder where we're being sent this time,” Applejack said, watching as an image of her cutie mark peeled from her flank and started to float towards the map.

“Hopefully somewhere amazing! With really horrific things to fight!” Rainbow cheered, using her wings to hover in the air as she punched her hooves at imaginary villians.

“Heh, I'd think it would send Twilight if that was the case. Not that it ever has been the case,” Applejack snorted. “Looks like we're headed not that far outside Ponyville. Map's pointing to a forest just east of Dodge City."

“Awesome! We can get a train right there! Next one leaves in ten minutes.” Rainbow grinned, starting to fly towards the exit.

Applejack made after her, but stopped suddenly when she felt something under her hoof. Lifting her leg, she spotted a small note on the ground. Lifting it to eye level, she started to read. Realisation dawned on her as she quickly turned back to the map to check her theory.

“Rainbow! Forget the train!” she called.

Rainbow froze in mid air and turned back to the earth pony. Applejack's expression was hard as stone and her eyes determined.

“Think you're strong enough to give me a lift?”

“Am I? Of course I am!” Rainbow boasted. “What's the hurry?”

“I'm not right certain, but I think Starlight saw this note and tried to follow after them. Twilight, Rarity and Spike are in the dragon kingdom. That young mare was exhausted when she left me today, she probably drove herself into the ground and ended up stranded in that forest which is right on the way. The earlier train to Dodge was already gone by the time she left the orchard.”

Rainbow gulped. Steeling herself, she landed next to Applejack. Her own face now mirrored Applejack's stony determination.

“Get on!”

Applejack nodded and positioned herself on Rainbow's back. It was difficult to get a secure hold while leaving the pegasus' wings free to move. She eventually managed to find a secure position. Once her passenger was on, Rainbow took off as fast as she dared. Carrying full grown ponies was not something she usually did for long periods of time but if Applejack was right then the train would be too slow.

The extra weight made it tricky for Rainbow Dash to balance, but she was not the fastest flier in Equestria for nothing. After completing the Sonic Rainboom, carrying her friend through the sky was only a minor inconvenience. Throughout the journey Applejack was doing all she could to hold on for dear life. Despite knowing that even if she fell Rainbow would catch her effortless, she would rather not delay their journey by even a moment. Starlight could be in serious trouble, if her assumptions were true. If she was wrong, then she would personally make Rainbow Dash as much cider as she could drink in a week for this.

The day was still young when the two friends came to the forest indicated by the map. It was a rather small forest, nothing compared to the foreboding presence of the Everfree Forest. Nevertheless, this was where they were meant to be. After only a few minutes, Applejack's eyes fell upon the sight she had been dreading. 

“Down there!” she yelled, pointing with a hoof towards a small break in the green treeline.

“On it!” Rainbow called back, having seen the same thing as the earth pony.

Light as a feather the cyan pegasus touched down in the dirt, skilfully avoiding the tree branches on the descent. Applejack quickly shoved her hat back on her head and leapt off Rainbow's back. Together the pair forced a path towards their fallen friend. Starlight was laying face down in the dirt, surrounded by undergrowth and towering trees. The mare's flanks were scratched and her mane and tail were tangled full of twigs and leaves. Most of the tears in her coat were still weeping lightly, red and angry against a lilac background. Her eyes were closed, and her body was limp. Light breaths caused her sides to rise and fall. Both Rainbow and Applejack let out heavy sighs of relief at that. 

Placing a hoof on the lilac mare's shoulder, Applejack tried to rouse her. Rainbow meanwhile was slowly untangling her lower half from the undergrowth. From what the pegasus could see, Starlight had crashed through the canopy and then tried to drag herself through the undergrowth until her body had given out as her magic had. Unable to move any further she had lost consciousness. 

“She's free,” Rainbow said after numerous long, arduous minutes.

Rubbing her now scratched hooves, Rainbow turned to Applejack. 

“Doesn't look all that serious,” she said. “Just minor scratches and some bruising. She might have winded herself with the fall but I don't think anything is broken.”

“That's good...” Applejack sighed. “I wonder why she freaked out so badly. I'd be worried too if I knew that's where the others were going, but...”

“This is crazy,” Rainbow finished. “C'mon, we better get to Dodge. We probably didn't outpace the train by that much. By the time we get there it should be at the station. I can't carry both of you, however much I'd want to.”

“Okay. Can you get her on my back?” Applejack asked, squatting down so she was lower to the ground. The thick undergrowth tickled her underbelly as she did so.

Rainbow nodded and used her hooves to gently manipulate Starlight's form onto Applejack's strong back. The earth pony stayed completely still until Rainbow was sure that Starlight was secure. Once finished, Rainbow backed away and took to the air once again. 

“Let's get out of here, I'll find a path for you from up here.”

Twenty minutes later and the trio were on a train back to Ponyville. Rainbow Dash had found a blanket left behind on one of the seats. As long as they left it on the train she reasoned that it wouldn't be stealing. Gingerly, she wrapped Starlight in the soft fabric. The exhausted mare was laying across the full length of one seat, still sound asleep. Watching over her from the opposing seat were her rescuers. Applejack sighed and turned to Rainbow Dash.

“I wish our marks would glow. I'm one hundred percent sure this is what we were sent for, but...”

“If it isn't then the map needs to be more clear,” Rainbow huffed, folding her hooves. “Starlight was exactly where the map was sending us. That's gotta be it. Anyway it's not like we could just leave her there and keep searching for friendship problems.”

“You're right, for now let's just focus on getting back to Ponyville,” Applejack replied.

Rainbow opened her mouth to say something but cut herself off when Starlight began to stir. Both sets of eyes snapped towards the unicorn. The air suddenly became heavy. If Starlight panicked or struggled then there would be nothing either of them could do to stop her. They would just have to hope her magic had not yet begun to regenerate.

The first thing Starlight noticed was that she was warm. Everything felt heavy, even her eyelids. She could barely open them to be able to see her surroundings. No longer was she in a forest, she was in a small room of some sort. Underneath her felt soft and comforting, nothing was digging into her flanks any more. The burning scratches remained, as did the dull throbbing of her bruising. Her head felt like a snake was coiled around it, squeezing as tightly as possible. Groaning loudly, she tried to force herself into an upright position. A pair of orange hooves gently but firmly stopped her efforts.

“Lay down sugarcube, don't strain yourself any more.”

“W-what...? Applejack...” Starlight choked out, struggling to form the words. “Where are we?”

“On the train back to Ponyville. Yer safe now.”

“B-but we have to...”

“No, we don't. You just have to rest. You pushed yourself to breaking point. Everything's spent. Just lay down, please. Everything will be fine.”

“No, you...you don't understand,” Starlight began, only to fall back to the cushioned seat and pass out into darkness once more.

Holding onto the mare's limp form, Applejack sighed slowly. Starlight was worked up about something. Her own worry was growing within her, planted by the seed of Starlight's own. Turning to Rainbow told her that the pegasus was feeling the same way. Whatever Starlight knew, or thought she knew, could make the dragon lands a much more dangerous place than they first believed.  Applejack yearned to hear more; she yearned to wake Starlight up and demand an explanation, she yearned to turn around and continue to the dragon lands to find out what was going on. Her friends could be in horrible danger. However, she knew what she had to do. She had to make sure Starlight got home safe and trust in Twilight, Rarity and Spike to get home safe themselves.

Feeling helpless, she found herself simply pulling twigs and leaves from Starlight's mane. Giving her hooves something to do calmed her nerves. She heard rather than saw Rainbow walking over to her. Wordlessly the speedster started on the unicorn's tail. Silently the pair worked, side by side while sharing in each other's emotions. Before long the Ponyville stop was approaching. Rainbow folded the blanket back on the seat she had found it before once more helping Applejack get Starlight onto her back.

“I'll get Starlight to bed, you go and see if Nurse Redheart is available.” Applejack said, orientating herself towards the castle.

Rainbow nodded and sped off towards the hospital. Moving as fast as she could without jostling her passenger Applejack made her way towards the castle. A soft whimper signalled that Starlight was rousing herself for a second time.

“We're in Ponyville now,” Applejack whispered, unsure if Starlight could even hear her yet. “I'm taking you to go to the castle then we'll get you to bed. Rainbow's away to get the nurse.”

Her words were met with silence, but Starlight was getting a little more restless. Not wanting the mare to fully wake while on her back Applejack picked up the pace. Once in Starlight's room Applejack laid the mare down on the bed. Just in time too, Starlight's eyes cracked open and she turned to look at the farm mare.

“Applejack...I'm...I'm sorry,” she murmured, her voice weak.

“It's okay,” Applejack assured her, biting back the question she desperately wanted to ask. “Just get some rest. Rainbow should be back soon.”

Starlight knew what Applejack wanted. It was obvious, written all over her face. Gathering up her strength, Starlight let herself talk. The memory was painful but Applejack's worry was apparent. She had already started down the path, and to withhold the information now would be wrong. No matter how hard this would be, she had to do it.

“I-it...it happened a few years ago...”

“You don't need to say. Don't hurt yourself.”

“I'll be fine...” Starlight whispered. “Please...just...just listen, I can't fight you. I need to say this. You deserve...need to know.”

“Okay,” Applejack said softly, falling silent and moving a little closer to Starlight so she could listen.

Starlight took a deep breath, wetting her lips slightly with her tongue before continuing.

“It was a few years ago, and the town I created was going fine, perfectly I thought...but one day he appeared, a dragon. He was huge, and unstoppable. All he wanted was to destroy, and he found the town. He...he burned everything. I tried, to hold him off. The villagers thought I was using a staff but it was my own magic. Nothing was working and everything was burning, the burning. I could smell it, I could hear it and I could feel it. Everything I...everything I had worked for was burning... the ponies were terrified...they..they...”

Here Starlight halted, her dry throat forcing rough hacking coughs to assault her. The fit of coughs lasted for only a few moments but even this made her breathing heavy and ragged in her weakened state. Applejack could barely believe it. No more than three hours ago, they had been sharing a silly story about an inconsequential race. Now Starlight was trying to force out a tragic tale while her body rebelled against her. Before Applejack could say anything Starlight managed to cough out one last sentence.

“He, kept calling himself...lord, and...I...I,” 

After that she was unable to continue. Nothing she could do would force the words out. Every attempt only made her cough even more violently. Unconsciousness threatened to take her once again. Rainbow burst into the room at that moment, followed by Nurse Redheart. Seeing the situation, the white pony barked.

“Okay! Both of you, get me as much water as you can, then close the door on your way out.”

Neither Rainbow or Applejack said anything against the demands instead they only hurried to meet them. Starlight was immediately set upon by the frantic Nurse, who checked her over with firm but gentle hooves. After the water had been delivered, Nurse Redheart got to work on the gashes littering her flanks. The stinging intensified as she was cleaned but Starlight was unable to complain even if she wanted to. Nurse Redheart was a professional; keeping pain to the minimum was part of her work.

She gently started to cover Starlight's wounds now that they had been cleaned. All the while Starlight was staring into space. Applejack knew what she needed to know now, and hopefully everything would be okay. The visions of her village were still raging through her mind, as they had been in her waking moments since reading the letter. Her story had only brought them back, stronger and more vivid. No matter what she could do all she could hear and see were ponies choking and screaming in terror. The dragon was rampaging behind her eyes, laughing at her inability to stand against him. Tears now flowed freely down her face and the heavy sobs shook her body just as the coughs had. Closing her eyes did not help, no matter how tightly she tried to close them, the visions remained.

Nurse Redheart sighed and cast a pitying glance down at the unicorn. Whatever was going on, it had upset the mare to the point of running herself half way across Equestria and into the ground. With a sigh she reached into her bag and pulled out a small leafy plant. Breaking a piece off she dropped the leaf into a glass of water and stirred. Once the water had turned a very pale green she held it to Starlight's lips.

“Take this dear...you'll feel better.”

Starlight silently sipped at the tinged water, with Nurse Redheart helping her through the process. Once she had consumed enough, Nurse Redheart placed the glass back onto the bedside table. Starlight started to feel sleep overtake her, a soft pressing warmth that washed away all of her feeling. Even the fiery images began to fade, leaving nothing but darkness. For the third time that day the mare slipped into the blackness of sleep, a much more peaceful one than before. Now that her patient was still, Nurse Redheart was able to get back to work.

Outside, Applejack had filled Rainbow in on the details. Their marks had activated, signalling the end of her task. That was one less thing to worry about at least. The instant she had finished Rainbow had sped off. Unlike Starlight, Rainbow was fairly fresh and used to making long journeys in the air. Her making it there was not the worry. While she had ensured Applejack that all she was going to do was warn everyone and get them out, this was Rainbow they were talking about. Brashness was her middle name and the last dragon she had met she had kicked in the face. Hopefully it would not come to that. There were hundreds of dragons and there was no guarantee it was the same one that Starlight had met. Fervently, Applejack hoped with all her being that it was not. 

Almost an hour later the sound of a door opening made Applejack perk her ears. Nurse Redheart walked out into the hallway, gently closing the door behind her. Looking towards Applejack, the nurse tried to allay her worries.

“She's exhausted, and sleeping. I gave her an herb to keep her out for a while. Just let her wake up in her own time. Everything should be fine once she's rested. Though you'd best keep an eye on her just in case. Any problems come and get me straight away.”

“Understood. Thanks Nurse Redheart.”

The nurse nodded. “I can find my own way out. You can see her if you wish but I stress, do not wake her.”

“I won't.” Applejack said gently, pushing open the door and peeking her head in. 

Starlight was tucked neatly into bed. She was facing the door with a peaceful expression, marred only by the band aids and bandages pressed onto the cuts she had gathered. Her mane was out of place and messy but thanks to their efforts on the train free of any debris. Applejack thought back on the story, a dragon had attacked the town and Starlight had defended it. It did not make her actions right but now it was a little more clear. Why she had went to such lengths to protect her town against the farm pony and her friends and her rage at finally losing it. Closing the door as quietly as she could, Applejack settled down against the wall. Here she would stay until someone came. Someone had to be here for when Starlight woke up, and for now that someone would be her. Being alone against a dragon must have been terrifying, even for such a powerful unicorn. If Applejack had anything to say about it, she would not be alone against him again.

Rainbow Dash had never flown so fast for so long since retrieving Spitfire in time for the Wonderbolts show. This time was much more desperate and that spurred her to greater speeds. Crossing the distance faster than anything else would, she came upon the huge volcano. There was a gathering of dragons for sure, though her friends were not among them. Fearing the worst, Rainbow readied to dash at the dragons and demand answers. The one sitting on the rock in front of the others was the biggest she had ever seen. That was probably the lord. Lord or not he would pay if her friends were hurt.

A glimpse of white halted her reckless dash before it began. Down below, walking away and looking perfectly safe, were her friends. Angling herself downwards she touched down in front of them. Startled, the three backed up from the frazzled pegasus. Twilight was the first to speak, but only after a short moment of stunned silence.

“Rainbow? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, but we thought you were all in trouble,” Rainbow answered.

All the tension she had been feeling on the journey had melted away. They were clearly fine. Starlight had been wrong. Though now they would likely need some explanation.

“Whatever made you think that?” Rarity questioned, bringing her hoof up to her chest.

“Uh, Starlight had a bit of a freak out. Apparently her village was attacked years ago by a dragon who called himself a lord and she thought you were in trouble. She tried to get here herself but only made it half way. Applejack and I found her and took her back to the castle. Then I came here to find you all.”

“What?!” Twilight exclaimed, rushing over to Rainbow and grasping the pegasus by the shoulders. “Is Starlight alright!”

“Yeah. I left her with Nurse Redheart and Applejack. She's a little beat up but everything should be okay. She just wore herself out. If we hurry up we can catch the next boat back. You can fill me in on what actually happened on the way.”

“Let's go!” Spike called, already breaking out into a run. 

The three mares followed him, rushing to try and catch the earliest boat.

Luna had just raised the moon and called in the night when the group returned to Ponyville. Twilight and Spike were neck and neck in their headlong rush towards the castle with Rainbow and Rarity on their tails. Hearing the castle doors burst open Applejack sprang into action. She raced out to meet the group half way. They had to be quiet before they came anywhere near this room. 

Twilight threw open the door to the hallway, only to come face to face to Applejack. The mare held her hoof to her lips, blocking the way with a stern stare on her face.

“Quiet,” she hissed. “Nurse Redheart said we aren't to wake her. So ya'll can't go charging in there recklessly.”

“How is she?” Twilight asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“She's sleeping. I just checked on her not long ago and everything was good. She looks a lot worse than she is right now. If ye stay quiet you can see her.”

“Okay. We will.” Twilight promised.

Everyone else nodded, so Applejack lead them to the sleeping mare's room. She pushed open the door and stepped back to give everyone room. Spike had to bring a claw to his mouth in order to stifle his gasp. Twilight remained silent, but the sight made her knees weak. What little they could see made them dread what was hidden by the bedclothes.

“Like I said,” Applejack whispered. “It looks a lot worse than it is. Once she's had a long rest she'll be fine. I'm sure Rainbow filled you in on all the details. The map sent us to her location and we brought her back here quick as we could.”

Twilight nodded and closed the doors softly before turning to the others. Speaking in a hushed tone she said.

“I do not think that the dragon lord we met was the same dragon. While very loud and eccentric, he was rather civilised and amiable enough. There must be others, or a similar title. I can ask Princess Celestia to look into it. If that dragon is still out there, then we need to make sure nopony gets hurt. Even if it was years ago we can't take any chances. I'll go write that letter. Spike you can stay here if you want.”

The young dragon merely nodded, unable to tear his eyes away from the door. Twilight touched him gently with her hoof to comfort him.

“I'll be back with the letter so you can send it. Rainbow, do you think you could take some bits and go grab something for us to eat?”

“On it,” the pegasus whispered, quickly but quietly flying off to carry out the request.

“I'll go fill in Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie,” Applejack put in. “I need to go and tell Granny, Apple Bloom and Big Mac where I've been all day anyway.”

“And I'll stay with Spike,” Rarity added. “If Starlight wakes one of us will come get you all.”

“Okay,” Twilight nodded. “I'll cast a spell so Starlight can't hear you with the doors closed but you can hear her, just in case anything happens.”

Twilight tapped into her magic and let the spell loose. The doors shimmered for a moment as the magic took hold, before returning to their original appearance.

“Done...” Twilight said. “I'll be back soon.”

With that both she and Applejack made their way down the hallway, while Spike and Rarity settled down opposite the door. Rarity extended a hoof and brought Spike a little closer to her, keeping the appendage wrapped around him.

“She'll be fine. You heard Applejack. Nurse Redheart says all she needs is rest and she's getting that.”

“I know...but I can't stop thinking... Just when I thought that I had met a dragon I could relate to...this happens. What that dragon did...”

“Has absolutely no reflection on what you saw today. There are bad dragons, just as there are some bad ponies. Dragons may by nature be more selfish than most,  but you saw today that it isn't always the case. You made a friend who was willingly to help you no matter what. Hold on to that. Starlight will need all of us at our best right now. So chin up okay?”

“Okay. You're right. Thanks Rarity.”

“Of course darling. Any time,” the white unicorn smiled.

The two sat in relative silence, simply enjoying the others company. When Twilight came back with the letter, Spike sent the scroll on his breath. The princess then joined her two friends in the quiet vigil outside Starlight's door. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie appeared shortly after, all laden with food. Rainbow had picked up as much as she could buy; Pinkie Pie and Applejack had been sent with several gifts from Sugarcube Corner and Sweet Apple Acres respectively. The food was shared into eight portions, with one being left to the side. Everyone quietly dug in, the only breaks in the silence being the occasional question and Spike burping a letter from Celestia into existence.

Twilight quickly read the letter before placing it to the side. The princess would look into it at the soonest possible opportunity, and sent best wishes from both herself and Luna. Scribbling down a quick response in thanks, Twilight handed off the letter to Spike. Once the letter was gone both returned to their food. The meal was a few minutes gone when Pinkie Pie pricked up her ears.

“I think something's moving on the other side.”

Everyone strained their ears to listen. Sure enough, Starlight was awake. The unicorn had no idea what was happening on the other side of her door. All she knew was that her room was shrouded in darkness. Reaching over to her lamp she fumbled until the light illuminated her room. Everything still ached, and her movements pulled at the dressings Nurse Redheart had applied. She was covered in them, from head to toe if what she felt was correct. No matter how bad she looked she had to get moving. There was no way she was staying in bed any longer. She had to know what was going on. If it was night then that meant Twilight, Spike and Rarity were either back, on their way or...worse. That was of course if she had only been out for one day.

Her magic had returned somewhat, at least enough to allow her to remove the bedclothes on top of her at any rate. Taking a deep breath, she slid off the bed and onto her hooves. Almost instantly, her legs buckled beneath her and she fell back against the side of the bed. Just as she was starting to push herself upright, the door opened and in walked Applejack, Twilight and Spike. She could also see Rarity amongst everyone else just outside the door. Inside her chest, her heart soared, the immense relief washing through her. Starlight wanted nothing more than to run to them, to make sure that it was not a dream and all her worry had been for nothing. Wobbling violently she pushed herself to her feet. Before she could take more than a few steps towards them, Twilight and Spike did all the hard work for her.

As one the pair gently embraced her, pouring all their happiness and relief into the light gesture while being careful not to hurt their friend. Starlight let them do so, finding herself having to lean against Twilight. This was not a dream, and they were okay.  Beside them, Applejack said.

“I figured that all of us in at once would be a bit much. There's food out here, though I can bring it in to you if you want.”

“N-no, I'll be fine. Thanks,” Starlight said. Her voice was hoarse but talking was much easier than it had been before her sleep.

“We're sorry we worried you,” Twilight said gently, backing away.

“There's no way you could have known. It's fine...I, did my usual overreacting nonsense.” Starlight replied, gently wrapping her hoof around Spike, who was still pressed softly against her.

“Yes but even so... Next time we'll come and find you,” Twilight said gently. “Nothing bad happened I assure you, we're both fine.”

Spike nodded and looked up at her. “Yeah, though are you sure you're okay?” he asked, his eyes glistening slightly.

“Yes, I am now...just sore, drained and feeling a little foolish,” Starlight chuckled weakly. 

“Well I'm pretty sure we can help all three.” Twilight smiled. “Like Applejack said there's food out here, so that should give you some of your strength back. As for being sore, once your finished eating I can run you a bath. I'll just waterproof your bandages for you. For the last, rushing out to try and help your friends is not foolish. It's amazing. Knowing you would do that for us is one of the best things I've ever felt. Though just don't forget that you don't have to do this stuff on your own. Any one of the ponies in this room will be there to help you.”

“I think I know that now,” Starlight murmured, looking to the group. “I just...wasn't thinking clearly.”

“Understandable. I'll discuss it more with you later, but right now just try and forget about it...okay? Everyone is fine, and we're all here.”

Starlight nodded, and to each and every one of her friends, she gave a smile. They all smiled in return. Everyone outside the doorway moved inside the room. Unable to hold herself up any longer, Starlight settled down into a sitting position. Rainbow pushed the food in front of her.

“Glad your okay,” the pegasus said, before a slight smirk curved at her mouth. “I told Thunderlane you challenged him to a race tomorrow morning.”

Starlight froze for a second, her mind jamming at the very thought. A light chuckle from Rainbow brought her back to reality. Narrowing her eyes, she fixed Rainbow with one of her glares. The effect was ruined by the numerous band aids and her messy mane.

“Very funny,” she snorted, before her lips twitched back into a smile.

Twilight rolled her eyes and sat down next to Starlight with Spike positioning himself on her other side. The lilac mare ate in silence. Around, her Twilight was reprimanding Rainbow Dash for her little joke, and the others were laughing quietly. After only a third of the food was consumed, Starlight's stomach would take no more. She did feel better with something inside her, though eating any more was out of the question. Instead she took another drink from the glass of water provided to her.

“Any better?” Fluttershy asked gently, quietly removing the food from in front of her.

“Yes, thank you.”

“That's good,” the yellow pegasus smiled.

Starlight nodded slightly, feeling her head droop a little. The fullness of her stomach was making her feel sleepy once again. Twilight smiled slightly, gently helping her to her feet.

“C'mon, let's get you into a nice bath, then you can sleep the night away,” Twilight said gently.

She offered her shoulder to Starlight, who gladly took the support. Applejack rose to her feet, staying on the unicorn's other side just in case. The two helped their weary friend towards the bathroom. Overhead, Rainbow sped past them, creating a light gust of wind that ruffled the manes of the ponies below. The sound of rushing water explained her actions. The pony had started the bath running. Twilight nodded towards her before she proceeded to cast the waterproofing spell on Starlight's dressings.

Together the mares washed Starlight, being sure to be particularly gentle. The lilac unicorn just closed her eyes and enjoyed the attention. Rainbow ducked out of the room to go and join the others. Four ponies in a bathroom was definitely rather cramped. Applejack  grabbed a soft bristled brush and started to gently stroke the mare's back. Nurse Redheart had already gotten Starlight clean, this was mainly just to make her feel better.

Once the bathwater had begun to cool, Twilight and Applejack helped Starlight out of the bath. As Twilight turned to grab several towels, Applejack leaned into Starlight and whispered.

“No matter what happens, I'm not gonna let that dragon get you again... It don't matter what time of the day or night it is, you can come talk to me if Twilight's not around. He's never gonna get you ever again as long as I'm around. Out here, or in there.”

For the last part she gently touched Starlight's forehead. The unicorn nodded slowly, unable to express her gratitude in words. Applejack just gave her a small smile and nodded in return, before helping Twilight gently pat her dry. Using her friends as support once again Starlight slowly made her way back to the room. By this time the others had dispersed into one of the sitting rooms to listen to Spike's tale of how he almost became dragon lord. With their help she snuggled back under her covers and made herself comfortable.

“Night,” Twilight said gently. “Sleep well...”

Starlight just nodded and closed her eyes. The light was turned off and her room was plunged into darkness. Applejack and Twilight both left quietly to join the others. They had a lot to discuss about the events of the day. For the next few days and possibly beyond, they would need to keep a close eye on Starlight. She had been wearing herself out and today had been the worst possible tipping point. Her own mind was her worst enemy, and one they were limited in their effectiveness against. For over two hours they talked into the night, before they all retired to their homes. Spike had left to bed an hour ago. Applejack was the last to go.

“I'm gonna go check on Starlight before I go. I won't wake her, promise.”

“Okay. I'll clean up here then see you off.” Twilight nodded, setting herself to work.

Applejack nodded and made her way towards Starlight's room. While she did honestly have no intention of waking her, she had no intention of leaving. Quietly, she slipped into Starlight's room. Right now her exhaustion was probably keeping the dreams away, but that would not last. Applejack was about to settle at the foot of Starlight's bed, when a second rhythm of breathing caught her attention. Looking down she waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. The outline of Spike came into her vision. 

“Seems I'm not the only one with this idea,” she chuckled under her breath. 

Smiling slightly she chose a position at the other end of the room. Nestling into a blanket, she closed her eyes and prepared to sleep. If Starlight woke from a nightmare, the she would wake too. Apple Bloom had given her a lot of practice at it. She had promised Starlight that she would help her, no matter what. That started here and now.

The door opened not long after, and Twilight's head popped through the door. She used her horn to cast a gentle light throughout the room, just enough to see by but not enough to disturb the three sleepers. She smiled at their dedication. Closing the door quietly, the purple alicorn made her way to her own room. Starlight was surrounded by a lot of good friends, and she Twilight was proud to know all of them. Morning would bring a difficult discussion when Starlight was ready for it. Now though, she was in the best hooves, and claws, around.

> Twilight Before the Stars "No Second Prances"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deep within the Castle of Friendship, a unicorn mare desperately tried to find rest. The warm embrace of sleep was evading her grasp. Frustrated, she let out a groan and turned onto her side. This left her staring at the doorway through a veil of darkness. So many questions were coursing through her mind. This caused her to toss and turn, unable to stay still and peaceful for more than a few seconds. Thinking that perhaps a small walk would help ease her nerves, Starlight slipped out of the soft confines of her bedclothes and quietly moved towards the door. 

A gentle blue glow from her horn illuminated the dark hallway as that she emerged into. In the stillness every sound was amplified, from her breathing to her footsteps. Adjusting the flow of her magic, Starlight cast a muffling spell around herself. Now the castle's other two residents would be undisturbed. Or should she say, three residents. In the guest room next to hers, slumbered her newest friend. Trixie Lulamoon and herself had hit it off almost instantaneously. Their similarities gave them common ground to work from. Even after Trixie had crushed her heart almost irreparably they had managed to reconcile. This had also allowed the royal blue mare to reconcile with Starlight's teacher, Twilight Sparkle.

The Princess of Friendship had not met with Trixie on the best of terms. Both of their previous encounters had left a lasting impression on Twilight that was not entirely unwarranted. Trixie was a show-mare that loved the spotlight. She always wanted to win, making anything and everything a competition if she could get away with it. Only hours prior Trixie had tried her hoof at competing against Twilight once again, this time with Starlight in the middle. The stage magician had beaten the Princess of Friendship but had almost lost her first friend in the process.

Starlight sighed as she left the guest room behind in her aimless meandering. The night had been a success regardless of the many mishaps, so why did she still feel restless? Nightmares frequently kept her from sleep, the twisted representations of her misguided past warped into horrifying punishments by her own guilt. However, this was different. The unsettled tightness in her chest was due to much more recent events. The subject of Twilight Sparkle's true feelings towards her, considering her animosity towards Trixie, had surfaced but had been glossed over. Did her teacher trust her? Were they truly friends, or did the past cut too deeply? For the first time since Twilight had taken her in, Starlight was unsure of the answer.

Desiring the comfort of darkness, Starlight relinquished the magic flow to her horn and let the conjured light fade. Engulfed in the shadows she continued to wander, uncaring of her direction. A sharp pain in her head brought her thoughts to a screeching halt. Her head had slammed into something of similar composition to it. The collision with the unseen mass sent Starlight sprawling to the ground. Bright spots of colour flashed in her vision, while her ears became clogged with a high pitched ringing. 

In front of her, whoever she had bumped headlong into was in a similar state. Given that Spike was far too short and she had not heard Trixie leave the guest room while she lay awake, that left only one option. Through the ringing in her ears, Starlight heard a distinctly Twilight sounding groan that confirmed her theory. The unicorn shoved herself to her feet, swaying slightly as her still throbbing head protested such abrupt movements. Dizziness washed over her like an ocean swell, retreating just as quickly as it had come.

A muted magenta light emanated from Twilight's horn, revealing to the alicorn just who she had crashed into. She felt her stomach churn violently and would not be surprised if the gurgling was audible to Starlight. Of all the ponies to bump into in the middle of the night this would probably be  close to her last choice at present. Only passed by Trixie and maybe Princess Celestia. The solar alicorn had been quietly furious when she had left the abandoned dinner. Twilight had tried to apologise but could tell that a rift had formed between them. A rift which had torn a void in her own self. How long it would endure, she did not know. Though now she had much more current problems- Starlight was almost definitely wandering the castle for the same reason as she was.

Within the zone of light created by Twilight's magic, Starlight rubbed her still throbbing head. The awkward silence stretched onwards, neither mare wanted to be the first to speak. After what seemed like several minutes Twilight mustered the courage to speak.

“Hey Starlight,” she started, a nervous laugh underlying her words.

“Hello Twilight,” Starlight replied, keeping her tone as level and pleasant as possible.

A defeated sigh escaped the alicorn and she moved herself into a sitting position. There was no avoiding this conversation any longer. Her heart wished that she could delay for a more appropriate time but her logical mind told her it would do only harm. She finished her long drawn out sigh and said,

“We have to talk.”

Starlight just nodded silently, taking a sitting position opposite Twilight. The cold, unyielding, crystal floor chilled her haunches. Shivers raced unbidden through her core, until she became accustomed to the cool surface. Twilight heard the gentle quivering of Starlight's body. She too felt a level of discomfort from their current position. The night was a particularly cool one and some of the chill had bled into the castle walls and floors. Through her own shivers she threw out a suggestion,

“Perhaps we could go to a-” she started, hopeful that her delaying tactic would succeed. Her initial determination had fled from her, just as the cold floor sapped the heat from her body.

The irony was not lost on Starlight. This was exactly the situation they had faced in the Crystal Empire, only reversed. Now it was Twilight who was delaying and she, Starlight, was having none of it. Twilight's pulled back ears and anxious expression mirrored how she had looked on that day. Perhaps she should have had a little more sympathy but if they did not at least start the conversation then there was a possibility it would never happen. More sharply than she intended, she interrupted Twilight. Each word shredded the alicorn's hopes until they lay in tatters.

“Twilight, if we delay this any longer we'll just never talk about it. It's been gnawing at me all night and if you weren't the same then you wouldn't be out here with me.”

Twilight made a fuss of stroking her wing with a hoof, staying firmly silent. What her student said was true but that made the looming conversation no easier. Starlight added her own magical light to the aura of illumination around them, allowing her to see Twilight more easily. The mare was visibly distressed, fidgeting intently with her wing feathers. Starlight winced at the sight but held firm. This had to be done. 

“Twilight,” Starlight continued, her tone now softer and more gentle. “I need to know if you're comfortable with me even being here... When I brought up the subject of how you felt about me you dodged the question.”

“You did run away,” Twilight pointed out.

Heat quickly rose to Starlight's cheeks, turning them a rosy pink. She had forgotten about that minor detail. Regardless she had a push back almost instantly. The unicorn coughed to clear her throat and pushed the messy lock of her mane from her eyes before saying,

“I was well within earshot. Until you tried to foist another fake friend on me...”

Twilight felt her chest tighten. She had been foolish to try and control who Starlight made friends with. She had her reasons, but looking back she could see how childish she had acted. Hindsight was indeed perfect.

“Trixie told me what happened...and it's nothing compared to what I did... I don't understand why Trixie and I are so different to you. If we aren't then well, I'm worried.”

Twilight shifted uncomfortably, fervently hoping she could articulate an answer that would be least offensive to Starlight. Whatever she said, the unicorn would leave this hallway hurting. Several times, the alicorn tried to begin a sentence only to falter and pull back. Starlight was putting her utmost effort into appearing patient but the faint twitch of her ears and the rigidity of her position gave her away. She was teetering on the edge, waiting for the answer she should have demanded weeks ago. Finally, Twilight spoke, her words spilling out in an uncoordinated mess.

“Honestly, I want to help you. When I looked at you I could see remorse...with Trixie I saw none of that. We left on decent terms but for weeks all I could think about was what she did to me and my friends. All because I stepped in to protect the town from an Ursa Minor. I had no quarrel with her. But with the alicorn amulet she tried to take everything away from me...everything. I know that the amulet corrupted her, I know that...but she still chose to put it on. All just to get back at me.”

“Not so different from when I tried to stop the Rainboom,” Starlight interjected flatly.

This elicited a glare from Twilight, but her student remained unflinching. Performing Cadance's exercise helped calm the alicorn, at least enough to prevent her from saying something she would regret

“I don't know why it's different Starlight...it just is... We took something from you. We took your whole life away. Yes we had to do it but it still felt wrong. Trixie and I barely interacted before she came to Ponyville and made everyone miserable over a grudge.” 

“So I'm basically a pity case?” asked Starlight.

She could not understand why her question dripped with venom, or why her breathing was quickening as she struggled to contain herself. Anger was rising from within, a burning volcano of emotion that threatened to overwhelm and consume her. The same anger which had blinded her once before. Suddenly that all drained from her at Twilight's next statement, leaving her feeling hollow and weak.

“Yes, you were,” Twilight murmured. “I knew I couldn't stop you unless I helped you. I had to talk you down, but afterwards...I couldn't just leave you. I had to help you, whether I wanted to or not. I'm the Princess of Friendship, it's my duty to spread friendship throughout Equestria, to everyone. Imprisoning you  would solve nothing and would be a waste of your talents. Or worse you would have simply escaped and become an even more dangerous foe. Even now...”

Here Twilight paused and looked at her pupil. Starlight was staring at the ground, eyes empty. Her body was trembling, from something that Twilight was certain was not cold. This made the princess hesitate. Would revealing the most crucial detail, the one thing Starlight wished to know, be too much to bear right now? Both of them were emotional and dangling on the the edge of their tethers. A confrontation was something she desperately wished to avoid. Starlight had proven her magical abilities numerous times. She was learning, she was improving in her social skills but she was still prone to overreaction and snap decisions. The wrong word, or the wrong situation could send her careening over the edge. A conflict now would put all their progress back several stages, perhaps irreparably so. Only a few hours prior this had barely been avoided. Taking a few extra moments, Twilight considered her options. Right now there were precious few available to her.

“Even now I'm scared of you. I'm scared of what will happen if you go down the wrong path again. That's why I wanted to control your meeting with Sunburst, that's why I asked Spike to go with you when you went to find Sunburst to save the Empire. I'm scared of anything that might ruin all the progress you've made. That's why I didn't want you to associate with Trixie. So yes...yes Starlight you worry me. I wasn't comfortable around you, and I'm still not. It's improving but every time something goes wrong, I worry. I worry that if you become evil I won't be able to stop you next time. I'm, I'm sorry...but I have to be honest.”

Being truthful seemed to be the most logical choice. Though it was not the easiest. By the end of her speech Twilight was shaking, trying to keep her voice from cracking throughout. Weeks of holding in her misgivings to try and support the fragile unicorn had taken their toll. She could only pray that Starlight would understand.

Starlight remained motionless, sitting unnaturally still as she listened to the words she had been dreading. Only when Twilight had finished did she move. Mechanically she moved to her feet, unfocused gaze staring straight blankly ahead. Her mind was a turmoil of thoughts and feelings. Twilight had finally been truthful to her. Her presence had been causing everyone discomfort. As much as they said they trusted her, no one truly did. Though she knew that already. Twilight was teaching her despite her own misgivings. The princess was putting herself at risk to help her. Twilight's friends treated her with kindness when she did not deserve it. A small smile twitched her lips and her sapphire eyes glistened with moisture.

“Thank you Twilight...” she said gently. “Thank you.”

Immediately the weight in the air dissipated and Twilight felt the tightness in her chest loosen. Able to breathe properly once again, she allowed  a small smile of her own to tug at her tired features. 

“I will admit, it has been fun though. Sort of a learning experience for both of us. I've enjoyed getting to know you too, and it is getting easier. Trixie just brought a lot of old feelings back. I shouldn't have let them affect me but I did.”

“I'm glad we got that all out in the open though,” Starlight said. “That's been a relatively frequent occurrence lately.”

“Any time you need to,” Twilight said softly. “I mean it Starlight. I want to help you...”

Less than an hour later, true to their word, both mares had passed out in their respective bedrooms. Twilight slept peacefully, her dreams taking her to the Canterlot Archives. Here she was busy re-organising the entirety of the Starswirl the Bearded wing. However, though Starlight had indeed succumbed to sleep it was anything but restful. As happened every night the unicorn was gripped in the thrall of her nightmares. On this occasion the dream version of herself was standing over Twilight, speaking words that only the old her would ever utter. She was gloating her victory, watching as an equalised Equestria began to form. Ponies were giving up their cutie marks willingly, just as she had once wished. Her dream self was relishing in Twilight's despair as the alicorn watched her friends give up their cutie marks, entrusting them to Starlight. The cutie marks were locked in the vault, casting their harsh light upon the scene. The real Starlight was forced to observe while locked in crystal, her own crystal spell, begging her dream self to stop. Her efforts were in vain no matter how loudly she screamed.

Then came the worst part. The equalised Equestria was powerless against its enemies. They appeared only as dark shadowed voids that swallowed all light. Except for their piercing sapphire blue eyes that burned into her quaking soul. For a long agonising moment they loomed over Equestria, shrouding the land in darkness. Starlight could only watch the horror forming in the equalised ponies' eyes. This would have been her doing. If she had succeeded, then this would be her legacy. Fear, destruction and despair would be the imprint she left on Equestria. An age of darkness. Then the gathering evil attacked.

Each night, Starlight found herself bearing witness to the doom of Equestria. Encased in her prison she could only watch as her dream self engaged in a futile struggle with the impending destruction. No matter how much she threw against the casing of crystal, it refused to break. She was just as powerless as her dream self, only able to wait for the nightmares to run their course. Dread filled her. Squeezing her eyes shut gave no reprieve from the horrors occurring before her. The sounds of screaming ponies and her dream self's horrified yells only intensified to compensate.

Suddenly, everything changed. The prison holding her in place melted into nothingness. Now free from her entrapment she watched in awe as the shadows retreated. Equestria was returned to peaceful normality. Both Twilight and dream Starlight vanished. Left alone within the now empty Cutie Mark Vault she frantically began to search for the cause of the change.

“I wondered when I would find your dreams Starlight Glimmer,” a soothing voice said from behind her.

Whirling around, Starlight came face to face with the elegant form of Princess Luna. Still believing this to be another twisted apparition of her nightmare, a cruel joke to lull her into a false sense of security, she stepped back a pace. Luna merely smiled softly and said.

“I suspect you are surprised. I as Princess of the Night have the power to walk through ponies dreams. I am not a part of your dream Starlight Glimmer. I am here to help you.”

“How exactly can I trust you?” Starlight asked sceptically, turning her head to fix Luna with a suspicious glare.

“A fair question. One that is rather difficult to answer. All I can ask for now is that you do trust me. I mean you no harm.”

“You'd say that anyway if you were just a dream trying to trick me,” Starlight snorted.

“True, but while it would be interesting to discuss these matters there are more pressing concerns. These dreams of yours, how often do they occur?”

“Every night. Not always the same one but it always has the same theme. Either I win and Equestria gets destroyed or Twilight decides I'm unteachable and throws me in a cell, or worse.” Starlight replied, sounding bored as she recited her night terrors.

“I see...You seem to have simply accepted these nightmares as fact,” Luna replied thoughtfully, seeing a worrying parallel.

“Somewhat...they just happen. I can't stop them, so I just live with them. The only time it gets...difficult is trying to get back to sleep. I need to hope that by the time they awaken me it is late enough in the night to simply remain awake. I've tried every spell I can think of but nothing will make them stop. So that's that,” stated the unicorn matter of factly.

“Nightmares can often be difficult. One needs to find the source of their problems to truly be rid of them. Anything else is temporary at best and ineffective at worst.”

“That fills me with confidence. I'm assuming you have a suggestion or you would not have appeared to me. This is all assuming that you are actually you. I still have not been convinced,” Starlight challenged, a smirk playing on her features.

“Perhaps later I shall be able to satisfy you,” Luna replied. “Though as I said, I would rather keep to the topic at hand for now if I may.”

“Go ahead,” Starlight shrugged. “I'll hold for now.”

Luna's small smile fell from her face and she turned sombre. Truthfully she had little idea how to help Starlight. This was not a young filly who needed assistance, and the issue was very close to home for the lunar princess. 

“Accepting that the past is in the past is the first step. It is a struggle that I have undertaken myself. As you may already know I was once Nightmare Moon, and threatened to shroud Equestria in eternal night.”

Starlight confirmed that she knew with a nod. It was one of the few pieces of the outside world which had penetrated her village. The panic which came from the lack of sun, even for a few hours had been difficult to quell. Seeing what Luna could be getting at, Starlight began to rethink her assessment of her situation. Either her imagination was amazing, or she had just spent half a conversation back talking one of the most powerful ponies ever...

“For a long time I punished myself with a creature known as the Tantabus. It created nightmares for me which were designed as penance for my sins. However, the creature escaped and once again I was the cause of a threat to all Equestria. You cannot live in fear of your past self Starlight, or you may come to regret how this fear makes you act. It is a never ending cycle that only worsens until you are clutched too tightly within its grasp.”

“But I didn't create these nightmares. They just come. It isn't some outside force or whatever, just my own head telling me what I already know. I was evil and messed up,” Starlight shot back immediately, not willing to allow Luna to create a parallel.

“Nevertheless, have you spoken to anypony about this? To any of your friends?”

“Not this specifically, though Applejack is helping me with another set of nightmares. These ones though, I would much rather keep to myself.”

“And why is that?” Princess Luna asked, folding her wings close to her body and blinking her teal eyes as she waited on a response.

“A few reasons,” Starlight began, deciding to just keep the overall tone of the conversation. Silly formalities now would only grate on her already thinning nerves.

“It's my problem to deal with. They can't help me with every little thing, whether they want to or not. If I can keep something to myself I will, for the simple reason that I caused it. I also don't need to hear that it will never happen. I know that! I just...keep seeing it. It's real to me.”

Starlight felt a heavy sigh escape her and she let her shoulders droop. She was now wholly convinced that this was not part of her dream. Their conversation was far too organic. That meant she was talking to an alicorn princess who was over a millennium old about night terrors. It made her feel like a little filly trying to explain a nightmare to her mother. She must have made a face at that, because Luna queried,

“Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing,” answered Starlight abruptly, unwilling to tell the princess that she had just compared her to a mother. 

Luna was unconvinced but dropped the subject. It would only waste the night and she had more important duties here. Starlight may not be creating these nightmares, but the young mare was creating her own problems by keeping them hidden. After a moment of thought she posed a question.

“Do you believe they would want to help you?”

This made Starlight pull another face. The answer was obvious, but it would drive the conversation in an unwanted direction. Feeling Luna's calm gaze probe her for an answer, she relented.

“Yes, yes they would.”

Luna nodded. “I would not want to speak for them but I am sure they believe in your change. They would want to help you succeed.”

“I just...don't want to drop this on them right now. They've already sacrificed so much for me,” Starlight pressed.

Despite the fact that she was talking to the second highest power in the land, she remained defiant. Her mind was made up. Thinking back to what Twilight had revealed to her gave her the courage to make her feelings known, even to an ancient alicorn princess.

“Maybe one day...but not today.”

Disappointment filled Luna but she let the motion stand. Before she was able to offer any more words, the dream world around them began to distort violently. The ground beneath the two ponies shuddered, sending Starlight crashing into the cutie mark vault. Everything around her had lost focus, as if she was viewing her surroundings while submerged in murky waters. Eyes wide with fear, she looked around wildly. Locking onto Luna she demanded,

“What's happening?!”

“It appears somepony is trying to wake you. I am afraid I must leave before you enter the waking world. Remember Starlight, you are not alone in this.”

Silently, Luna was cursing the inopportune timing of this event. The next time they met Starlight would only be more guarded. With one last look towards the lilac unicorn the Princess of the Night departed, slipping into the endless expanse of the dream-scape once more. 

Back in her room, Starlight jolted awake. Blinking rapidly, she searched through the gloom for what had awoken her. A sudden burst of blinding light caused her to reel back and shade her eyes with her hooves. The voice which pierced the darkness soon told her exactly why she had awoken.

“Sorry!” Trixie exclaimed the side of Starlight's bed, her voice bristling with panic.

Groaning softly, Starlight pulled her hooves away from her eyes. Her bedside lamp had been turned on, presumably by Trixie. While her eyes still watered slightly she was able to keep them open as they adjusted to the new light levels. Within the sphere of light generated by the small lamp, Starlight could see the blue show-mare standing off to her side. Trixie's features were contorted with worry, only accentuated by her messy silver mane.

“Hello?” Starlight asked, trying to act as if nothing was out of the ordinary with her current situation. “Is something wrong?”

Trixie bit her lip and angled her deep purple eyes downwards towards the floor. She wished her heart would slow down so she could hear herself think. This was a completely new experience for her. Starlight was her first friend and considering that only hours earlier she had thrown that friendship into jeopardy, her nerves were starting to fail her. Maybe she should have tried to find Twilight first.

“Hello?” Starlight repeated, reaching out with a hoof and gently poking Trixie's chest.

The gesture did the trick and Trixie snapped her attention back on Starlight. After an audible gulp Trixie squeaked out.

“Umm, sorry... I just, heard you talking in your sleep. Pretty loudly too. Then you started, well...it sounded like crying so I rushed in. When I came in you were thrashing around. I could barely get near you. Once you stayed still long enough I was able to wake you. Then I turned the light on and kinda blinded you a bit... Sorry about that.”

Hearing this, Starlight groaned at her own stupidity. Why had she never considered that someone in the next room might hear her during a nightmare. It was so obvious and she had let it completely slip her mind. She should have cast a muffling spell. Now she had Trixie worried for her.

“It's... just a nightmare,” she sighed. “Just a nightmare. I'm fine. I'm sorry I woke you.”

Trixie winced at the thought of such a nightmare, able to elicit such a vivid response from Starlight's subconscious. Sweat coated the mare's lilac coat and she was breathing more heavily than normal due to whatever exertions had occurred in her sleep. This was a normal occurrence? Normal to the point that Starlight's only reaction was casual indifference? A chill danced across Trixie's spine, causing her to shudder.

“Are you sure?” Trixie asked, reluctant to leave the conversation at that. If she was going to be a good friend then she had to make absolutely sure that Starlight was alright before she gave in.

“Yes,” replied, using all her skill to be convincing while lying through her teeth.

Inwardly she was welling with frustration. First Princess Luna had appeared in her dreams, now Trixie had found out about them and all this after a talk with Twilight. Had the stars just decided to align tonight? Was everything going to be dragged up at once? Was this some twisted form of extra punishment? Suppressing her anger she forced a smile and tried to allay Trixie's fears.

“Seriously... I can barely remember it now anyway. I'm fine.” she lied once more.

“O-okay. If you're sure,” Trixie whispered with a nod, backing away from the bed.

“Thanks for the concern though,” Starlight smiled, this time her words being truthful and the smile genuine. “I appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” Trixie assured her with a gentle smile of her own.

As she left the room it darkened behind her. Starlight had already turned the light off and laid back down. Meanwhile Trixie's mind was hard at work. If Starlight was having that much trouble in her sleep then something was wrong whether she wanted to admit it or not. The Great and Powerful Trixie was going to get to the bottom of this. She was going to help her new friend, no matter what. Though hopefully not alone.

Using a simple tracking spell the blue unicorn was able to find the room of Twilight Sparkle amidst the maze of doors. Holding her breath, Trixie raised her hoof and rapped it against the door three times. The knocking sound echoed through the halls. Trixie fervently hoped that no one else would be woken, other than Twilight. A few moments passed. Worry began to nibble at her. How heavy a sleeper was Twilight exactly? She knew very little about the mare she was trying to rouse. That realisation hit her hard just then. It made her actions towards the princess seem ever so petty. She was not given much time to dwell on such thoughts.

A huge wave of relief washed over Trixie as she heard movement from the other side of the door. Twilight was awake at least...unless she had found the little dragon's room instead. Thankfully it was indeed the lavender alicorn who opened the door to her. Sleepy confusion was evident on Twilight's face, which only doubled when she realised just who was calling on her. Spike occasionally wanted to sleep in her room for the night for one reason or another. Another possibility that had crossed her mind was Starlight wanted to talk again. That option had caused a queasy feeling to form in her stomach. The idea that Trixie would be knocking on her door during the night was something she would never have considered, ever.

“Trixie?” was the only greeting that Twilight was able to formulate in her sleep and confusion addled mind.

“That's me,” said unicorn chuckled, idly rubbing her left foreleg with her right hoof. “Uh, do you have a minute to talk? It's important.”

“It can't wait til morning?” Twilight asked sleepily, forcing the words out through a yawn.

Her dishevelled appearance gave away her exhaustion. She wanted nothing more than to curl back up into bed. One life enlightening conversation was enough for any single night. However, if she and Trixie were truly going to move forward then she had to be patient. Everyone had their quirks and picking very inopportune moments to blurt things out seemed to be one of Trixie's.

“No, not really,” Trixie sighed. “Like I said, it's important.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and abandoned all hopes that she would be getting back to sleep. Taking a deep breath she motioned for Trixie to enter the room. Trixie blinked at the motion before following the silent command. With a light thump the door closed behind them. Twilight settled down on a rug and gestured for Trixie to sit in front of her. 

“So, what's up?” Twilight asked, once they were both comfortable. At least she was sitting on a rug this time so her haunches were not going numb under her.

“It's... It's about Starlight,” Trixie muttered, trying to fumble through her mind for a good place to begin.

“Is she alright?” Twilight asked, immediately being dragged into alertness by the simple statement.

“I, I think so. Or well...she thinks she is. Tonight I was sleeping, dreaming of my next great performance when I found myself woken up. I was at first annoyed, as I was on the verge of completing preparations for what could be my most daring magical escapade yet.”

Twilight had to force herself to suppress a groan. Biting back the urge to tell Trixie to get to the point she allowed herself to zone out slightly instead. However, Trixie's next sentence brought her right back to attention. Her words were alarming.

“Then I listened, and I could hear crying... At first I thought I was simply imagining things but then it continued, only getting worse. It was something I had already heard tonight...Starlight. I rushed into her room and she was still asleep, but she was thrashing around and begging something to stop.”

“Starlight was having a nightmare?” Twilight asked, now leaning forward to hang on to Trixie's every word.

“Yes,” Trixie confirmed, nodding vigorously. “A bad one too from what I could tell. When I was able to ask her about it she just, brushed it off. Like it was...common. Nightmares like that shouldn't be common. I... I had to come find you. I'm new to this whole friendship thing and would...probably say the wrong thing again.”

“I'm glad you came to get me. It was the right thing to do.” Twilight nodded. Hearing Trixie exhale with relief she allowed herself a brief smile before continuing.

“She occasionally has nightmares about a dragon who attacked her village years ago. But from what Applejack tells me they've been improving. I...I don't understand why she'd lie about that.”

“Maybe it's something different?” Trixie suggested. “She wouldn't tell me, but well...I didn't want to just leave it until morning. What if she just has another one?”

“I understand,” Twilight replied, sighing heavily. 

What could be wrong? Why had Starlight been hiding this from her? Thinking on it, Twilight reasoned that she should not be this surprised. Starlight had a habit of hiding her feelings from the world. It was almost infuriating. Getting anything out of the unicorn was like getting Spike into a dress. She could appreciate the probable reasoning, that Starlight felt her burdens were her own, but that was not what friendship was about.

“Let's go,” Twilight whispered, standing up and using magic to open her door.

“Huh? Where?” Trixie asked, though she had a very good idea.

“To Starlight's room. You were right. This has to end tonight.”

Trixie nodded in agreement and hurried after Twilight. Together they made their way back to Starlight's room. While Trixie had been hesitant to enter the bedroom of her new friend Twilight marched right in. The alicorn had a fire in her eyes and unbending steel in her actions. No more dancing around or being delicate.

“What the?!” Starlight yelped, snapping upright and sending her bedclothes flying.

The heavy bundle of material landed in a heap on the ground. Starlight looked just as awful as Trixie had seen her before. Getting to her hooves, the lilac unicorn glared at Twilight. Sapphire met magenta as two of the most powerful magic users in Equestria stared each other down for a moment. Starlight's gaze suddenly switched to Trixie and she quickly put two and two together.

“Ugh... Of course, I am not going to get any peace tonight am I! Twilight, we just spoke about this. You're already doing enough for me. If I want to keep my problems to myself then that's it!”

“That's not what friendship is!” Twilight huffed, not even bothering to comment on just how accurately Starlight had read the situation.

“So friendship is bursting into my room and almost sending the door from it's hinges in the middle of the night?” Starlight snarled back, now off her bed and stalking towards Twilight.

“If it's the only way to get answers. You forced them out of me in a hallway,” Twilight replied, her tone freezing over into an icy calm.

Starlight felt herself flinch back from the tone. Deflating visibly she shrank back slightly. Twilight was right, she was being hypocritical right now. Her reasons felt just but her actions were stupid. Trixie immediately moved over and wrapped a hoof around the unicorn's shoulders, shooting a warning glance at Twilight. The alicorn softened her stance instantly, feeling her anger flee from her.

“I'm sorry, I just... None of us can help you if you won't let us. We think everything's okay then something else comes up. And then I hear that it might be something you've been keeping for weeks. Starlight, you're my student, my friend. I know what I just told you but that doesn't mean I don't want to help you. It just means I need to try a little harder. But if I can't help you then I feel like I'm failing as a teacher...”

“How could you be failing?” Starlight asked incredulously. “I've learned so much here... You've done so much for me... I don't understand.”

Trixie cut in before Twilight could respond. “I know I may not be the best pony to say this but the biggest regret you will ever have is pushing your friends away. I almost did so tonight. One silly sentence almost broke us apart... It can be that easy Starlight.”

“I don't want to push anypony away...but... I don't want all my problems to push you all away either.” Starlight mumbled, barely moving her lips. Her voice started to rise gradually, until she began shouting. “It's my fault... It's my fault I'm having these nightmares. I'm the one who messed up...okay? It was me who couldn't swallow my hate and just make new friends, it was me who almost destroyed Equestria... It's my mess to deal with... I have to deal with it on my own! I have to! I can't have you all be pushed away again just because I can't deal with my own problems properly!”

“We aren't going to be pushed away so easily,” Twilight replied, remaining calm even after Starlight's yelling. “I could go and wake up every single one of our friends right now and they would give you the same answer. It...it just hurts. It hurts to know that you're holding in so much. Every time something is revealed I now need to be worried that there's even more you aren't telling me. That's why I feel I'm failing Starlight. Today I put more focus on appeasing Princess Celestia than helping you and allowed my past feelings to blind me. It was foolish of me and it almost caused a disaster. Princess Celestia is angry at me, and rightly so. I...I failed today, and maybe even more than that.”

Starlight remained silent at this, thinking hard. She thought back to Luna's words. Ponies wanted to help her, regardless of how much of a burden it may be. It reminded her of how she and Sunburst used to help each other with everything. No matter how large or small the problem or predicament they would help each other. Unsure of how to put her thoughts into words she cast her gaze around the room. Her eyes were drawn to a silvery moonbeam which had found its way into her room through a small crack in her curtains. Emboldened by the presence of the soft light, she whispered.

“I'm scared... I'm scared that I'll mess up and go back to my old ways. I'm scared that I'll ruin everything. I've already been a burden to you all. Today I annoyed Mrs Cake, changed Big Mac for my own purposes, ruined one of Rarity's hats and apparently I offended Rainbow by not knowing who the Wonderbolts are. Then I find out from Harry that Fluttershy was put out that I left her picnic! Then I neglect to tell you my plans and decide to just ditch the dinner.! I fail a lot more than you do Twilight...”

“May I...say something?” Trixie asked, stepping between the two purple ponies before Twilight was able to respond.

“Go ahead,” Twilight said with a nod.

“Any time I fail a trick I try to rectify my mistakes. Nothing happens right on the first try, though it does take me less attempts than most. Anyway that's not important... we're all in new situations right now. Twilight is new to teaching, Starlight and I are new to this sort of friendship. We're not used to having ponies to help us and it's easy to just hide your hurt from the world. But...you can only hold it for so long, eventually it gets too much and you lash out. I did that myself, all because of my jealousy. We're all going to make mistakes, and we can all get a second chance... umm, Starlight please disregard what I said before about that.”

“Will do,” Starlight chuckled weakly. “I think we've both been proven wrong tonight.”

“Uh huh. You both seem to be so intent on not hurting the other that you forget that sometimes you need to break some wands in order to pull a rabbit from a hat. Don't ask. As a pony who used to think only for herself, you need a balance. Like in anything.”

Trixie chuckled sheepishly at the admittance of her own faults. It was a new experience, admitting without any reservations that The Great and Powerful Trixie was any less than perfect. Starlight rolled her eyes.

“Why is it that everyone else can make this stuff seem so simple?” she asked, pouting.

Twilight had a similar adorable pout on her face. “I don't know but it happens a lot.”

Trixie chuckled before turning serious. “I'm glad that I could help. Though there is still the dragon in the room.”

“Spike isn't here is he?” Twilight asked, searching the room for her number one assistant.

“What? Oh...no sorry. I mean the main reason we're all here,” Trixie explained.

“Oh. Yes...” Twilight said with a nod.

Starlight gulped to try and dislodge the lump that had formed in her throat. She had intended to hold firm on her stance and keep the content of the night terrors to herself. However, now her resolve wavered. She knew that merely talking about her problems would not banish them. However, simply leaving Twilight to worry was grossly unfair. Now that Trixie was wrapped up in the dilemma, Starlight felt cornered. 

An unseen force began to pull on her. A gentle tugging that guided her towards the still present beam of moonlight. Slowly, she followed her unseen guide. Now bathed in silver Starlight closed her eyes. 

“Good evening once again Starlight Glimmer.”

The voice echoed within the confines of her mind. Immediately recognising who was talking, Starlight greeted.

“Hello again Princess Luna.”

“Quickly surmised, as expected,” Luna praised.. “I will not keep you long, since you probably look rather silly to your friends right now. Forgive my lack of formality in contacting you but after some deliberation I deemed it rather urgent.”

Starlight merely nodded. Inside her head, the small avatar of herself performed a low bow. A little bit of respect was warranted after her frosty treatment of the lunar princess during their previous meeting. The image of the alicorn appeared before her with a smile.

“There is no need for that my friend. I do imagine that having a pony burst into your nightmare would not be conducive to politeness.”

“Yes but I felt it appropriate now. Anyway, you said I look silly and I already do a good enough job of that on my own so let's be quick,” Starlight said, trying to imagine just how silly she looked right now. Either flopped on the floor or standing like a vegetable were her most likely guesses.

“Yes, quite. I assume your friends are at this moment trying to assist you with your problem?”

“Yes...they are. As you said they would... I just, I don't... I can't do either option. I can't put this on them... But now I can't let them worry in the unknown either.”

“Yes I see... I want to tell you a small story if you will allow me.”

Starlight's inner self nodded, sitting down to listen to whatever Luna had to share.

“Once there lived two sisters. One loved by all while her younger sibling felt ignored and shunned. The elder felt unable to help her younger sister, who was only becoming more bitter and cold. The younger felt pain and sorrow at being rejected. She felt wronged and betrayed. Her hurt was immense, only eclipsed by a single thing. The hurt and pain that she was inflicting upon her elder sister. Shutting out the one who cared about her so much was the younger sister's biggest mistake, one she would regret for years to come.”

“So...you think that it would be crueller to leave them wondering?” Starlight asked, only to be answered by her own echo.

She snapped back to reality a moment later, greeted by the concerned faces of Trixie and Twilight hovering over her. Apparently she had lost control of her muscles and collapsed to the ground. Her mane and tail were splayed all over the floor. Her initial guess had been correct presumably.

“Sorry, I think Princess Luna wanted to talk,” Starlight tried to explain as she returned to her feet, hoping that at least Twilight would understand. “She umm...had something to share with me.”

“Princess Luna?” Trixie asked, jaw dropping at the casual mention of one of the most powerful ponies in the land.

“Dreams are her speciality,” Twilight said gently, stepping back to allow Starlight to stand. “So it's only logical that she would try to help. What did she say?”

“She...told me a story. A story which I think gave me the perspective I need,” Starlight answered, her gaze becoming distant for a moment

The tale had sounded personal. Two sisters, one elder and one younger. The younger heading down a dark path. It mirrored the events surrounding Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, if the texts Starlight had read were to be believed. Steeling herself, Starlight took a deep breath before focusing once more on the two occupants in her room.

“Okay, while I still wish that this had waited, particularly considering what we just spoke about Twilight...things have happened and I can't delay it any longer. Yes I've been having nightmares. Nightmares about what would happen if I either won in our battle in the past, or...well, what would happen to me if you all had not given me a second chance. Equestria gets destroyed again and again and I'm forced to watch. I... I don't think there's much more detail I need to go into and please Twilight, please don't ask me to tonight.”

“We won't,” Trixie promised, just as Twilight was opening her mouth to speak.

Twilight was more uncertain. While she desired to know more, the pleading in Starlight's tone was evident. She sighed and began to pace the small room. Starlight shrank back, like a filly awaiting judgement, while Trixie replaced the hoof around her shoulders. Back and forth Twilight paced, the cogs in her brain turning as she pursued a suitable solution. Her own desires were weighted against Starlight's potential distress. She knew that she had to give Starlight space, but also knew that she could not allow the mare to lose against her own fears once again. After several long seconds she raised her head and exhaled. It took all her strength to utter her next words.

“Okay...if you don't want to tell us then it's fine, just...please promise me that if it gets too much you'll tell me...or anyone. I don't care who just tell someone, please Starlight...”

Twilight's voice was thick as she spoke, struggling to think of the right words. She wanted to press more but could not bring herself to. This was as good as she was going to get for now. Trixie felt Starlight shaking against her and pulled her hoof tighter around her friend's shoulders. This was what she was stepping into. This was her first taste of true friendship. Not always easy but, if the way her heart leapt when Starlight returned for her was any indication, always worth it in the end.

“I promise,” Starlight murmured, slipping out from her Trixie's hoof. Raising her head, she met Twilight's gaze once more.

For a few moments they locked eyes. Sapphire clashed with magenta as Twilight probed for the truthfulness in Starlight's promise. Apparently satisfied, she settled back onto her hindquarters.

“Okay, thank you.”

“Phew,” Trixie huffed out, rolling over onto her back and splaying her limbs flat on the floor. “That was probably the most intense thing I've ever experienced.”

“Does it even trump the Ursa Minor?” Twilight teased, laying herself down in a more dignified manner.

“Definitely. Though I would rather not have to put this to the test against an Ursa Major.”

“Good idea,” Twilight agreed, grinning.

Starlight would have joined in he conversation but her stomach beat her to the punch. Throughout all of this she had completely forgotten one crucial little thing. She had skipped dinner.

“Oh... I think I'm being told off,” she chuckled, bringing a hoof to her gurgling stomach.

“You're getting hungry now?” Trixie asked. “It's the middle of the night!”

Another growl caused the show mare to roll her eyes, but this time Starlight threw her hooves up to protest her innocence.

“Nope, that one wasn't mine.”

Both mares turned to Twilight, who shrugged sheepishly. 

“We did all sort of miss dinner,” Twilight chuckled. “By the time I was done talking with Celestia Derpy, DJ Pon 3 and Cranky had polished it off.”

“We did kind of deserve that though,” Starlight reasoned, before turning to Trixie. “To be honest I'm kind of surprised you aren't hungry.”

Now it was Trixie's turn to turn crimson. The vibrant red clashed with her blue coat and she backed up a little. When her tail end met the wall she let out a nervous laugh.

“I, may have helped clean off the dinner table,” she admitted.

Both Twilight and Starlight merely stared at her, their eyes boring into the cowering unicorn.

“I'm sorry! I was hungry!”

Twilight let her stern gaze hold for a few more heartbeats before rolling her eyes and smiling. “At least one of us didn't go hungry. C'mon, Starlight and I should probably eat something before we try to sleep again.”

“That would be a good idea,” Starlight said with a nod, her stomach punctuating her statement with another growl.

A few minutes later the three were eating daisy sandwiches while bathed in the warm glow of the fire place. Despite saying she was not hungry Trixie had already ravenously devoured two and was busy on a third. Nothing of the previous hours was forgotten, only placed aside. Starlight levitated a small cube of cheese to her mouth and bit into it. Remembering the silly old mare's tale she scoffed,

“Maybe I'll try reverse psychology my nightmares away by eating so much cheese they give up,” 

Trixie polished off her third sandwich and shrugged, her mouth to full to speak. Twilight blinked as a thought struck her.

“I do wonder if cheese actually does cause nightmares. Scientifically it just seems silly but it has to have come from somewhere.”

“Hmmph, maybe I should ask Princess Luna if she comes into my head again,” Starlight suggested off handedly “She's the expert.”

“I never considered that,” Twilight gasped, looking devastated.

Starlight rolled her eyes and nudged the mare with her elbow, bringing her out of a Twilight panic before it could begin. 

“Well I'll just doubly make sure and ask.”

Now able to speak, Trixie added. “Speaking of Princesses, I umm, well think we should apologise to Princess Celestia. Somehow. Twilight was the one who got the brunt of everything tonight. It was kind of our fault too.”

“Yeah,” Starlight said with a nod. “We should probably write her a letter in the morning. If that's a good idea.”

Both unicorns looked to Twilight, who smiled. “Sounds like a lovely idea. Princess Celestia does enjoy a good letter. I think I may write it with you, I still have to apologise a little more.”

“Then it's settled,” Trixie affirmed, standing up.

She let out a loud yawn and stretched her legs. Twilight followed suite, standing up and stretching herself. Starlight turned to stare into the fire, letting herself be entranced by the flickering flames. Both her companions noticed her lack of movement and glanced at each other. Trixie turned to the lilac unicorn and asked,

“You coming?”

Starlight sighed and shook her head. Her gaze returned to the fire. There was no way she would be able to forgo sleep for the rest of the night. She had woken too early. Making a decision to try being more open with those trying to help her, she answered,

“I'll...head to bed a little later. I'm, not all that eager to face another nightmare just yet...”

She turned her head to try and catch at least a glimpse of Twilight's reaction. The alicorn's face was unreadable, though when she spoke her voice betrayed her. 

“Okay, well just...head to bed when you're ready...” she mumbled, forcing each word out. Barely able to finish the sentence, she turned on heel the instant the last word escaped her and left the room.

Starlight closed her eyes and let out a whimper. Curling into a tight ball, she tried to shut out the world, at least for a moment. Only her ears told her that Trixie had also left the room. She stayed curled as long as she was able, only emerging when her body demanded she relax. The small fire they had lit began to die, it having not been crafted to last. Face now cast in the reddening glow, Starlight finally addressed her company.

“I knew you wouldn't be able to leave. Thanks for trying at least.”

Dispelling the Detection Prevention charm, Twilight allowed her form to shimmer into view. She had only just  arrived at the door to her room when she had been compelled to return. Invisible she had waited, watching Starlight closely as she fought back the urge to intervene while her heart tore itself to pieces. 

“How long have you known?” she asked.

“About thirty seconds, though it's obvious you've been here much longer,” Starlight accused, gesturing to the space on the rug beside her.

“You're observant,” Twilight said, laying herself down in the offered space.

“Maybe if I was a little less impulsive I'd be able to use it more. So...how long?”

“I barely left,” Twilight admitted. “I just...got to my room and...couldn't leave you. I don't know why-”

“I do,” Starlight interrupted. “You care. You care for just about every pony you meet. Even if they would not return the kindness.”

“You would,” Twilight whispered.

“Maybe... Twilight... I could go into detail about all this but would it really help? There's... there's nothing you can do against a nightmare. Believe me I've tried it magically and even if we pooled our efforts I doubt it would get anywhere.”

“It's not the nightmares Starlight... It's everything. I just never know what you're hiding. You hide behind fake smiles or jokes until you break. I just don't... don't...”

“Want me falling off the deep end again...” Starlight finished. “Neither do I.”

“I don't want to lose you,” Twilight said huskily. “It's more than just being my student... you're my friend... I mean that. I don't care that you sometimes make me uneasy. I don't care that you once tried to destroy my friendships... I care about the here and now, where you're my friend and that's that.”

“That's more than a little naïve...but sweet,” Starlight said gently, placing one of her delicate forehooves on top of Twilight's slightly larger hoof. “I... I understand. I'm sorry I've been so guarded. I'll... I'll try and be more honest...”

Her heart thumped gently, a slow rhythm that  lulled her towards sleep. No matter how much she tried to fight it, her eyelids felt like lead weights. Furiously, she rubbed the sleep from her eyelashes with a hoof. The looming threat of another excursion into the world of her nightmares filled her with quiet dread. Light trembles racked her form and despite the fire her blood was running cold. One per night was about all she could bear.

“I'm here...” Twilight whispered softly, draping a wing across Starlight's back and pulling her close.

“Stay with me...” Starlight mumbled, trembling slightly as she stared into the smouldering embers of the weakened fire “Please...”

“I will,” Twilight promised. 

Starlight felt herself begin to slip, the heat radiating from Twilight only increasing sleep's hold on her. Merely moments later her heartbeat had slowed to a crawl and she had slumped against Twilight's side. The foreleg she had placed on top of Twilight's relaxed, falling to the rug limply. The alicorn allowed the unicorn to use her as a pillow, listening to the gentle movement of air caused by Starlight's slow breathing. Concentrating on the fire, Twilight magically extinguished the glowing embers to prevent any potential accidents. With her friend's warmth heavy against her she closed her own eyes, curling herself protectively around Starlight before she too began to slumber. For the first night in a long time, Starlight Glimmer slept peacefully.

> The Warmth of Starlight "Hearth's Warming Tail"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I am so glad you both managed to convince me to join the party,” Starlight panted, flopping down into a convenient chair. Her face was flushed and her sides heaved. Rainbow Dash had challenged her to try and beat Pinkie Pie in a dance competition. The result had been a landslide, and not in her favour. Still, she found herself enjoying the night much more than she would a night locked in her room.

“I'm glad you decided to join,” Twilight said with a smile, nudging a mug of cider over to the mare.

“Yeah,” Spike chortled. “Besides Applejack you're about the only one who'll take Rainbow's challenges seriously.”

“I'm stubborn like that. I'm not going to back down just because something seems impossible,” Starlight answered, closing one eye for a flutter of heartbeats and winking at the young drake.

Spike just continued chuckling, “Doesn't make it any less funny to watch.”

“Fair enough,” Starlight relented, taking a long swig of the cider.

As the smooth liquid soothed her parched throat she took a moment to look over the party. Everyone was coming together to have fun. Ponies of all kinds, ages, occupations, lifestyles and interests were just having fun as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Suddenly, her gut twisted, and the taste of cider turned to ash in her mouth. Resisting the urge to cough she stared down into her drink, hoping that the sensation would pass. Instead, a slow ripple passed across the golden surface, warping her reflection. For a single moment her old self sneered back at her, before the liquid stilled and she was once again looking at her own reflection.

'Yeah... I forgot didn't I?' she muttered. 'For a short while I was able to forget. Thanks for that at least Twilight.'

This holiday represented all that she had almost destroyed. Friendship, togetherness, acceptance, all of it she had once stamped out. Even with all of her friends here, this holiday was just too much. Snowfall Frost had tried to get rid of the holiday in a story...Starlight Glimmer had almost succeeded in doing the exact same thing without even trying. She had drawn the wrong parallel. Twilight had wanted to pull her into the holiday by showing her its importance, but the story now sang a different tune. That it was something easily destroyed and warranted better ponies to preserve it than she.

'I should just excuse myself before this gets any worse,' she thought, rising to do just that. Before the words that would excuse her from the goings on could escape her however, Spike spoke up.

“Hey, do you want to help judge musical statues?” he asked. He could sense something was wrong, and was not about to let Starlight retire to her room just yet. This holiday was for everyone, whether she believed it or not. “A few of the younger ponies have been asking for it.”

“Me?” Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow. Inwardly, she almost screamed. Why did he have to ask? Why could one thing just not go simply for her for once?

“Yeah. You have a good eye for the small detail stuff and it'll help you get to know more ponies.”

She wanted to say no, she really did. She wanted to go into her self imposed exile and let everyone else have their well deserved mirth but could not bring herself to flat out deny his request. With a phoney smirk playing at her lips she said,

“Sure. I'll give it a shot. I am pretty strict though. Think everyone can handle that?”

Spike nodded in return. “Fine with me.”

“Let's go then,” Starlight replied, leaving behind the mug of cider. Right now she would rather avoid looking at herself.

“Have fun,” Twilight called after them, almost pleading with them. The alicorn had slowly begun piercing Starlight's walls. It was getting easier for her to tell when something was amiss. That last smile had been forced, not reaching her saddened eyes...maybe this holiday had been too much too soon.

“Nope. Diamond Tiara, you moved.” Starlight called, pointing a hoof at the young filly. “Your tail flicked.”

“Awww,” Diamond huffed, face settled into a pout as she took her place just outside of the game.

“Better luck next time,” Starlight said, trying to soften the blow for the defeated filly before flipping open the ornate music box to commence the next round.

She had cast a magical bubble that would allow the younger ponies to play without interference from the rest of the party.  Diamond flopped down at the edge of the bubble so she could continue to monitor the game. The old Diamond Tiara would have raised a stink until the judge had relented, or she would have simply demanded a biased judge be used. However, that was not the pony she was any more. Also, something told her that Starlight would not be an easy mare to sway to her whim if she was so inclined to try. Though now that she had turned her attention to the unicorn she could not help but notice that Starlight was troubled. Hiding behind a mask of joviality yes, but troubled all the same.

As the game wore to its climax, Starlight found herself under Diamond's scrutiny. She bore it as long as she was able but when Spike eventually won the game thanks to his years balancing books for Twilight, it became to much for her burning curiosity.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, striding over to the pink earth pony.

“Not really,” Diamond replied gently. “Sorry I'm just wondering why you're here if you aren't enjoying it.”

The question had weight behind it, yet beheld all the innocence of a young mind. Immediately retreating behind her guard, Starlight said flatly,

“What do you mean? I'm enjoying it fine.”

“Uh huh,” Diamond snorted, standing her ground. “So why do you look like you just swallowed ash?” she asked.

Colour drained from Starlight's face despite the warmth of the room. That was exactly how she felt. Perturbed by the accuracy of the statement, the unicorn floundered for a response. Diamond had to hold back her delight. Her talent for understanding ponies could be used for more than simply making them do what she wanted. Maybe it could be used to help others as well.

“It's complicated,” was all Starlight replied with, recovering from her momentary lapse in composure. Keeping her tone flat and empty she continued. “It isn't something I want to discuss with you. Sorry.”

“I wasn't expecting you to,” Diamond said softly. “But if you don't want to be at the party then you have no reason to be here. I'm sure your friends wouldn't mind. If you do want to be at the party, then you're here... so there's no reason to be so glum. Sorry if that sounds simple but it's just how I see it. If I'm wrong then I'm sorry about that too. I hope you figure it out.”

Finished with her speech, Diamond rejoined the party, leaving Starlight to ponder her words. Now she was being tugged in two directions. One half of her wanted to stay and enjoy herself, forgive herself. The other half wanted to leave, to punish herself for deeds that could never truly be atoned for. Caught between the two pulling halves, Starlight retreated to the one place in the party where ponies would think twice before interacting with her. She needed the time to just think.

Let go of the past, the words of her song that haunted her. For one small blink in time she had been able to, but now it felt as if eternity was stretched out before her. With good friends by your side, something she definitely had. Her friends meant the world to her. It was their happiness that meant everything to her, not her own. If her presence somehow ruined this party, as it had almost ruined Equestria, then she really would never be able to forgive herself.

For half an hour she was a shadow, watching from a distance through the dull haze of melancholy. Listening to the throbbing of her aching heart, she wished for it to end. She wished that her mind would stop lashing her past at her, like the frigid winter air would bite at her cheeks. Every time she felt a lapse in her self torment it came back stronger than ever.

“Darling, is there a reason you are standing alone? Under the mistletoe?”

Starlight sighed. Of course her solution would only be temporary. Sooner or later one of her friends would wonder why she was not joining in. All of her bets had been on Pinkie Pie but it seemed Rarity had stepped up to the plate. Secretly she wished it had been Pinkie. While hyperactive and hard to follow, the pink pony generally accepted when she wanted to be alone. Rarity was much more stubborn and adept at wriggling under her defences.

“No. I'm fine. Just taking a break is all. Ponies tend to keep their distance under mistletoe.”

“Yes that is fair enough dear, but you have been standing here for quite a while. Would you rather retire to your bedroom? Twilight did say that you were not feeling up to the holiday.”

Here it was, the choice she always had to make. To hide behind her mask or be honest. Progress would dictate that she be more honest, as Twilight had proven again and again that she had no reason to hide. However, it was almost reflex for her to hide behind her walls, to protect herself even if there was no need. Though apparently she was no good at that either any more. The ease with which that young filly had analysed her issues still disturbed her. Taking a leap of faith, or more like a shuffle, she sighed,

“It's a little more complicated than that...”

“I imagine. Do you want to share?” Rarity asked gently, stepping closer to keep their conversation more private. Any closer though and she would be under the mistletoe with the other unicorn and that was the last thing Starlight needed

“It's silly,” Starlight muttered, moving out from under the festive plant and closing the distance between herself and Rarity. Loud music courtesy of DJ Pon-3 would keep eavesdroppers at bay.

“I just... don't feel like I should be at this party... “ she sighed, fixing her gaze firmly on the floor. After everything I've done. Just, something about the spirit of the holiday being something I almost destroyed...”

“Ah... I see,” Rarity said with a nod. Looking around, she quickly and efficiently summoned their six closest friends, before gesturing to the balcony overlooking the main hall. No one would bother them up there. Starlight found herself swept towards the impromptu meeting, offering little resistance. It would only be futile.

When everyone was assembled Spike promptly supplied them all with a drink. Starlight rolled her eyes and had to suppress a snort. There was really no need for this. They all did not have to step away from the party just because she was feeling blue yet again. Before she could articulate those thoughts into words, Rainbow's hoof pressed against her mouth. Not even her fiercest glare could convince the rainbow-maned pegasus to release her, so she simply huffed and raised her hooves in surrender. Satisfied, Rainbow lowered her hoof.

“Look. We know you don't like all this fuss but it is kind of the quickest way to get things out of you. Whenever it's just one of us you bob and weave more than the Wonderbolt's during their airshow.”

“Which at this point would mean I duck and dive more than you,” Starlight said, unable to keep the echo of teasing from colouring her voice.

“Yeah, that's true,” Rainbow smirked, then shook her head. “Anyway, what's this I hear about you not feeling you deserve to have fun at a party?”

“Not deserve a party?!” Pinkie Pie gasped, her jaw dropping almost to the floor. Aghast, she exclaimed, “Everyone deserves to have fun at a party?!”

“That was direct,” Starlight said drily, wishing the ashy taste would leave her mouth. It was really getting to be persistent now, just like her guilt. She continued, trying to get her point across.

“Maybe everyone who didn't try to destroy a friendship out of jealousy and almost destroyed Equestria. Or took away ponies cutie marks under false pretences and then tried to force their ideals on another group of ponies who also happen to be the group of ponies who are hosting said party and extended their hoof to me for no reason other than to be nice,” Starlight grumbled darkly, pushing away her drink. “Maybe next Hearth's warming eve, but not this one.”

“Sugarcube, if you really don't want to stay at this party, then we won't force you...” Applejack said as the lilac mare stood and prepared to leave. “But think about this for a second okay. We all want you here. It's taken you a lot longer to forgive yourself than I ever thought it would. But that's not what's important here.”

“What's important,” Fluttershy cut in softly. “Is that we've all forgiven you... All of us have. I know that forgiving yourself is taking time but until then, can't you rely on us to be right? I mean, you've done a lot during your short stay here. Isn't that enough? Isn't doing positive things for others better than doing negative things for yourself?”

“Fluttershy is right darling,” Rarity nodded. “It was us that you had the... umm... altercations with to begin with. And yet all of us are sitting here with you. We're not here to force you to be where you do not wish to be, but we are here to make sure that you aren't missing out on something you want to do.”

Starlight felt her knees grow weak. Drawn towards the balcony, she rested her front hooves on top of the banister and gazed with half lidded eyes upon the merriment below. In face of all that, she did sound somewhat silly. A light, jolly jingle caught her attention. Turning her attention to her chest she realised that she was still wearing the bell collar around her neck. Ponies who she had never interacted with before had taken it upon themselves to welcome her into the party with the trinket. Hooves on crystal sounded behind her and a few moments later Twilight rested her forelegs on the banister alongside her student.

“Hearth's Warming is all about togetherness and friendship. It brings ponies, of all tribes and backgrounds, together. No matter what happens in our lives, we're always together. You weren't trying to destroy that, you were trying to bring it together. I can tell you that again and again... but I can't make you forgive yourself, no one can. If you really do not want to partake in the holiday then that's fine, but please...don't punish yourself just to punish yourself. You don't deserve that.”

Starlight stayed silent, chewing on her bottom lip. Staying at the party was getting more than more tempting. Everyone seemed to want her there, including most of herself. That meant the little guilty part of her was definitely outvoted. So why was it so difficult for her to just give in to them all? Warm claws gently touched her flank, forcing her to turn her head to look down at Spike. The young dragon had a wide smile on his face. It was almost infectious, and Starlight felt her lips curve upwards slightly.

“I'm guessing you have something to say as well?” she asked,flicking her tail absently to brush his shoulder affectionately.

“Not really,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders. “It's up to you to decide. But if you don't come to the party then you'll be missed. Whether you believe it or not. Speaking for myself, I want you here. You're a lot of fun. If you want to be here, then stay.”

Starlight closed her eyes. Was it really that simple? Thinking back to Diamond Tiara, she chuckled under her breath. She was where she wanted to be... Maybe that really was all there was to it. Twilight's story echoed within her once more. Snowfall had tried to remove the holiday altogether because she thought it was unimportant, only to realise that it was one of the most important days in Equestria. She, Starlight, had tried to warp friendship to meet her own goals, yet was now working to learn about its true meaning. Punishing herself was not going to make understanding friendship any easier and would do her no good. Mind made up, she opened her eyes. They glistened with moisture, which she quickly wiped away.

“You're right...” she said softly. “All of you. I do want to be here...and if you'll have me... I'll stay.”

“Of course we'll have you!” Pinkie Pie grinned, launching herself at Starlight and throwing her hooves around the unicorn's neck. The reckless tackle almost sent them careening over the banister onto the party below. Thankfully Rainbow was able to dive in and grab the pair before disaster struck.

With Pinkie Pie still clinging to her, Starlight pushed herself away from the banister. The brush with such a nasty fall had her heart hammering against her breast. Even so, as the frantic rhythm started to slow, all she could feel was happy. A few bruises would have been worth the heartfelt show of affection. It was something that until now she had never really understood. Keeping ponies at arms length was something she just did. Tackling ponies was something she just assumed Pinkie did, but it was more than that. It was a desire to include someone, to show someone that you cared.

After extracting herself from Pinkie's death grip, she chuckled, “Thanks for that. I needed that. More than I knew.”

“No problem,” Pinkie Pie grinned. “Though Dash stopped us from falling into the pillow fort I was making down there. In case of hugging emergencies.”

Starlight blinked twice, then peered over the banister. Sure enough, there was a perfectly crafted pillow fortress down below. More than enough to break their fall. Berating herself for not noticing such a huge thing before, she chalked it up to Pinkie Pie's crazy sixth sense about just what ponies needed. Just as she chalked up Rainbow Dash being there to save them as just something that would happen. The two preferred action over words when it came to comforting ponies, something she was eternally grateful for every now and again.

Smiling slightly, she turned back to them all. Everyone was probably eager to get back to the party but there was something she needed to do first. Something she had been putting off for a long time. 

“Can you all wait here just a little longer? I need to go and get something.”

“Sure,” Twilight replied, while the others nodded in agreement.

“I won't be long!” Starlight promised, before running through the door. Twilight chuckled under her breath as she watched the lilac unicorn dash away.

Five minutes passed, and the seven friends waited patiently for their newest member to return. None of them even considered the possibility that she would not, as it simply was not a possibility to them. True to their instincts, the door opened once more and Starlight reappeared. Nothing had changed, except now she was levitating several bulging saddlebags behind her.

“I was planning on saving these for when the holiday was over...but if I'm going to be celebrating then I might as well do it properly.”

Opening the saddlebags with her magical grip, she pulled out seven packages. All were neatly gift wrapped, using the colour scheme of to whom they were addressed. With practised ease she laid the presents down in front of their intended opener, then settled down. A light blush tinged her cheeks as she explained, her voice thick with emotion.

“I put this together a while ago...but could never really think of a good time to present them. Then as the holiday grew closer I closed myself off. I'm sorry that they aren't really Hearth's Warming gifts. You've all done so much for me. I had to do something. I know this is in no way equal to all you've given me. I don't think I could ever equal that.”

For a moment the group was speechless. No one said a word, letting the ambience of the party below hang in the air. Overcome with happiness, Twilight stepped forward. Starlight did not have time to speak before she was pulled into a crushing hug by the alicorn.

“Twi-light... can't...breathe!” Starlight gasped breathlessly.

Her complaints fell on deaf ears as she was wrapped up in a group hug. For several stifling, cramped, amazing seconds she was enveloped in all her friends...quite literally. By the time she was released, her lungs were empty and her head was full of fluff. Several deep breaths later and the light feeling in her head was gone, but her heart still felt weightless.

Twilight and Spike both smiled, staying closer to Starlight even as everyone else backed off to let her breathe. A silent understanding passed between them.

“After the party has died down, I think it would be a nice idea if we opened these together. I know it isn't tradition for you all to open presents on Hearth's Warming Eve but this has been a rather different Hearth's Warming for us.”

“Works for me,” Applejack grinned. “It would be like a new tradition for us all.”

“Yeah! Just like moving Haulder's Boulder! I wonder if they were able to knock it down this year!” Pinkie Pie wondered excitedly, bouncing up and down as she imagined all the ways one could topple a giant egg shaped rock. There certainly were a lot.

“Uh... Probably not,” Applejack hoped, shaking her head. Some things were best left as happy accidents.

“I'll put these away safe,” Twilight said, once everyone was in agreement. “There's still a lot of fun to be had down there.”

With spirit restored Starlight joined her friends in the party. With no reservations she allowed herself to be wrapped up in all the “silly songs and fun”.  Her heart was ablaze with joy as she laughed, danced and played with everyone.  Eventually, her body forced her to break, and she once again found herself enjoying Twilight and Spike's company. The alicorn was similarly exhausted from the intensity of the festivities.

“So, is there a reason you were hiding under the mistletoe?” Spike asked mischievously, unable to stop himself or the sly grin that formed on his face. “Anyone you wanted to walk under it?”

Starlight, who was already crimson from once again miserably losing to Pinkie Pie, turned an even deeper shade of red. To hide her blush, she buried her face in her cider. No longer did it taste like ash, instead sweet fire gently lapped at her taste buds. 

“No,” she stammered, her voice muffled by the sturdy wooden tankard. “I was hoping no one would come under it. That was the whole point!”

Spike grinned a little, but interrupted by Twilight. 

“That's actually a rather clever idea,” she chuckled, sipping her mug of what was now hot chocolate. “To be honest I wasn't even going to put it up. I always find it somewhat silly. But Rarity convinced me it was just for fun, and part of the holiday. I'm glad it was useful.”

Starlight nodded, sticking her tongue out at Spike. The young drake just huffed and folded his arms.

“I'm still not buying it. If you didn't want anyone to kiss you then why did you go so red?” he pressed, smirking as he waited for her to grow flustered again.

Instead Starlight just smirked, causing the same expression to fall from Spike's face. Maybe taking on Starlight had been a little bit reckless. Twilight stepped back from the scuffle, just watching with an amused twinkle in her eye. Fluttering her eyelashes daintily, Starlight leaned across the table. Confused, Spike backed away as far as his chair would allow him.

“Wouldn't you like to know,” she purred flirtatiously before grinning dangerously, her eyes flashing. Using her magic she took him in her hold and dragged him over to the mistletoe in question. He squirmed and protested, guessing exactly what she was going to do, but she just continued to chuckle. If he wanted to tease then she would do so right back. He had asked for this.

Planting him down underneath the mistletoe, she took a moment to observe his reaction. He was glaring at her, his shoulders rigid and his face a picture of annoyance. She giggled softly then leaned down and gently brushed her lips against his head scales briefly. 

“Thanks for everything Spike,” she said softly.

Before he was able to formulate a response she grinned again and he was gone in a flash of teal. The flash repeated itself next to Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who took the unexpected appearance of the dragon completely in stride. Satisfied, Starlight made to return to Twilight. However, something caught her eye- a familiar young pink pony, sitting alone. Altering her course, she made her way towards the gloomy table. The filly raised her head to meet the newcomer.

“Hi,” she said dully, before staring at the table once more.

“Diamond Tiara right?” Starlight asked. “Sorry if I'm wrong, my memory leaves something to be desired at times.”

“No you're correct,” Diamond replied, smiling slightly at the changed unicorn now speaking to her. “You seem better. That's good.”

“I am thank you,” Starlight nodded, sitting down next to the table. “What you said gave me a little bit of perspective, and more than a little bit of courage. Thanks.”

Diamond nodded as well, but the smile dropped from her face. Worried now, Starlight settled down next to the table. “So, what's wrong? You looked like you were having fun before.”

“I was,” the filly said earnestly. “I was, it was really fun. But Silver Spoon had to leave early to go and see her aunt. She's my best friend so I'm guess I'm a little bit lonely.”

“Oh, I see,” Starlight said gently. “What about all the other schoolponies? Aren't they your friends?” she then asked. Everything had seemed amiable between them before.

Diamond nodded again, now looking directly at the older pony. “They are, but it hasn't been that way for all that long. Sometimes I feel like I'm intruding. I did some pretty nasty things to everyone before. I'm trying to make up for it all but I'm just not sure if they really want me there or they're just trying to be nice.”

Starlight touched a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. Only a heartbeat later her expression brightened and she stood up.

“Would you like to join us?” she asked, gesturing with her head to the table where Twilight was still waiting.

“Join you?” Diamond asked, staring at Starlight quizzically. It was an odd suggestion to be sure, though not an unwelcome one. Any company was good company when one was all on their own at a party...with some exceptions of course.

“If you want to. It has to beat sitting alone,” the older mare reasoned. Ironically that was exactly what she would have been doing all night if her friends had not intervened.

“Sure,” Diamond nodded, enthusiasm flowing back into her.

Smiling at her success, Starlight led her new companion back towards the table. Twilight greeted the young filly warmly. Warmth billowed within Starlight as she listened to Diamond excitedly talk with them. Twilight was more vocal, having much more experience with the young pony. Nonetheless just watching the happiness emanating from Diamond, in spite of her friend being absent, made Starlight feel good. The feeling suffused her, like a gentle flame. This was probably how Twilight felt whenever she helped other ponies. 

'Now I know why you do it,' Starlight murmured inwardly. 'It's the best feeling in the world.'

All too soon, the party had reached its inevitable conclusion. Starlight then took it upon herself to personally ensure that Diamond Tiara made it home safe. The numerous party games had left her a bit foot sore, so Starlight carried the filly on her back throughout the short journey home. Her father was grateful, though looked exhausted. It seemed that he was working hard, even on Hearth's Warming Eve. Now Diamond's loneliness made even more sense. After bidding goodnight to the young earth pony, Starlight turned to leave. With the spirit of the holiday spurring her on, she was inspired to make a quick detour before returning to the castle.

Once out of the frigid air and back into the cosiness of the castle, she joined her friends around a crackling fire in the room that Twilight had decorated specially for Hearth's Warming. Each one already had their present sitting in front of them, though they had all waited patiently for her. Spike and Pinkie Pie definitely had the most difficult time of it. Something about the way they were practically bouncing on the spot in anticipation caused a giggle to escape her. 

Twilight patted the empty space beside her, which Starlight promptly filled. Each pony, and dragon, thanked her in turn before diving into the presents. As the fire warmed her still shivering form, she watched intently as they opened their gifts. Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy left the wrapping mostly intact but as for the others...that poor wrapping.

Starlight held her breath, waiting for their reactions. It suddenly occurred to her that perhaps crafting every gift using her magic may not have been the best idea. Their function was not particularly obvious. At the time it had seemed like a good idea, magic was after all a very integral part of her. However, now she found herself nervously biting her hoof as they examined their presents. Maybe if she had put a note in the bottom explaining just what everything did?

“I...I should probably explain what they all do huh?” she chuckled nervously, when she could take the pressure no longer.

“They do something?” Spike asked, holding up a completely blank comic. Only the title “Spike's Adventure” marked the front page, written in Starlight's elegant, flowing penmanship. “I just thought I was supposed to write in this.”

Starlight chuckled lightly and shook her head. “No. I enchanted it. Whatever story you imagine will come to life on the pages. I... hope I managed to get the style of a comic down correctly. I'm not all that versed in them.”

Eagerly, Spike quickly closed his eyes to give it a try. Soon he was a gallant knight on his way to save the beautiful unicorn princess from the clutches of evil. Amazed, he looked up at Starlight with a wide smile on his face.

“This is awesome! This is the best thing ever!"

Relief flooded Starlight and she let her shoulders loosen. Turning to Rarity, who had already placed the light blue, silk scarf around her neck, she said,

“I made that scarf from as good a silk as I could find. There's magic in it, no matter what outfit you want it to go with, it will automatically change colour to suit. Umm, I hope. I don't have your fashion sense but in an emergency you should be able to change the colour manually...”

“It's lovely darling,” Rarity smiled, and another knot of tension faded away from Starlight.

Applejack was still staring down at the flask she had received. It was made of fine hardwood, with a stopper shaped like an apple. Sloshing sounds inside told her that it was already full. Carefully she uncorked the flask to discover crystal clear water inside.

When she turned her gaze to Starlight, the unicorn said softly, “If that flask runs out all you need to do is shake it three times and it will fill with water once again. The water will also be kept cool. I know you're not big on magic but I thought this would help with long days on the farm. You always do say it's thirsty work.”

“Thanks sugarcube,” Applejack replied huskily, giving a nod of appreciation. “This'll help for sure.”

“Fluttershy. That's a light,” she said, pointing to the polished sphere of glass Fluttershy held in her hooves. “Squeeze it gently and it will light your path. No matter how dark it is, that light will illuminate everything around you in about a four meter radius.”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy whispered, squeezing the orb carefully and releasing a soft yellow light into the room.

Now more relaxed, Starlight focused her attention on Rainbow Dash. The energetic pegasus had already put a quartet of dark blue bands on each of her legs, “Those bands record your speed. The display is on one of them, umm...it's the one you've got at the back. With them you'll be able to know your exact speed at any time. I thought they might be useful so you know just how far you've come.”

“Maybe we can test them out tomorrow,” Rainbow grinned as she quickly swapped the bands around so that she could more easily see the display. “You still owe me a race.”

“When did I agree to that?” Starlight laughed, only to be greeted by a chuckle for a response. Shaking her head she was about to explain Pinkie Pie's gift when suddenly,

“Oh Starlight this is just so awesome!” she yelled happily, holding up a small blue diary. “Now whenever I make a Pinkie Promise it'll be so easy to go back and make sure I live up to them all. Never ever breaking a Pinkie Promise will now be ever easier! Thank you!” 

“You're welcome,” Starlight giggled, after pushing her jaw back up from the floor. “I'm assuming you just made a Pinkie Promise?”

“No the book just started filling up and it's all my Pinkie Promises so I just assumed,” Pinkie replied, winking knowingly.

After rolling her eyes, Starlight rounded on Twilight. This had been the most difficult gift to make, though thankfully was probably the easiest to explain. The alicorn flicked through the pages of the heavy tome slowly. Every word was written in dark blue ink, bold and brazen against the white pages. Twilight recognised the writing immediately.

“It's... a book of every spell I've learned. There wasn't really an enchantment I could create that you couldn't do just as well or better. So I thought this would be more appropriate,” she said, wishing it sounded less lame, but it was the truth.

“This must have taken a while,” Twilight stated, closing the book for another time and looking up at her student.

“A little...” Starlight said non-committally. “I just felt like I had to do it for you all.”

“You didn't have to, but you did and that's what matters,” Twilight chuckled. A nod passed between the group. Unbeknownst to Starlight they had already set up their own little surprise. Spike procured a package from underneath the small Hearth's Warming Tree.

“Twilight and I usually open our presents tonight. But I think yours will keep me entertained until tomorrow. Though with that said. We all do want you to open something as well.”

Starlight took the package carefully in her magic, rendered utterly speechless. Trembling slightly, she gingerly peeled away the wrapping and opened the box. Inside was a large dark blue book bound in velvet. Joyous faces of herself and all her friends smiled back at her as she pulled the book from its box. 

“It's from all of us,” Spike explained, helping the shaking mare open to the front page. Several photos of her time in Ponyville greeted her and the other pages only had more. All of her happiest times were now immortalised on the pages.

“Now I'll never forget,” Starlight murmured, before squealing with delight. “That's amazing!” 

The group chortled merrily at her excited reaction. A camera flashed suddenly, capturing the moment of mirth. Pinkie just shrugged.

“Seemed like a good idea.,” she said sheepishly, passing the photograph to Starlight. Smiling, Starlight laid her new photograph on a blank page. The first of many, she was sure of that.

A loud yawn caused everyone to turn. Spike had slumped against Twilight's side, blearily rubbing his eyes. Starlight felt her own eyelids droop as the lateness of the hour struck her. Today had certainly been eventful. Twilight giggled and carefully placed Spike on her back.

“I think we should all retire,” she suggested, standing up. “Tomorrow is another pretty long day and a good night's rest will allow us to enjoy it more.”

A murmur of agreement rose from the weary mares. Soon only the residents of the castle remained, as the rest departed to their homes and families. Starlight and Twilight now stood outside of Spike's room, ready to go their seperate ways and join the young drake in slumber.

“Thanks for everything,” Starlight said gently.

Twilight only smiled and softly nuzzled the unicorn's cheek. For a long moment they simply stood enjoying each other's touch, before retiring to their rooms. Placing the photo album on her bedside table, Starlight gave the smiling faces on the cover one last look before turning off her bedside lamp and slipping into bed. 

Several hours later, in another part of Ponyville, there was one more surprise in store. Diamond Tiara awoke to discover a small box and a note laying next to her bed. Bewildered, as her presents were always waiting downstairs for her, she picked up the note and began to read.

“Hello there,

It's me, Starlight. From the party. I had to use a teleportation spell to get this to you. If it ended up somewhere weird forgive me. It's a little difficult to do that spell blindly.

Anyway, I'll stop rambling and get to the point. I just want to thank you for all your help. Your words helped me see that I was being silly. Something I am very good at. So I thought I would get you a Hearth's Warming Gift. I'm sorry if it's a little generic, it was a bit short notice and I'm not good at this kind of thing. Happy Hearth's Warming!

Your friend,
Starlight Glimmer”

Diamond read through the note three times before turning her attention to the box. Inside was a small personal mirror, crafted from pure silver and decorated with small glistening diamonds. As she was admiring the beautiful craftsmanship, a small imperfection caught her eye. Bringing the mirror into the light she peered closely. Small words had been carefully etched into the handle.

“Never forget what you're friends want you to be,” Diamond recited, as she gazed at her reflection. She smiled, and the reflection smiled back.
> Let the Stars Be Your Guide. "The Saddle Row Review"
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	A loud groan escaped Starlight from beneath the bundle of her bedclothes. She was curled into a tight ball, clutching her aching belly. Whatever she had eaten last night was turning her insides inside out. Gurgling roars of protest sounded from her gut, forcing her to lurch out of bed and into the nearest bathroom. Thankfully she knew where that was by now.

Several minutes passed, and the shaky Starlight dragged herself back to bed. With the offending meal now expelled from her stomach, maybe the wretched thing would let her sleep now. Snuggling underneath her soft covers, she closed her eyes and tried to enter the land of slumber.

It was several hours later when she finally awoke once more. Yawning loudly, she slipped out of bed. Her eyes widened as she glanced to the clock on her wall. Could it really be almost noon already? Then again, she had absolutely no idea exactly when she had managed to fall asleep, so the notion was not so preposterous. Shaking her head, she grabbed a note that had been left on her bedside table. She already knew exactly what it would be about, but read it anyway.

“Hi Starlight,
Sorry we couldn't wait for you. Rarity is practically breathing down my neck so I have to keep this brief. Apparently there's a fair bit to be done. And Rarity is about to burst in, I have to go. See you tonight, hope you feel better when you wake and have fun. If you need me you know how to contact me.
Twilight.”

Everyone had already left to Manehatten for the grand opening of Rarity's new boutique, Rarity for You or something. She knew that they had all wanted to wait for her, but circumstances had demanded they leave. Starlight shrugged and placed the note down. At least this time they were all away to somewhere mostly safe. Probably safer than Ponyville at any rate. That meant she could relax, which her still fragile insides thanked her for. Though what exactly was she supposed to do?

First thing to do would be to get some water to wet her throat. Breakfast could wait until she was sure it would stay down. As she neared the kitchens her ears pricked. Someone was humming in there, the soft tune punctuated by the harsh clang of silverware. If everyone was away, then why was someone in the kitchen? Eyes narrowed, Starlight crept towards the source of the noise. Best to keep the element of surprise as long as possible. Unless one wanted to gloat, a desire she knew all about. 

Immediately upon seeing just who was making the noise, she relaxed. It was only Spike, working away as always. Though it did raise another question. Why was he here, and not in Manehatten? Ditching the magic she had been readying, the unicorn coughed to announce her presence. Spike whirled around. When he saw her, he grinned and waved.

“Oh hey Starlight! I was wondering when you'd get up! Want breakfast?” he asked, pointing to a small stack of leftover pancakes.

The sight made Starlight's mouth go dry. Shooting the food a disdain filled glare she said, “Eh, no thanks. Maybe later. I'm not all that sure I could keep it down right now.”

“Fair enough,” Spike nodded, holding out a glass of water.

Taking the drink, Starlight put the glass to her lips and sipped. Raising an eyebrow at Spike, she queried. “So, why are you here? I assumed you'd be in Manehatten helping Rarity get ready for her grand opening.” Here she could not help but grin knowingly. “Might garner you some brownie points.”

Spike just flashed her a small smirk in return. “Eh I thought I'd let her miss me a bit. We couldn't just leave you all alone. Not after last night.”

Suppressing the urge to smack her face with her hoof, Starlight sighed. Sometimes she wondered if everyone thought she was made of glass, or paper.

“Spike. I appreciate the concern...but all I did was eat something bad... There's no need for this.”

“Yeah but I did it anyway,” Spike shrugged. “You'd do the same for me. Besides, when was the last time it was just the two of us?”

“Uh, let me think,” Starlight replied, pondering on the question for a moment. Sheepishly, she rubbed the back of her head. “Uh I guess, in the Crystal Empire when meeting Sunburst wasn't going well.”

Spike nodded. “Exactly. It'll be fun. A lot more fun than trying to open a boutique last minute if you ask me.”

“I'm sure they'll manage it somehow,” Starlight said, unable to hold back the amusement in her voice. The image of six very different ponies scrambling to open a boutique was...very funny. 

“Yep, and we'll hear all about it. So might as well have some adventures of our own in the meantime.”

Starlight raised an eyebrow at this. “Like what?” she asked, sipping her water once more. What could Spike possibly have in mind?

A small smile crept onto her face when Spike just gave a sheepish shrug. “I have no idea. I was hoping you'd know.”

“Surely there must be something you want to do?” Starlight pressed, not willing to give up so easily. If he was giving up his time to stay with her, then he was choosing the first thing they did together. She would not back down in this.

Realising that she was being completely sincere, Spike grinned. It was a wide, almost devilish grin. He rubbed his claws together excitedly. Apparently he had a plan. Amused by his over the top gestures, Starlight put down her glass. This would be interesting.

Almost two hours later they were leaving Sweet Apple Acres. Spike and Big Mac had been trading Hoofball cards for that entire time, while Starlight just watched in amazement as Big Mac was able to both keep up with Spike's excited behaviour and still work the farm. For a pony of few words he was full of surprises. She had most certainly misjudged him before.

“I think Big Mac is still a little wary of me after I used that spell to force him to talk,” Starlight murmured sadly, almost to herself. Her eyelids drooped wearily as she turned to Spike. “That was...not my proudest moment,” she sighed heavily.

“It'll pass,” Spike chuckled, shaking his head. “Big Mac doesn't hold grudges much. You apologised and won't do it again right?” he asked, looking away from his hoofball cards to meet her eyes.

“Yes I apologised and I will definitely not be doing it again,” Starlight huffed, brow furrowing. “Applejack gave me a very liberal verbal thrashing for it. I didn't mean to offend I just, acted without thinking.”

Spike only nodded, but instead of responding verbally he simply pulled her down into a hug. “It'll be fine,” he assured her. “Now, got any other adventures? I chose this one.”

“Not sure I'd call it an adventure personally,” Starlight said, pulling away from his hug. Hurriedly she added. “But I'm sure it's just because everyone has their opinions on what classes as an adventure.”

A nervous chuckle punctuated her statement, followed by a cough to clear her throat. Spike did not appear offended, and seemed to wait patiently for her answer. Focusing on the question at hand, she looked around. Was there anything she wanted to do? Her stomach had been quiet for the last hour, so it would hopefully not be a hindrance. Sunlight reflecting off the surface of the lake caught her eye. Was it a lake, or would she classify it as a pond? As she pondered the question and subjected the offending body of water to her scrutiny, Spike observed the odd behaviour. When she was silent for several moments, he could wait no longer and spoke up.

“See something?” he asked, folding his arms.

“Not...exactly. I was just trying to decide if I would call that body of water a lake or a pond... It's either a very small lake, or a very big pond. I can't quite decide.”

This statement caused Spike to raise an eyebrow. He stared at his companion as if she had just grown an extra head. That was how weird her question had been. Unamused by the implications of Spike's gaze, she countered with an intimidating glare of her own. To his credit the young dragon held his ground for several moments, but inevitably had to back down. 

“Heh, sorry it's just a weird thing to think about. Honestly everyone in Ponyville just calls it a lake.”

Starlight relaxed her expression and gave the lake one last glance. If everyone was just going to call it a lake then she would too, for now at least. Though that still did not give her any more insight on what they could do together. Reading and spell practise were activities she enjoyed with Twilight, but Spike was not Twilight- obviously.

Frustrated by her lack of ideas, she scanned her surroundings. Her mind was drawing a blank and the hunger pangs were starting to relentlessly attack her insides. Grumbling inwardly at her own failure, she turned to suggest returning to the castle. The words caught in her throat as a distant scream of horror crashed down upon her ears.

“What was that?” Spike yelped, whirling around to try and pinpoint the source of the noise.

Starlight was already moving, forcing her hooves to carry her to the commotion. Hurrying after her, Spike tried not to think about what could cause a pony to emit such a terrified sound.  Panting heavily, Starlight burst in on the scene with Spike not a moment behind her. What they saw made their blood run cold. The ferocious form of a gargantuan ursa minor towered over a group of terrified foals. The four young ponies were frozen in fear, only able to tremble in the monster's presence. Knowing that she had to act fast, Starlight leapt into action.

Drawing on her pool of magic, she grabbed the giant beast and heaved it backwards with all her might. Shuddering tremors almost rocked Starlight off her unsteady hooves as the ursa minor crashed down to earth. Spike could scarcely believe his eyes. The creature was huge, much larger than their last encounter.  Evidently it had grown up in the past few years. Even so, Starlight was able to hurl it far back into the forest. Awe locked him in place as he watched the gargantuan bear soar through the air. Snapping back to himself, the young dragon launched towards the terrified foals.  Desperately trying to keep himself calm, he started to coax them towards Fluttershy's cottage. His efforts proved fruitless, they were still too scared to move. Lumbering footsteps shook the ground beneath his claws. He was running out of time.

Noticing their struggle, Starlight planted herself firmly between them and the oncoming beast. While it would be foal's play for her to teleport or levitate them to safety, that would leave her defenceless for too long. Getting them to safety was Spike's job, and she was going to make absolutely sure he would have enough time to accomplish it. Adrenaline coursed through her in a way it never had before. Only one thought permeated her mind, flooding her with strength. She had to win.

Enraged, the ursa minor came barrelling out of the forest. Honing in on the first thing it came across, the beast lunged at Starlight. Giant white fangs, two of which showed the beginnings of becoming the sword like sabres found on an ursa major, snapped together mere inches from her face. As before, she lifted the colossal beast into the air. For a few seconds it struggled against her grip, before she brought it slamming back down to the ground. 

By this time Spike had managed to corral Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Pipsqueak into Fluttershy's cottage. Every one of Fluttershy's animal friends had piled in with them. Trembling, they all crowded around one of the small windows to watch the confrontation outside. The dragon could only watch helplessly as one of his best friends took on a monster more than twenty times her size. 

Again and again Starlight used her magic to slam the ursa minor into the ground. Crystallising something this massive was out of the question, and her magical bursts would do nothing more than irritate it. This was the only way, keeping it completely under her control until it gave up and fled. However, by now she was panting heavily, every breath ragged and strained. Sweat poured in rivers from her brow. Meanwhile the ursa minor showed absolutely no signs of ending its furious rampage.

Time slowed to a crawl. Starlight's magic finally faltered and a huge paw effortlessly swatted her aside. A hastily erected shield spell did little more than muffle the powerful blow. Spike could only watch in horror as Starlight slammed into a tree and landed in a crumpled heap at the base of the large oak. However, when the ursa minor started to stalk towards its downed quarry, Spike acted. He launched himself out of the cottage, slamming the door behind him to make sure he was not followed. It was a stupid, reckless plan, that just had to work.

“Hey! You!” he bellowed with all the air in his lungs. Then he set off running.

He did not have to look back to know that the monster was following him. The earth shaking beneath his frantic steps told him that. Angling his dash towards the forest, he tried to lure the infuriated bear back to its home. The tree line was close, so close, but the ursa minor was gaining on him too fast. He would not reach the safety of the trees before it was upon him. Already he could feel its hot stinking breath on his neck, curling his scales. Putting on a burst of speed, he desperately  tried to outrun the monster snarling at his heels. Just a little more.

Suddenly the heat on the back of his neck vanished. Whirling around, he was instantly blinded by a brilliant teal light. Arcane energy had erupted from the ground, engulfing the entirety of the ursa minor in a pillar of illumination. For several seconds the light persisted, electrifying the surrounding air. Spike's scales raised from the skin underneath and he could almost taste the energy crackling around him. When the light faded, a very frazzled looking ursa minor let out a pathetic whimper of surprise before scrabbling back into the forest.

For several long seconds, Spike could only stare. Light sparks of teal magic still arced across the ravaged ground. A quiet shuffling drew his eyes away from the scar in the earth towards the one who had caused it. Starlight had risen unsteadily to her feet and started to stumble over to him. Hurrying as fast as his heavy legs would allow, he closed the distance between them and flung his arms around her neck.

Starlight had to fall to her haunches to prevent herself from buckling under Spike's weight. Wrapping a hoof around his shoulders, she held him tightly to her chest. She could feel him shaking against her and her first thought was to try and calm him down.  Having an ursa minor breathing down your neck was not something she would wish on anyone.

“Thanks for the save,” she murmured, hoping that the compliment would lighten the mood.

“You too,” Spike chuckled weakly, his throat tight. His eyes stung with tears; he squeezed his eyelids shut to prevent their flow.

Unsure of what to do, Starlight stroked his back with her hoof. Only now did she realise that he was not the only one who was trembling. A combination of exhaustion, hunger and relief had turned her into a quivering mess.

The patter of four sets of small hooves drew her attention. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Pipsqueak had exited the cottage and dashed over to them. 

“Is everyone okay?” Sweetie Belle asked, skidding to a halt.

“I'm fine,” Starlight nodded. “Just... a little scrambled.” That was putting it very mildly, but getting into a discussion about just how horrendous she was feeling right now did not seem appealing. Feeling Spike start to squirm in her grip, she lifted her hoof.

“How about you? You all okay?” Spike asked, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He pushed himself away from Starlight to look at the assembled ponies.

“We're fine now. Thanks to you,” Apple Bloom said in that thick accent that cemented her as Applejack's sister. The pink bow that adorned her mane bobbed as she spoke, similar to how Applejack's hat occasionally did when the farm mare was excited or agitated.

“Good,” Starlight sighed, wishing she would stop shaking. It was definitely unsightly. “What were you all doing so close to the forest?”

“We were trying to help Pipsqueak find his cutie mark,” Scootaloo piped up. “And Fluttershy said we could watch her animals while she was away.

Starlight could not help but silently question Fluttershy's judgement. The group meant well but the Crusaders were practically magnetised to trouble. Then again, she was hardly in a position to judge. Shaking her head, she continued,

“Okay, I guess the ursa minor just heard a commotion and came to investigate... They get restless in their adolescent years.”

“So it wasn't trying to hurt us?” Pipsqueak asked, now sounding confused. “But it seemed so angry.”

“I don't know,” Starlight sighed. She was fighting the urge to pass out and sleep for the rest of the day, right there on the grass. “Ursa minors are, not particularly well studied. I've heard they mellow out but from all accounts they are somewhat...aggressive in their younger years.”

“The way you fought it off was so cool though!” Scootaloo suddenly exclaimed. Starlight's only reaction was to flick her ear at the obnoxiously loud yell.  At the mention of that, all five pairs of young eyes became fixed on her. The intensity of their gaze brought a hot flush of blood to the skin under her cheeks. Magic had always been something she had been proud of, yet lately she felt very mixed on the whole subject. Next to Twilight, who could learn any spell at lightning speed, she felt a whole lot less special. Most of her huge accomplishments were also nothing to be proud of. Duelling an alicorn to a standstill was nothing to be proud of if one happened to be on the wrong side of the moral compass at the time.

“Yeah it really was quite amazing,” Apple Bloom agreed, in a thankfully much more subdued tone.

“I just, did what I had to,” Starlight said with another sigh, shrugging her shoulder. A little part of her wanted to bask in the accomplishment, but now was not the time or the company. Thankfully, a low growl pierced the air, halting any more outbursts of praise.

“Oh...uh,” Starlight stammered, once again remembering that she had still not eaten.

“I'm assuming you'll want breakfast now?” Spike asked, playfully elbowing her in the ribs.

Returning his teasing gesture, she chuckled, “I... might be a little hungry.”

“Let's get back to the castle,” Spike said, jabbing a thumb at the towering crystal structure. To the four young ponies he asked. “Want to come? I'm sure I can make enough for everyone.”

“Sure,” Apple Bloom said with a nod. “We pretty much all agreed that Pipsqueak wasn't going to get his cutie mark in animal care anyway. Maybe he'll be better at cooking.”

Spike paled, and Starlight could not help but let loose a light laugh. Swooping in to save him, and Twilight's kitchen for that matter, she put forward a suggestion of her own.

“Maybe you can all help me set the table. Leave Spike to deal with break- actually it would be lunch right now wouldn't it?”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Sweetie Belle agreed. Admittedly most of their cooking escapades had been somewhat disastrous.

“Setting tables does sound like a very fun thing to do,” came Pipsqueak's optimistic response. “And a little less messy too,” he added.

He was right, whatever they had been doing with Fluttershy's animals had left all four foals a complete mess. Not that it was any problem. One quick spell from Starlight whisked the dirt from their coats and left them as fresh as daisies. Admiration glinted in the foal's eyes at the effortless display of magic. Sweetie Belle in particular looked ready to burst. 

“All clean,” Starlight smiled, trying not to once again lose her composure under the weight of all the attention. It was the right kind of attention, sort of. It certainly beat the uneasy stares or hushed whispering but still her empty gut squirmed. 

“C'mon, before Starlight faints of hunger,” Spike called, ushering the group towards the castle. The aforementioned unicorn rolled her eyes, quickly taking control of her own hooves and walking at her own pace. A pace that included a limp, originating in her left forehoof, which forced her to deflect several suggestions to go pay Nurse Redheart a visit.

“I'm fine,” she grumbled, after the third time. “I just landed on it badly.

Spike narrowed his eyes but finally dropped the subject. Starlight was perhaps the most stubborn pony he knew. Once her mind was made up, that was it.

One short walk later and Spike was in the kitchen, whipping up his own kind of magic. Which left Starlight and the foals to set the table. Half a second was all that would have been necessary for her to magically get everything in order. However, she instead decided to let her magic rest and allowed the crusaders to do what they did best. How they managed to make setting a table seem like such an arduous task truly baffled her. Even so, as she lazed with her head in her hooves, she could not help but find the display both adorable and amusing.

After relatively minor levels of chaos, the table was set. Maybe not the exquisite silverware placement that one would employ for the visit of a princess, but every place had everything they needed: a fork, a knife, a plate and a spoon. Ignoring the nag to straighten the slightly haphazard cutlery placements, Starlight left the group to check on Spike's progress. She wanted to make sure he was really okay- not many ponies, or dragons, would be after such a close brush with an ursa minor.

“Hey,” she called out cheerfully, announcing her presence before the doors had even fully opened.

“Hey Starlight,” Spike greeted, waving back at her. “This is familiar.”

“A little,” she acknowledged with a smirk. Walking over to the young drake, she asked. “You feeling okay?”

“Huh? Yeah...why wouldn't I be?” Spike asked, turning and fixing with another raised eyebrow stare.

After allowing her eyes to roll, Starlight placed her hooves up onto the counter to regain the height advantage against Spike's stool. She was unsure of the best way to approach this. After running through all of Twilight's friendship lectures in her head, she settled on just being direct. From her own experiences, dancing around the bush only ever delayed the inevitable. Though this had never stopped her before. Huffing at her own doubts, she forged onwards. Her words came out a little more blunt than she meant them to but at least they came out.

“Well you did almost get eaten by an ursa minor. I'd be more surprised if that didn't shake you up.”

Part of her had expected him to scoff, and play it off as nothing. Another part of her expected him to make some offhanded comment about how horrendous she was at starting a conversation. However, none of her expected him to just slump. The wooden spoon fell from his limp fingers, but was caught in her magic before it could clatter to the floor. Well aware that she had stumbled onto something well out of her depth, Starlight tried to stay calm. Losing control of herself now would only aggravate the issue.

“Breathe Starlight,” she muttered under her breath. “In...out...in...out.” 

The brief breathing exercise only delayed her inevitable fit of panic but it would have to do for now. Spike was still just staring blankly into space. Cursing her own inadequacies, she leaned forward and gently pressed her muzzle against his shoulder. The warm scales were rough against her cheeks. After a moment she pulled away, replacing her muzzle with her uninjured hoof.

“Want to talk about it?” she asked softly, using the same tone he always used with her whenever she was panicking or upset.

“It's nothing really...” he shrugged, fidgeting with his claws.

Unconvinced, Starlight simply let the disbelief flood her face. Knowing that she was not about to let this go, Spike relented with a nervous chuckle,

“Okay, maybe it's a little more than nothing. It's just... well, whenever Twilight gets roped into saving Equestria...again, I get worried. What if one time... she gets really hurt, or...or...” here he paused and coughed, trying to clear his throat. “What if she doesn't come back?”

Starlight paused, having to think over her next words very carefully. Biting back any annoyance at herself for sticking her hoof where it did not belong, she forced her voice to stay soft and comforting.

“Have you told Twilight about this?” 

He shook his head. There really was nothing to tell her. She already knew he worried, just not how much. He knew that she had to go off and save Equestria, it was just what she was meant to do. Sometimes, he just wished someone else would step up for once. Just once he wished that Equestria could be saved without his friends being in mortal peril.

“I've kept it mostly to myself,” he sighed. “I just...when you hit that tree I saw them. All of them, lying there...not moving. It was...so clear...so...real.”

“But it wasn't,” Starlight rebuked softly. “Yes, Twilight and the others go off to save Equestria a lot. Twice it was against me...”

Spike rolled his eyes at that. It certainly was not making him feel any better. Starlight resisted the urge to snort, instead keeping the same softness in her voice. “Yet every time they manage to prevail... They're tough... I fought Twilight again and again...and even after all those futures she was sent to...I still couldn't beat her.” Here she paused, swallowing down the bitter taste that had risen to the back of her throat. “They were chosen to save Equestria again and again for a reason...” Seeing the still downcast frown he wore, she sighed and shook her head. “Okay, that isn't helping...umm...”

“I...I get what you're trying to say...” he replied, a heavy sigh causing him to slump even lower. “But, what if...”

“Don't think about the what if Spike...” Starlight interjected immediately, cutting him off. “I thought about the what ifs...it, did not go well. As Twilight keeps teaching me..you have to live in the now. You can't change the past...I've, tried that too...”

“Still doesn't stop me worrying about them,” Spike shot back, squaring his shoulders. “Can't someone else just...save Equestria for once?”

Biting her lip, Starlight racked her brains for a response. If everything Twilight had said was true, and she had ample reason to believe it was, then the young alicorn and her friends had saved Equestria more times than most ponies would read about in history books. It had never occurred to her before now, but they really were constantly hurling themselves into the fire for the sake of others. 

“I'm sure someone will step up when the need arises,” Starlight said finally, trying to be as diplomatic as possible. This was evidently not the right way to approach the situation, as she was instantly met by the wave of Spike's anger. He ground his teeth for a moment before his small body practically erupted with rage.

“When?” he yelled, waving his arms frantically. “How long will that take?”

Starlight flinched away from the young dragon's outburst. Feeling stung at being yelled at for expressing concern, she was about to snap right back. However, before she could utter any rebuttal, Spike slumped against the counter and murmured,

“What if it's too late?”

Slowly, Starlight moved over and wrapped her hooves around Spike. He offered no resistance as she pulled him into her chest. For a moment he remained completely still and listless but soon he was clutching her tightly with trembling claws. At a loss, Starlight merely started patting his back awkwardly. She was quiet for a long time, then in a voice that was barely a whisper, she said,

“I'm not going to let that happen...”

Spike's reaction was immediate, he stiffened in her grip and jerked his head upright. His eyes glistened with tears he refused to spill. All Starlight did was offer him a small smile.

“I promise...” she affirmed, letting him go and dropping gingerly back to all fours again. 

“T-Thanks...” Spike replied gently, roughly drying his eyes with a forearm. “I'm okay now...”

“You sure?” the unicorn asked, her sapphire gaze so piercing Spike felt like he was being x-rayed. He nodded, so she softened her penetrating stare.

“Okay...well, I'd best go and make sure we still have a dining room.” She forced out an awkward chuckle and left just as Spike turned his back to continue working.

Instead of returning immediately to the dining room, Starlight displaced herself to the nearest bathroom. By the time she had reappeared inside the small space, she was hyperventilating. What had she just said? Had she really just thrown herself into ensuring that Twilight and her friends would stay safe...against everything? How in Equestria was she supposed to do that?

Coloured blotches started to blur her vision. Realising that she was quickly becoming light headed, Starlight forced herself to regulate her breathing. Once air was flowing properly into her system, she raised her head.

“Okay...no need to panic...I just need to relax, I'm sure it'll all be fine...right?”

The words, when said aloud, eased her worries slightly. Still, the pit in her stomach deepened. She had just made a promise that truthfully she was unsure that she would be able to keep. However, that was just something she would need to worry about later. At the very least, the immediate problem was solved for the moment. Which did remind her...she had a dining room to save!

Gathering her strength, Starlight winked out of existence and reappeared back in the dining room. Nothing was out of place, but the Crusaders and Pipsqueak were gone. Muttering darkly under her breath, Starlight flourished her magic and threw open several doors to allow her voice to travel further.

“Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle! AppleBloom! Pipsqueak! Where did you go?!” she called,walking through into the main hallway.

“In here!” Apple Bloom called from the living room. There was trepidation in her tone, which made Starlight sigh. What was she going to find?

Following the voice, Starlight came upon the young foals, and the carnage they had wrought. Somehow in the few minutes that she had left they had managed to blacken a large portion of the room with soot from the fireplace. Her eye twitched, old feelings of hatred for all things out of place threatening to surface. Forcing herself to remain calm, she contented herself with presenting them with her flattest stare. It had the desired effect, and they were quickly in front of her and sporting sheepish smiles. Dropping her hard gaze, she relaxed her posture and sighed heavily,

“I'm going to assume this was something to do with cutie marks?”

“Yes ma'am!” Pipsqueak piped up. “They were trying to help me get my cutie mark in chimney sweeping!”

“I...see,” Starlight replied, drawing out the words while her mind tried to calculate just how they went from setting silverware, to chimney sweeping. Giving up on the endeavour, she directed magic to her horn. Thanking Celestia that she was a unicorn, enabling her to deal with such situations, Starlight had the room back to normal in a few heartbeats. Then she turned her attention to the still very soot coated foals. Her face was scrunched in concentration, and she once again brandished her magic.

One quick flash of light later, the Crusaders and Pipsqueak were as clean as their surroundings. Satisfied that everything was in order, Starlight ushered them all out of the room.

“Lunch should be soon,” she said. “So why don't we all just...sit in the dining room until it's ready?”

No on argued, all quickly filing out of the living room. Following behind, Starlight allowed her thoughts to once again wander to Spike. The dragon was obviously being eaten by worry, even if he had been able to hide it until now. Barely paying any attention to her surroundings, Starlight took a seat at the table. Her mind still firmly on the current predicament, it was only when Scootaloo gently tapped her her shoulder that she realised every piece of silverware in the room was currently levitating. 

“Is...something wrong?” Scootaloo asked, while Starlight hurriedly replaced the assortment of cutlery.

“No,” she said, far more sharply than she meant to. Wincing at how everyone flinched away from her, she sighed and idly picked up her plate. Staring into the polished surface, she apologised, “Sorry...I just have something on my mind right now.”

“You...wanna talk about it?” Apple Bloom asked tentatively, still a little taken aback.

Almost immediately, Starlight shook her head. This was going no further, for a multitude of reasons. For one, the Crusaders had more important things to be worrying about. Their own sisters for one, and just enjoying their childhood for another. Laying her elbows on the table, Starlight rested her forehead on her hooves. Suddenly, she brightened and jolted upright. An idea had just struck her. It was a simple idea, but it just might work.

“I'm afraid I can't tell you exactly what's going on...but do you think you all could maybe do me a favour?” she asked.

The three Crusaders and Pipsqueak all looked at each other, then nodded. Sweetie Belle took it upon herself to be the one to agree vocally.

“Sure,” she replied, nodding vigorously. “What is it?”

“Do any of you know what Spike likes to do, aside from assist Twilight?” Starlight looked around. The confused looks that question received squashed her previous moment of elation.

“Well...I know he hangs around with Big Mac but I dunno what they really do,” Apple Bloom answered after a moment, shrugging her shoulders.

“Hoofball cards,” Starlight answered mechanically, the afternoon's session with the weird little collectables coming to mind. “Okay...Apple Bloom, if you can...try and get Big Mac in on this too... What I need is...” she paused and took a deep breath. “I need help to give Spike a little fun.”

“Fun?” Scootaloo asked, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Starlight almost groaned. Beating around the bush and twisting words was so easy when she actually knew what she wanted. Another deep breath helped her reign in her frustrations. When she was reasonably calm she sighed,

“I just...want him to be happy, and I don't think he really is right now... He just needs time to enjoy himself, more than he's getting right now.”

Her words were slow, unsteady and had a tired air to them. Taking on an ursa minor was nothing compared to this. Her energy was spent, and her words were used up. Thankfully, she did not need them. The four foals shared a look, then a smile.

“We got this,” Scootaloo proclaimed, raising her hoof into the air and striking a heroic pose.

Relief flooded Starlight, and she perked up. Now invigorated she looked to each of her companions in turn, sapphire eyes brimming with gratitude. “Thanks everyone.”

“No problem,” they chorused in unison. Just then, Spike entered the room, carrying several platters of food. Several of the platters were balanced precariously, prompting Starlight to grasp them in her magic and complete their journey to the middle of the table. Spike flashed her a smile, which she returned. As soon as the food was set in front of them, Pipsqueak, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom tore into the piles like ravenous wolves. Spike was not far behind them, with Starlight content to wait until the mad rush was over.

When the plates were polished clean, Starlight shared a wink with Apple Bloom. Clearing her throat, she grabbed the dishes in her magic and started towards the door. 

“I'll clear up,” she said, “Have fun.”

Confusion passed across Spike's face, but it could only last a moment. His arm was suddenly yanked by Apple Bloom's hoof and he found himself being dragged towards the door. As he was dragged away, he got a good view of Starlight tittering behind her hoof. Well aware that a conspiracy was afoot, he huffed and decided to go with the flow. It meant Starlight was cleaning up after all.

Still chortling under her breath, Starlight began to hum a tune as she undertook the monotonous task of washing dishes. There was a mountain of them, thanks to the voracious appetites of four active young ponies and a dragon. However, a lifetime of practising magic won out and before the tune had even finished all mess had been dealt with. Left with the rest of the day to herself, and confident in the crusader's abilities, Starlight shut herself in one of the more spacious libraries. Some magic practise would be the perfect way to pass the time.

Spell weaving helped her relax and think. Comfortable now, she let her mind turn back to her promise. Keeping Twilight and her friends safe was going to be difficult. It was true that she had only promised to try, but being content with just a decent effort was not her way. Perfection was what she strived for, even if she was not sure what that was any more.

For now all she could do was wait. Darkness was not looming over Equestria, and her friends were not involved in adventures any more taxing than opening a store or stalking her across Ponyville. Smiling slightly at the latter one, she flicked through to a list of complicated combat spells. It could not hurt to be prepared after all.

Evening was just transitioning into night when the library door opened again. Greeted by the familiar sight of a powerful mage casting a symphony of spells, he waved at her. Seeing the young dragon, Starlight dispelled the crystalline cocoon she had been conjuring around herself and flashed him a smile.

“Have fun?” she asked, eyes alight with a mischievous glint.

Matching her grin with one of his own, he nodded. It had been an exhausting day, but one he had needed. Keeping up with the Crusaders' idea of fun left his mind no time to wallow. He was able to enjoy himself, content that nothing was going to fall apart if he stopped worrying for even a moment. Flopping down on one of the comfortable cushions, Spike waved a claw at her.

“So, I guess you asked everyone to help huh?” he surmised.

Starlight nodded quietly, moving over to him. She settled down next to him, letting the heat from her body wash over him. For all the times he had helped her, now it was time to at least begin to repay the debt.

“No one can prevent disasters from ever happening. No one can predict what tomorrow is going to bring,” she paused, and turned away affixing her gaze out a nearby window. Her eyes became unfocused and tired.

“It might bring joy or it might bring pain... You can try to change it, you can try to prepare...but what you can't do is live your life dreading it. If you do the dread will only get worse, until you start doing the unthinkable just to protect yourself-”

A low growl echoed within her throat and she bit her tongue. That was something Twilight would say and, while it worked for the princess, it did not work for her. Rolling her now sore tongue around in her mouth, she searched for the words. In a barely audible whisper, she said,

“Spike, I've made the mistake of trying to worry over every little thing, so has Twilight and I'm sure everyone else. It gets easier to make the more bad you see. I know you've seen a lot Spike, so I'm not going to tell you to stop worrying... Just don't let it overwhelm you, like I did. You still need to enjoy yourself, for as long as you can.”

The way she uttered the last line made Spike feel heavy. It was with a note of finality, telling him that everything always came to an end sooner or later. Feeling a subtle trembling sensation deep within his chest, he opened his mouth to speak. Starlight beat him to it.

“Doesn't mean you have to just sit back and let it happen either.”

He looked up at her, taken aback by the sudden change in her tone. Her voice was louder now, quiet confidence singing through her words.

“You're friends are the most talented and powerful ponies in Equestria. They were chosen for a reason. Just remember that. They'll be fine. They've got allies just as they have enemies...and have a habit for turning the latter into the former.” He chuckled at this, the irony not lost on him that he was talking to an example. “Trust me Spike...if something does happen, they'll be ready for it as always, and so will we...”

Overcome by her words, Spike could only dip his head. The trembling in his chest remained, but his shoulders felt lighter. The worry that had been plaguing him for months, or perhaps even longer, was not lifted but it was lessened. Finally finding his voice, he raised his head.

“Thank you,” he murmured, brimming with absolute sincerity.

Starlight pulled Spike into her side, her mane falling over his shoulder. “No problem,” she said gently. A comfortable silence followed. Spike laid his head on Starlight's shoulder, and the mare curled herself around him. Part of Starlight was convinced she would have dozed off like that, if Spike had not nudged her back into wakefulness.  “We didn't actually have an adventure today, together I mean. We were interrupted.”

“True,” Starlight replied, the thought having not occurred to her. Her mind had been occupied by other matters, but his words rang true. They had been interrupted before she had decided what she wanted to do. After pondering the question for a moment, she raised her head and tossed her mane back behind her shoulders.

“I might have a few ideas for another day,” she said gently. “But I think for now we're both a little too beat for most of them. However, I'm pretty sure you have a few stories to tell.” When she received a blank look in response she smiled and dropped her voice to an almost silky giggle. “You never did tell me about how you saved the Crystal Empire during the Equestria Games.”

Realisation dawned on Spike, and his face split into a grin. Just as he was about to launch himself into the tale, a low rumble emanated from Starlight's stomach for the second time that day.

“Uh, how about you tell me over dinner?” she suggested.

Echoes of hearty laughter bounced throughout the living room. After scavenging together quick dinner of whatever leftovers they could find, Starlight and Spike had adjourned to the comfortable room to eat. Starlight's hoof would now take her weight properly again, though a dull ache still crawled up her leg whenever she walked. Having finished the story of his epic rescue of the Equestria Games, Spike had decided to tell of the more embarrassing tales surrounding that day. Apparently, the thought of him improvising a horrendous rendition of the Cloudsdale anthem was enough to send Starlight into fits of laughter.

“I have no idea,” she wheezed. “Why that's so funny!”

For a full minute she cackled under his deadpan stare. When she finally surfaced, tears streaming from her eyes, he fed into her sense of pride, just as she had fed into his ego.

“I told you an embarrassing story, how about you tell me one about yourself?”

That quickly put a stop to Starlight's laughter. However, she took the challenge in good faith, and delved into her memories for a suitable tale. There were disturbingly few, as bitterness had taken a stranglehold of most of her life. Her brow furrowed as she struggled to find anything in her past. A warm claw came to rest on her shoulder. Spike was beside her now, smiling up at her. His bright green eyes glimmered with understanding. The comfort he provided allowed tranquillity to wash over her. Her mind now clear, she allowed  a small smile to touch her lips. “How about the first time I ever tried to teleport?” Already knowing of Twilight's first attempts at teleportation, Spike settled himself in for a very interesting tale.

Eventually, the levity had come to an end, due to Spike's need for sleep. It had been an exhausting day for both of them, both emotionally and physically. A quiet click of the wall mounted night-light shrouded them in darkness.

"Night Spike,” Starlight whispered, turning to leave his room so that he could sleep. Before she could close the door, Spike's voice rang out into the gloom.

“One more thing,” he said, causing her to turn and look at him.

“Yes?”

“It isn't just Twilight and the others I don't want to leave,” he muttered, not sure if she would hear. There was no reply, and for a long moment all was still. Then, under his blankets, he felt his hand be squeezed by an unseen force. The pressure was brief, but unmistakable. A soft thump told him that the door had closed. Smiling, he closed his eyes and waited for sleep to take him in its embrace.

Closing the door, Starlight let one single tear fall down her cheek. She did not wipe it away, letting the small drop complete it's journey and splash to the floor. Leaving the solitary glimmer of emotion behind, she walked back to the living room. Settling down, she prepared to curl up in front of the fire with a good book until Twilight returned. 

Twilight returned to find her student fast asleep, curled up on one of the sofas. Smiling at the display, she allowed herself a rare moment to see Starlight at peace.  Then she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. Whatever stories they had to tell, could wait until tomorrow.