Secrets in Equestria

Sunset Shimmer was exhausted and sore after her day of bucking apples. She slept so well, she slept in. When she woke, she was happy as she hadn’t had a nightmare that night unlike most nights and then she tried to move. Her hind legs fought against her. She grumbled as she fought with her legs to get out of bed and just walk. To make things worse, SHE was back. “What do you want?”

“You did a good thing yesterday even if it was forced. There is hope for you yet.” The pony in black turned to leave but said one last thing before jumping off the balcony. “There’s a note for you in your book.”

“WHO IS SHE!?” Sunset screamed as she threw her head back and screamed as her book began buzzing. Sunset used her magic and levitated her book toward her. She flipped her book open and read the note from her teacher.

My dear student Sunset,

Luna has been working with a very skilled student. She has been working night and day and I’m thinking of getting her a more expanded mentor, somepony who goes beyond Canterlot. She just won’t stop learning. The first thought was to send her to you but I didn’t want to burden you with too much. You are still learning yourself. Once you learn more about friendship, I would like you to write Luna through me and tell her about it. Once Luna feels you’ve learned enough, Luna will send Twilight Sparkle to work under me through you. She has some friendship issues. Like you she is anti-social. For this reason, my sister wants her to be with you. I write you this early to give you time to process what will happen. Continue the good work Sunset; I’m so proud of you.

Your teacher,

Princess Celestia

Sunset groaned at the thought of having to take care of somepony else. On top of that, her parents have arranged a marriage for her. She felt like everything fell apart the minute she came to Ponyville. No doubt there would be more things to drive her mad.

With a heavy sigh, Sunset closed the book and jumped off her bed ignoring the pain in her legs. She quickly got herself ready for the day and slowly walked down the stairs. When she reached the bottom, a knock came to her door. “Oh come on, really?” Sunset walked over to the door and opened it. “Hello?” Sunset’s eyes widened as a jet stream of water hit her head on and sent her tumbling to the ground. She stood up and heard laughing outside and two ponies running away. “PINKIE PIE, RAINBOW DASH, YOU’RE BOTH DEAD WHEN I GET MY HOOVES ON YOU!” Sunset screamed as she shut the door just to have it fling open. Standing in the doorway was Rarity. “What?”

“I’m too late aren’t I? Those pranksters are going to get hurt by somepony one of these days. I’m thinking by ponies like you. From the look on your face, you’re not one that can enjoy a prank.”

“Really, what could have possibly given you that idea?” Sunset shook herself dry.

“There’s no need to be sarcastic Sunset. Whatever is going on with you, you can trust me.” Rarity walked in and shut the door behind her. “Sunset, please, let somepony in.”

“You’re in, now leave. All I want to do today is relax.”

“Perhaps you would enjoy a day at the spa? I’m sure even you would enjoy a spa day.” Rarity suggested.

Sunset was about to respond with a no but her legs were killing her and the spa would be relaxing and possibly the only way she wouldn’t be disturbed. She let out a defeated sigh and nodded. “Sure Rarity, I’ll have a spa day.” Sunset painfully followed Rarity out of the library and toward the spa. She honestly couldn’t wait to have some alone time as well as some peace and quiet. “Thanks for bringing me here but I think I can handle this by myself.” Rarity stopped Sunset before she could walk into the building. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going with you, a spa day just isn’t fun by yourself and besides, I could use some relaxation myself.” Rarity walked in followed by Sunset who groaned inwardly. “Aloe, hello.”

“Hello Rarity, bring a guest with you today?” Aloe asked.

“Yes, she really needs to relax. She had such a hard day yesterday.” Aloe nodded and led the two ponies to the back. “First stop, the sauna.” Sunset and Rarity walked into the sauna and sat down. “Would you care for a cleansing mask?”

“Sure, why not?” Sunset shrugged as Aloe put green goop on Sunset’s face.

“Honestly Sunset, cheer up. This is supposed to be relaxing especially with a friend.”

“Really, because I thought I was going to be alone. No offence to you Rarity but I don’t like relaxing with ponies. For me, relaxing is being by myself with nopony to talk to or tea with Princess Celestia. You being here just ruins the whole spa relaxation thing.”

“Come now Sunset, you’ll learn soon enough that being with friends can be very relaxing.”

Sunset groaned but there was no reason not to try and relax. With the decision in mind, Sunset sat back until it was time to move on to the physical pampering part of the spa day. Normally she wouldn’t let anypony touch her horn but today, she wasn’t going to argue it. She could probably use a nice horn shine anyway. All she wanted to do was relax and she was going to do it no matter what. After getting her horn and hooves worked on, they moved onto the full body messages. This was something she really looked forward to.

Sunset hadn’t realized how stiff she had been until her back got worked on. After her back was her legs and so on. As painful as it was, it felt really nice. She felt like she may walk comfortably again. Soon she came to the seaweed wrap and mud bath. She gladly got wrapped in seaweed and jumped into the mud bath. She had to admit this was what she needed today above anything else. “Rarity, thanks for the day. I will admit that it has been nice and more relaxing once I stopped really trying to.”

“See, I told you relaxing was possible with friends.”

“Oh Rarity, I never said we were friends. I don’t need them but I will accept having an acquaintance or two. Thank you for trying.” Sunset finished up and got out of the mud bath.

“Excuse me, could I get a hot rock message?” Aloe dragged Sunset away leaving Rarity all by herself.

“I didn’t get the exact reaction from her I was hoping for but it will take time I suppose.” Rarity chuckled and sunk further into the mud bath.