Glimmering Guidanceby Amethyst_CrystalChaptersFizzlepop 'Tempest Shadow' BerrytwistShutter BugPrincess CadanceFizzlepop 'Tempest Shadow' BerrytwistTempest Shadow stormed into Starlight’s office. “I grow very tired of this.” growled the dark unicorn through gritted teeth. Starlight looked down from her kite rearrangement on the ceiling, a bright green cubic one dangling haphazardly. “Um, hello. Welcome!” she chuckled nervously, completely taken by surprise. “Maybe I should put up a ‘please knock’ sign or something,” she muttered a little more quietly. “Well you didn’t!” snapped Tempest, looming over the smaller unicorn. The dark mare had trained herself since a young age, attaining a physical discipline most unicorns would never experience. Her social etiquette however, was lacking to say the least. “I have had it with this place. I can’t take this kind of pressure.” “Please!” Starlight begged, reaching out a hoof imploring. “Calm down. There is no pressure in this place,” smiled the guidance counselor, trying to reassure. The unicorn gave a heavy sigh. “Alright.” She sat down on the floor, in front of the sofa, resting her forelegs underneath. Starlight rubbed her chin, “Hmm, I guess you’re used to sitting outdoors?” she guessed, before sitting down in front of her desk and across from her visitor. Tempest snorted, glowering. “Are you mocking me?” Starlight shook her head. “No, I’m joining you.” Tempest rolled her eyes. “None of you can join me. I am not like any of you...” With that the powerful mare grew silent, looking down at her hooves, placed close together. Starlight Glimmer looked up at her kites, considering to adjust the one dangling down still. No, that would be rude… it can wait. “Maybe you’d like a change in atmosphere? I can use magic to add some ambiance. Maybe make it seem like we’re resting outdoors?” The dark unicorn laughed. “Why don’t we simply go outside then?” Starlight nodded. “Well, we could, but then you’d have to stand up and walk around, and I’d rather you sit still and relax, if that’s ok...” Tempest did not like being ordered around, but she did know this pony was the ‘guidance’ counselor of this school, in any case. Maybe it was alright. “Fine. But if I hate your magic then change it back, understand?” Starlight recoiled slightly, frowning. “You are free to dislike what I offer you, but try not to hate so freely. It’s not healthy.” Tempest scoffed, looking away. “Like a soft palace-dwelling unicorn would know.” Starlight sighed softly, closing her eyes. She didn’t like being outdoors as much as she used to, unless it was to fly her kites or to carry out tasks. She certainly wasn’t the sort to enjoy extended hiking and camping. But there were times long ago when she forced herself to do so... “You don’t know me or my past. Do not judge so quickly.” The guidance counselor muttered again, as if to herself. Tempest heard easily enough, and immediately sobered at that scolding. “You are right,” she responded quietly, calmly. “My apologies.” Starlight put her hoof to her face, embarrassed. Great, she was already berating her guest. Maybe she could try scolding her about the past next? “No no, please. I should be the one to apologize. You are here to blow off steam, after all!” Tempest looked up at Starlight in a piercing searching way, a chill running down the smaller unicorn’s spine. “Alright then. Maybe you do deserve my respect.” “Eheheh,” Starlight laughed nervously, taken off guard by the warrior. “Thanks. So, you still ok with me doing the outdoors ambiance stuff?” “Go on.” Starlight closed her eyes, horn glowing turquoise, a soft glimmering of the light. Shadows of trees loomed up through the ceiling, but there was no ceiling in sight. The soft sounds of a stream and birds chirping. The scent of flowers and leaves. The room around them was gone, for the most part. Except for the desk, chair, and sofa. “Are you sure you haven’t simply teleported us and part of your office outside?” Tempest asked quietly, surprised by the realism. Starlight giggled at that, clearly delighted and happy, Tempest turning to stare. “Oh no no. I’ve just had a lot of time and opportunity to practice this spell, that’s all!” she declared, though still beaming. Tempest almost smiled, but she still felt some frustration from this day. She did not really want to be here, after all. She looked down again, at the grass, and bugs crawling around. That, and she was still processing such a casual display of power. There was silence between them for awhile. Starlight fidgeted nervously for a little bit, before trying to get absorbed in the magical nature ambiance. But when you’ve put so much time into designing a spell, it’s easier for it to be less enthralling for the spell-weaver herself. Starlight coughed awkwardly.“Ahehem. So, um… how would you prefer to be addressed today? Name-wise, that is.” Tempest shrugged, mildly irritated by the question. “Fizzlepop, I suppose. It’s who I’m trying to be now.” she looked up, trying not to give a ferocious stare this time. “What else do you know about me?” “I only know what Twilight knows of you. Most of what she knows, I mean. Maybe.” Starlight gestured vaguely, smiling weakly, speaking softly, “Is it something about your names that troubles you?” “Hmm. Not directly. I’m just feeling so…” Tempest reared back slightly, lifting both forelegs, shaking them. “Overwhelmed!” she released her energy, thudding back down on the ground. “Every pony seems to want to be my friend all at once. I am so used to being so alone,” the taller pony’s voice became more fluid and warm, yet sad and weary. “I don’t want to be alone, but...” Starlight Glimmer didn’t speak, but she watched Fizzlepop very closely, trying to absorb the sudden outpouring of words. She had to understand, if she wanted to help this unicorn. “But all my life, most of my life, it was just me. And when it wasn’t me, it was some some creatures that did my bidding, or sometimes I served theirs. Strictly business. Mercenary agreements. That’s what I had with the Storm King. None of these relationships had any warmth. It was all selfish greed and intentions for power. I almost had him you know...” Tempest looked up suddenly, a wild gleam in her eye, laughing nervously. “I almost took him out, in that final duel. Do you know what I would’ve done next, if Twilight didn’t save me? Do you?” Starlight Glimmer suddenly leapt at Tempest, only with a moment’s hesitation. The world-weary distraught unicorn tensed up, then melted into the embrace, leaning her muzzle against Starlight’s shoulder, sighing deeply. There were no words for a time, but the soft sounds of nature, not truly there, yet enough to be recognized in the ponies’ minds. Starlight pulled away first, gently touching Tempest’s forelegs. “It doesn’t matter now. You are not who you were. But...” she looked away, smiling slyly. “But that doesn’t mean you have to be perfect now either. Okay?” she turned back with a wink. Tempest almost smiled again, but she was a bit annoyed now. How was it this little soft unicorn helped her relax from touch? Why hadn’t she attacked, years of instinctive combat training refusing to kick in? “That was dangerous, you know that right?” Tempest scolded. “I was almost losing my mind, what if I...” “What if you tried to hurt me?” Starlight finished. “Maybe I don’t look it, but I know how to defend myself.” Tempest knew unicorns could defend themselves easily… with magic. But unless they had special spells in mind, they weren’t so great against physical combat. “The thing is, it’s frustrating how much I want to be left alone, and yet not wanting to be left alone. I wish I could decide. For the longest time, I convinced myself I will always be alone. It felt like there was no other way...” Starlight Glimmer felt a chill run down her spine again, dark memories resurfacing. “I had those thoughts too, a long time ago. They gave me such fear, I vowed to never be without friends. No matter what.” Tempest Shadow shook her head. “I wanted nothing to do with friends. I wanted to be alone. No matter what.” Starlight tapped her hooves together. She wanted to bring up more specific questions, but Fizzlepop was a sensitive guest. “If you need time alone, you should tell Twilight. I understand that you haven’t made up your mind about staying at the School of Friendship, but maybe if you were given space and comfort, you would feel better? Maybe request a solitary dorm room?” The dark orchid pony looked up at the intricate leaves of the trees, sighing deeply. “This is only my second day here, after my long solitary journey to talk about friendship with other creatures. But it seems like I have more trouble interacting with my own kind than others.” Starlight smiled at that. “Hm I kinda feel the same sometimes. Do you feel like...” she hesitated. “Are you concerned with being older than most other students?” “Yes,” Tempest replied bluntly. “But it’s more of a nuisance than a concern. My conflicting feelings about solitude are my concern.” Starlight closed her eyes and leaned back. Sometimes she wished it was easier and quicker to help her guests feel better. But she couldn’t ever give up on comforting them, or at least trying to. “How is it that a magic-user so powerful as you, is using it just to...” Tempest Shadow trailed off, suddenly thinking of her love for fireworks, and how much that simplicity of magic helped her feel better. She looked up at her fractured, broken horn, mutilated since many years ago. “Wait, why haven’t you asked about my horn yet?” It suddenly dawned at her, staring at the guidance counselor in amazement. Starlight simply lifted a hoof and shrugged. “It didn’t seem relevant or appropriate a topic. Why should I draw attention to your horn?” she was being honest, but she hoped it was the right reply. Tempest contemplated that. “I guess I have had less questions about that here at this school, than elsewhere in Equestria. But I do get asked still. It’s something I’ve always been touchy about, but also one of the first things I had to discipline my temperament about too...” Starlight nodded. “Considering all you’ve been through, I think you’re taking things pretty well. How are you feeling now?” “A little better, I guess. Thank you for listening to me. And thank you for this forest magic. It does help a lot. I am used to living outside, after all.” Starlight felt like there might still be some other matter. “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss before you go?” Tempest stared. “Already?” Starlight gasped. “Uh well no, you don’t have to. I don’t have any creature scheduled for awhile still, but… it was just courtesy, eheh.” Tempest looked up at the trees again. “Time just goes slower for me in my old life. Everything is so different now.” Starlight wanted to talk about her own past so badly. But she had to be a good counselor and not make things all about her. “Sometimes healing happens a bit too suddenly. It is alright to slow down if it helps you feel better. What good is there in rushing things if your discomfort makes it worse?” Tempest nodded at that. “I see. You really are a good guide, Starlight.” “Ahahahah! Well, maybe I guess!” Starlight blushed deeply, not expecting the praise. “I try to be considerate, anyway...” Tempest Shadow closed her eyes, enjoying the sound of Starlight’s magic. Starlight Glimmer felt a sense of peace between them. Maybe one day she will tell this dark past. But for now, she hoped for Tempest’s comfort and serenity. And for the first time that day, Fizzlepop Berrytwist smiled. Shutter BugStarlight Glimmer gazed into the trees. She contemplated their realism. “Hmm, maybe a little more swaying of branches in breezes, perhaps?” She was tinkering with her ‘nature meditation realm simulator’ again. A loud knock at the door startled her out of focus, bringing the decorative but very much indoor office into view once more. “Hello? Hello! Wow I guess I will just go inside because it does say ‘open’.” A pale green unicorn with a lady bug cutie mark and a burnt scarlet mane walked in, closing the door behind her, and somewhat oddly, locking it. She stared at the therapist with her bright green eyes. “I just wanted to stop by because, I need to talk with you, I have a problem….” a huge pained grin smeared across her face, leaning back and gazing harshly upon Starlight. “Uhhh...” Therapist Glimmer stumbled. “Ok. That’s good to know?” “Well, you’re supposed to be able to help, so I guess I’ll at least hear what you have to say!” She leapt until the couch and slouched, flicking her tail irritably. “Wait, aren’t you that photographer pony that took the faculty pictures for that newspaper?” Shutter Bug rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah.” Starlight chuckled nervously. She felt something weird about this pony when they first met too. She was hyper and friendly and enthusiastic, but uniquely cold and dismissive towards Starlight. Could it be she’d done something to her, long ago…? Counselor Starlight slipped over to the desk, getting comfortable. “Ahem. So, how can I help you today?” The pale purple mare levitated a mug towards her guest. “Empathy Cocoa?” “Are you mocking me?!” snarled the green one, leaping up to her hooves, horn glowing. “What?!” Starlight nearly dropped the mug and set it down. “No, of course not! Why would you think that?” Shutter Bug crossed her arms. “Nothing, never mind!” she snorted. “I’m just mad at somepony who Destroyed! My! Life!” Starlight swallowed. “Mmhm, um. So… do you want to talk about that?” “What’s there to say? She was smug and arrogant!” shouted the pale mare, flailing arms. “She thought she knew better, thought she was more evolved than I! She didn’t even allow me any glory! How dare she! HOW DARE SHE!” Shutter Bug was pointing directly at Starlight now, frowning deeply into a mug of cocoa. “Uh huh. So, how did she dare?” Shutter Bug collapsed on the couch. “By taking EVERYTHING from me! All my plans, my hopes, my desires, ruined! RUINED!” and she went into a fit of hysterics. Starlight mumbled softly, “Wow.” Speaking more clearly, she leaned over with a smile. “Listen, even from ruins you can build something better. For example, the changelings’ entire society and culture was broken, and then it became something new. They are much kinder and nicer to everypony now. From the destruction of their old life they have built something more harmonious.” Turning to look away, as though troubled by an old memory, she continued, “I only wish their old Queen was willing to lead them still. Instead she left for something dark in her heart.” Shutter Bug trembled in place, her face a mask of hate, before warping into a wicked toothy smile, her voice dripping with venom. “Like revenge?” A chill ran down Starlight’s spine, and she got a very terrible thought, but then she put it away, where she wouldn’t have to think about it. Her suspicion would only distract from her counseling. “Keeping your mind on vengeance can hurt your heart. I would know. I became a broken pony, a dangerous reckless fool. I was not much better before that. When I was a terrible leader, because I hurt the ponies who trusted me, who looked up to me.” “Well...” Shutter Bug hesitated, looking back to the door, as though fearful or reluctant. “You’ve hurt me before, too...” Therapist Glimmer fell back in her chair, eyes wide. “Oh. I’m… I’m sorry, I… I…” Tears came up unabated, a struggle to wipe them away. She had not expected this part of her past to haunt her, not so suddenly. She did not recognize this mare at all, but there were so many innocents she had hurt, in their hearts and in their minds. Shutter Bug looked up with a hateful sneer, though it quirked, the pony squirming with emotion. “Are you really? Do you even know what you did to me? You took everything from me. Everything!” Starlight Glimmer put her fore-hooves on the ground, walked around the desk, and approached her client, tears streaming down. “What can I do to make it right?” Shutter Bug stared in surprise, scrunching up her nose and blushing. Clearly this was unexpected. “I, well..” Sighing and wiping away at her eyes again, Starlight turned away, putting a hoof to her chest, taking a deep breath…. Then breathing out, gently. “I need to atone. I don’t actively allow my past to crawl through my mind unabated anymore, dwelling accomplishes nothing, But when it comes back without my beckoning, how can I refuse? I cannot say I have become a better pony, if I cannot confront what I have done, when it comes right to me.” Shutter Bug looked away, frowning and mumbling irritably. “So you really are a leader.” Starlight shrugged a little, awkwardly. “I suppose I can be sometimes.” “Well you are brave to face me, after all you’ve done.” Shutter Bug frowned. “Now you just have to look at me.” Starlight stopped averting her eyes, purple windows staring right into Shutter Bug’s emerald pools. “I’m sorry for being terrible to you.” Shutter Bug smiled a little, amused perhaps. “Hmm. But what if I want revenge still?” Starlight Glimmer stood her ground. “If it involves hurting my friends, I will stop you.” Then she knelt down on all fours, bowing her head. “But if you just want me, then... I will do what you demand.” Shutter Bug threw her head back and laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Hysterical, wild, ancient laughter. “I am most pleased, for now.” she admitted. “To have you grovel before me is cathartic indeed.” Starlight Glimmer sighed deeply. She felt humiliated, worried. But she had to let go of her pride, for now. “I hope we can still be friends, someday...” Shutter Bug leaned in close, whispering into the soft pink ear. “You think you understand me, but you don’t. You threw away your leadership, why should I do the same with mine? Why should I sacrifice power for your friendship?” Starlight Glimmer looked up. That nagging suspicion again. “Because it is an addiction. It will never satisfy you. You will hurt, and you will hurt others, and you will never be satisfied. Instead, you could find ponies who really care about you, not for what you are, but for who you are! You just have to be willing to try friendship!” Shutter Bug gave a blood curdling hideous scream, a gurgling snarling wail, the therapist covering her eyes and shuddering on the floor with fear. “Curse you, Starlight Glimmer! Curse your tongue and your thoughts! You plague me with your offers of sweetness and compassion! Do you think I don’t want to be loved? I need everypony to love me!” Starlight rose up, getting in the other unicorn’s face. “I wanted that too! At any cost!” “Then why don’t you now?!” “I decided to care about the feelings and dreams of other ponies!” “You care! You? Ha! Hahahah!” Shutter Bug twisted around, collapsing onto the couch, laughing hysterically. Starlight got up off the floor, slumping back down in her chair with a sigh. “Yep, she’s clearly in late stages of villainous madness,” she sassed as super softly as possible. Finally her client snapped out of it. “Well your care is not wanted! It is annoying! I see how much happier you are now, but you don’t have power now! And so you are a fool!” Starlight shook her head. “I was a fool then, not now. Well, not always, anyway! I would much rather be your friend than your enemy.” Shutter Bug got up off the seat, frowning. “You know what I am most angry at you about? The loneliness. The dark cold loneliness, after feeling beloved for so long.” Heavy sadness dripped in the green unicorn’s voice. “I am without anypony. You knew that feeling too, once. I cannot forgive you as you forgave Twilight Sparkle.” “You don’t have to… at least, not yet… but eventually, we must all confront our pasts, so we can have a happier future.” Shutter Bug gave her nemesis one last cold stare. “If I give in, then it means you have won. That’s what I cannot allow.’ Glimmer grinned. “I prefer to think of it as both of us winning.” Shutter Bug frowned. “I don’t understand. I’m going now...” she hopped off the couch and approached the door. Starlight looked down, saddened. “Well, I understand you not wanting to stay longer than necessary. Please, take care of yourself.” Shutter Bug paused near the door, turning to look, glaring and grumbling, “Maybe we will talk again. I will consider it.” Starlight smiled and nodded, the last sight of Shutter Bug looking worried, as she left the office, mumbling to herself, “Instead of knowing my enemy better, I feel more confused...” Starlight sat back, staring at the kites on the ceiling. That pony, she had hurt her deeply. She hoped she could make things right, somehow. “Maybe I should find her later and offer a picnic with kite-flying. Too bad I didn’t even ask her name… unless I already know…“ Princess CadanceStarlight rolled over, hitting her head on a rock. “Ow!” she growled, sitting up and rubbing her skull, wincing, the rock illusion disappearing, revealing to be merely her work desk. “Ugh, it would take way too much focus to make everything temporarily… not there!” the guidance counselor complained. “Why does everything have to go wrong?!” “Why does everything go well?” came a counter-question, a pink slender swan-like creature trotting into the room, candy-colored hair drifting down on one side. “Princess Cadance!” gasped Starlight, scrambling up off the ground. “Eheheh, um…” she squinted, just to be sure. “What are you doing here?” she grinned, nervously. The Element of Love laughed. “Well, I could talk with you about some of my problems, of course,” she smiled sweetly, “because you have a gift for helping others.” Starlight was stumbling for her desk, the sudden compliment taking her off-guard too. It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle meetings with the alicorn tetrarchs of Equestria… she just didn’t expect one right now! “Um yes. Yes, I do pride myself on being a capable counselor, heh. No problems with my problem solving here!” Starlight put her forehooves together nervously, grinning widely. Cadance walked up to Starlight’s desk, then turned and moved around to her left side, placing a hoof on her back. “How about we trade places? Just for this moment.” Starlight’s eyes bulged, and she immediately teleported onto the couch in front of her desk, sitting on all fours. “Okay, I’m here, now what?” She was feeling panic start to rise. Was she in trouble? Princess Cadance giggled again. “I have heard a lot about you, Starlight Glimmer, from all the other alicorns. I am sorry that I have not made any kind of formal or informal visit before now.” Starlight waved an arm and rolled her eyes. “Pfft! You’re way busy running an empire and stuff, heheh...” Princess Cadance smirked, putting her own hooves on the table now. “You are very uncomfortable with praise.” Starlight felt like a thunderbolt struck her psyche. “How did you know? Wait, of course you knew. Of course you are the most empathic alicorn.” Starlight sighed softly, looking down. “Thank you for visiting me.” Princess Cadance grimaced, resisting the urge to snuggle and comfort Starlight. Not yet. “I have every reason to be grateful and thankful for what you do here at the school of friendship.” She closed her eyes, and put a hoof on her heart, smiling warmly. “Your gift for helping others with hurts of the heart, it has made many students at this school happy.” Starlight wiped away some tears and smiled. “Thank you… but...” “But it’s never good enough,” Princess Cadance finished for Starlight. “Because you keep being haunted by the past, stressing about the present, and doubting the future. You shouldn’t cling so often to negativity.” Starlight got up off the couch, glaring, pointing an accusing hoof. “And what do you know of negativity? You’ve never done a bad thing in your life, Princess!” A solemn frown etched on Cadance’s face, leaning back in the chair. “Do you really think I had no faults to overcome before I became a princess? Nopony is perfect, so everypony should help one another.” Starlight sat on the floor again, biting her lip, ears drooping dejectedly. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry...” Cadance took the most direct route, spreading her wings and swooping down over the desk, landing before Starlight, wrapping her up in a warm hug, squeezing the purple-pink unicorn against her cream-pink fur. “Don’t ever be sorry for expressing your feelings! There is nothing wrong with feeling angry, or sad, or anything else.” Cadance put her golden slippered forehoof on Starlight’s chest. “It’s what you do with these feelings that counts. And what you’ve been doing lately, is putting all your emotions into helping others’ emotions!” Starlight stared up into the alicorn’s big purple eyes, tranquil and serene. She felt that aura of calm wash over her, closing her own eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, sighing. Cadance stepped back, folding her wings. “Remember: you have to maintain your own well-being too! Then you can help those you care about even more!” Starlight gave a small smile. “Alright. Thank you so much, Cadance!” she stepped forward and gave the tall slender pony a warm hug and nuzzle. “Oh good, you dropped the ‘princess’ part.” Cadance pointed out with a grin. “Guess that means I did pretty good, huh?” Both ponies giggled adorably. “But seriously, if you ever do need any help, Cadance...” Starlight pressed, pointing with a hoof and a smug smirk. The Element of Love grinned sheepishly. “Well… maybe there is something...” she mumbled, blushing heavily. “But it’s kind of embarrassing...” Guidance Counselor Starlight laughed. “It’s a good thing I’m an expert in embarrassments!” Cadance’s eyes shone, and her grin grew, and the hope in her eyes, renewed the hope in Starlight’s heart.
Fizzlepop 'Tempest Shadow' BerrytwistTempest Shadow stormed into Starlight’s office. “I grow very tired of this.” growled the dark unicorn through gritted teeth. Starlight looked down from her kite rearrangement on the ceiling, a bright green cubic one dangling haphazardly. “Um, hello. Welcome!” she chuckled nervously, completely taken by surprise. “Maybe I should put up a ‘please knock’ sign or something,” she muttered a little more quietly. “Well you didn’t!” snapped Tempest, looming over the smaller unicorn. The dark mare had trained herself since a young age, attaining a physical discipline most unicorns would never experience. Her social etiquette however, was lacking to say the least. “I have had it with this place. I can’t take this kind of pressure.” “Please!” Starlight begged, reaching out a hoof imploring. “Calm down. There is no pressure in this place,” smiled the guidance counselor, trying to reassure. The unicorn gave a heavy sigh. “Alright.” She sat down on the floor, in front of the sofa, resting her forelegs underneath. Starlight rubbed her chin, “Hmm, I guess you’re used to sitting outdoors?” she guessed, before sitting down in front of her desk and across from her visitor. Tempest snorted, glowering. “Are you mocking me?” Starlight shook her head. “No, I’m joining you.” Tempest rolled her eyes. “None of you can join me. I am not like any of you...” With that the powerful mare grew silent, looking down at her hooves, placed close together. Starlight Glimmer looked up at her kites, considering to adjust the one dangling down still. No, that would be rude… it can wait. “Maybe you’d like a change in atmosphere? I can use magic to add some ambiance. Maybe make it seem like we’re resting outdoors?” The dark unicorn laughed. “Why don’t we simply go outside then?” Starlight nodded. “Well, we could, but then you’d have to stand up and walk around, and I’d rather you sit still and relax, if that’s ok...” Tempest did not like being ordered around, but she did know this pony was the ‘guidance’ counselor of this school, in any case. Maybe it was alright. “Fine. But if I hate your magic then change it back, understand?” Starlight recoiled slightly, frowning. “You are free to dislike what I offer you, but try not to hate so freely. It’s not healthy.” Tempest scoffed, looking away. “Like a soft palace-dwelling unicorn would know.” Starlight sighed softly, closing her eyes. She didn’t like being outdoors as much as she used to, unless it was to fly her kites or to carry out tasks. She certainly wasn’t the sort to enjoy extended hiking and camping. But there were times long ago when she forced herself to do so... “You don’t know me or my past. Do not judge so quickly.” The guidance counselor muttered again, as if to herself. Tempest heard easily enough, and immediately sobered at that scolding. “You are right,” she responded quietly, calmly. “My apologies.” Starlight put her hoof to her face, embarrassed. Great, she was already berating her guest. Maybe she could try scolding her about the past next? “No no, please. I should be the one to apologize. You are here to blow off steam, after all!” Tempest looked up at Starlight in a piercing searching way, a chill running down the smaller unicorn’s spine. “Alright then. Maybe you do deserve my respect.” “Eheheh,” Starlight laughed nervously, taken off guard by the warrior. “Thanks. So, you still ok with me doing the outdoors ambiance stuff?” “Go on.” Starlight closed her eyes, horn glowing turquoise, a soft glimmering of the light. Shadows of trees loomed up through the ceiling, but there was no ceiling in sight. The soft sounds of a stream and birds chirping. The scent of flowers and leaves. The room around them was gone, for the most part. Except for the desk, chair, and sofa. “Are you sure you haven’t simply teleported us and part of your office outside?” Tempest asked quietly, surprised by the realism. Starlight giggled at that, clearly delighted and happy, Tempest turning to stare. “Oh no no. I’ve just had a lot of time and opportunity to practice this spell, that’s all!” she declared, though still beaming. Tempest almost smiled, but she still felt some frustration from this day. She did not really want to be here, after all. She looked down again, at the grass, and bugs crawling around. That, and she was still processing such a casual display of power. There was silence between them for awhile. Starlight fidgeted nervously for a little bit, before trying to get absorbed in the magical nature ambiance. But when you’ve put so much time into designing a spell, it’s easier for it to be less enthralling for the spell-weaver herself. Starlight coughed awkwardly.“Ahehem. So, um… how would you prefer to be addressed today? Name-wise, that is.” Tempest shrugged, mildly irritated by the question. “Fizzlepop, I suppose. It’s who I’m trying to be now.” she looked up, trying not to give a ferocious stare this time. “What else do you know about me?” “I only know what Twilight knows of you. Most of what she knows, I mean. Maybe.” Starlight gestured vaguely, smiling weakly, speaking softly, “Is it something about your names that troubles you?” “Hmm. Not directly. I’m just feeling so…” Tempest reared back slightly, lifting both forelegs, shaking them. “Overwhelmed!” she released her energy, thudding back down on the ground. “Every pony seems to want to be my friend all at once. I am so used to being so alone,” the taller pony’s voice became more fluid and warm, yet sad and weary. “I don’t want to be alone, but...” Starlight Glimmer didn’t speak, but she watched Fizzlepop very closely, trying to absorb the sudden outpouring of words. She had to understand, if she wanted to help this unicorn. “But all my life, most of my life, it was just me. And when it wasn’t me, it was some some creatures that did my bidding, or sometimes I served theirs. Strictly business. Mercenary agreements. That’s what I had with the Storm King. None of these relationships had any warmth. It was all selfish greed and intentions for power. I almost had him you know...” Tempest looked up suddenly, a wild gleam in her eye, laughing nervously. “I almost took him out, in that final duel. Do you know what I would’ve done next, if Twilight didn’t save me? Do you?” Starlight Glimmer suddenly leapt at Tempest, only with a moment’s hesitation. The world-weary distraught unicorn tensed up, then melted into the embrace, leaning her muzzle against Starlight’s shoulder, sighing deeply. There were no words for a time, but the soft sounds of nature, not truly there, yet enough to be recognized in the ponies’ minds. Starlight pulled away first, gently touching Tempest’s forelegs. “It doesn’t matter now. You are not who you were. But...” she looked away, smiling slyly. “But that doesn’t mean you have to be perfect now either. Okay?” she turned back with a wink. Tempest almost smiled again, but she was a bit annoyed now. How was it this little soft unicorn helped her relax from touch? Why hadn’t she attacked, years of instinctive combat training refusing to kick in? “That was dangerous, you know that right?” Tempest scolded. “I was almost losing my mind, what if I...” “What if you tried to hurt me?” Starlight finished. “Maybe I don’t look it, but I know how to defend myself.” Tempest knew unicorns could defend themselves easily… with magic. But unless they had special spells in mind, they weren’t so great against physical combat. “The thing is, it’s frustrating how much I want to be left alone, and yet not wanting to be left alone. I wish I could decide. For the longest time, I convinced myself I will always be alone. It felt like there was no other way...” Starlight Glimmer felt a chill run down her spine again, dark memories resurfacing. “I had those thoughts too, a long time ago. They gave me such fear, I vowed to never be without friends. No matter what.” Tempest Shadow shook her head. “I wanted nothing to do with friends. I wanted to be alone. No matter what.” Starlight tapped her hooves together. She wanted to bring up more specific questions, but Fizzlepop was a sensitive guest. “If you need time alone, you should tell Twilight. I understand that you haven’t made up your mind about staying at the School of Friendship, but maybe if you were given space and comfort, you would feel better? Maybe request a solitary dorm room?” The dark orchid pony looked up at the intricate leaves of the trees, sighing deeply. “This is only my second day here, after my long solitary journey to talk about friendship with other creatures. But it seems like I have more trouble interacting with my own kind than others.” Starlight smiled at that. “Hm I kinda feel the same sometimes. Do you feel like...” she hesitated. “Are you concerned with being older than most other students?” “Yes,” Tempest replied bluntly. “But it’s more of a nuisance than a concern. My conflicting feelings about solitude are my concern.” Starlight closed her eyes and leaned back. Sometimes she wished it was easier and quicker to help her guests feel better. But she couldn’t ever give up on comforting them, or at least trying to. “How is it that a magic-user so powerful as you, is using it just to...” Tempest Shadow trailed off, suddenly thinking of her love for fireworks, and how much that simplicity of magic helped her feel better. She looked up at her fractured, broken horn, mutilated since many years ago. “Wait, why haven’t you asked about my horn yet?” It suddenly dawned at her, staring at the guidance counselor in amazement. Starlight simply lifted a hoof and shrugged. “It didn’t seem relevant or appropriate a topic. Why should I draw attention to your horn?” she was being honest, but she hoped it was the right reply. Tempest contemplated that. “I guess I have had less questions about that here at this school, than elsewhere in Equestria. But I do get asked still. It’s something I’ve always been touchy about, but also one of the first things I had to discipline my temperament about too...” Starlight nodded. “Considering all you’ve been through, I think you’re taking things pretty well. How are you feeling now?” “A little better, I guess. Thank you for listening to me. And thank you for this forest magic. It does help a lot. I am used to living outside, after all.” Starlight felt like there might still be some other matter. “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss before you go?” Tempest stared. “Already?” Starlight gasped. “Uh well no, you don’t have to. I don’t have any creature scheduled for awhile still, but… it was just courtesy, eheh.” Tempest looked up at the trees again. “Time just goes slower for me in my old life. Everything is so different now.” Starlight wanted to talk about her own past so badly. But she had to be a good counselor and not make things all about her. “Sometimes healing happens a bit too suddenly. It is alright to slow down if it helps you feel better. What good is there in rushing things if your discomfort makes it worse?” Tempest nodded at that. “I see. You really are a good guide, Starlight.” “Ahahahah! Well, maybe I guess!” Starlight blushed deeply, not expecting the praise. “I try to be considerate, anyway...” Tempest Shadow closed her eyes, enjoying the sound of Starlight’s magic. Starlight Glimmer felt a sense of peace between them. Maybe one day she will tell this dark past. But for now, she hoped for Tempest’s comfort and serenity. And for the first time that day, Fizzlepop Berrytwist smiled.
Shutter BugStarlight Glimmer gazed into the trees. She contemplated their realism. “Hmm, maybe a little more swaying of branches in breezes, perhaps?” She was tinkering with her ‘nature meditation realm simulator’ again. A loud knock at the door startled her out of focus, bringing the decorative but very much indoor office into view once more. “Hello? Hello! Wow I guess I will just go inside because it does say ‘open’.” A pale green unicorn with a lady bug cutie mark and a burnt scarlet mane walked in, closing the door behind her, and somewhat oddly, locking it. She stared at the therapist with her bright green eyes. “I just wanted to stop by because, I need to talk with you, I have a problem….” a huge pained grin smeared across her face, leaning back and gazing harshly upon Starlight. “Uhhh...” Therapist Glimmer stumbled. “Ok. That’s good to know?” “Well, you’re supposed to be able to help, so I guess I’ll at least hear what you have to say!” She leapt until the couch and slouched, flicking her tail irritably. “Wait, aren’t you that photographer pony that took the faculty pictures for that newspaper?” Shutter Bug rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah.” Starlight chuckled nervously. She felt something weird about this pony when they first met too. She was hyper and friendly and enthusiastic, but uniquely cold and dismissive towards Starlight. Could it be she’d done something to her, long ago…? Counselor Starlight slipped over to the desk, getting comfortable. “Ahem. So, how can I help you today?” The pale purple mare levitated a mug towards her guest. “Empathy Cocoa?” “Are you mocking me?!” snarled the green one, leaping up to her hooves, horn glowing. “What?!” Starlight nearly dropped the mug and set it down. “No, of course not! Why would you think that?” Shutter Bug crossed her arms. “Nothing, never mind!” she snorted. “I’m just mad at somepony who Destroyed! My! Life!” Starlight swallowed. “Mmhm, um. So… do you want to talk about that?” “What’s there to say? She was smug and arrogant!” shouted the pale mare, flailing arms. “She thought she knew better, thought she was more evolved than I! She didn’t even allow me any glory! How dare she! HOW DARE SHE!” Shutter Bug was pointing directly at Starlight now, frowning deeply into a mug of cocoa. “Uh huh. So, how did she dare?” Shutter Bug collapsed on the couch. “By taking EVERYTHING from me! All my plans, my hopes, my desires, ruined! RUINED!” and she went into a fit of hysterics. Starlight mumbled softly, “Wow.” Speaking more clearly, she leaned over with a smile. “Listen, even from ruins you can build something better. For example, the changelings’ entire society and culture was broken, and then it became something new. They are much kinder and nicer to everypony now. From the destruction of their old life they have built something more harmonious.” Turning to look away, as though troubled by an old memory, she continued, “I only wish their old Queen was willing to lead them still. Instead she left for something dark in her heart.” Shutter Bug trembled in place, her face a mask of hate, before warping into a wicked toothy smile, her voice dripping with venom. “Like revenge?” A chill ran down Starlight’s spine, and she got a very terrible thought, but then she put it away, where she wouldn’t have to think about it. Her suspicion would only distract from her counseling. “Keeping your mind on vengeance can hurt your heart. I would know. I became a broken pony, a dangerous reckless fool. I was not much better before that. When I was a terrible leader, because I hurt the ponies who trusted me, who looked up to me.” “Well...” Shutter Bug hesitated, looking back to the door, as though fearful or reluctant. “You’ve hurt me before, too...” Therapist Glimmer fell back in her chair, eyes wide. “Oh. I’m… I’m sorry, I… I…” Tears came up unabated, a struggle to wipe them away. She had not expected this part of her past to haunt her, not so suddenly. She did not recognize this mare at all, but there were so many innocents she had hurt, in their hearts and in their minds. Shutter Bug looked up with a hateful sneer, though it quirked, the pony squirming with emotion. “Are you really? Do you even know what you did to me? You took everything from me. Everything!” Starlight Glimmer put her fore-hooves on the ground, walked around the desk, and approached her client, tears streaming down. “What can I do to make it right?” Shutter Bug stared in surprise, scrunching up her nose and blushing. Clearly this was unexpected. “I, well..” Sighing and wiping away at her eyes again, Starlight turned away, putting a hoof to her chest, taking a deep breath…. Then breathing out, gently. “I need to atone. I don’t actively allow my past to crawl through my mind unabated anymore, dwelling accomplishes nothing, But when it comes back without my beckoning, how can I refuse? I cannot say I have become a better pony, if I cannot confront what I have done, when it comes right to me.” Shutter Bug looked away, frowning and mumbling irritably. “So you really are a leader.” Starlight shrugged a little, awkwardly. “I suppose I can be sometimes.” “Well you are brave to face me, after all you’ve done.” Shutter Bug frowned. “Now you just have to look at me.” Starlight stopped averting her eyes, purple windows staring right into Shutter Bug’s emerald pools. “I’m sorry for being terrible to you.” Shutter Bug smiled a little, amused perhaps. “Hmm. But what if I want revenge still?” Starlight Glimmer stood her ground. “If it involves hurting my friends, I will stop you.” Then she knelt down on all fours, bowing her head. “But if you just want me, then... I will do what you demand.” Shutter Bug threw her head back and laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Hysterical, wild, ancient laughter. “I am most pleased, for now.” she admitted. “To have you grovel before me is cathartic indeed.” Starlight Glimmer sighed deeply. She felt humiliated, worried. But she had to let go of her pride, for now. “I hope we can still be friends, someday...” Shutter Bug leaned in close, whispering into the soft pink ear. “You think you understand me, but you don’t. You threw away your leadership, why should I do the same with mine? Why should I sacrifice power for your friendship?” Starlight Glimmer looked up. That nagging suspicion again. “Because it is an addiction. It will never satisfy you. You will hurt, and you will hurt others, and you will never be satisfied. Instead, you could find ponies who really care about you, not for what you are, but for who you are! You just have to be willing to try friendship!” Shutter Bug gave a blood curdling hideous scream, a gurgling snarling wail, the therapist covering her eyes and shuddering on the floor with fear. “Curse you, Starlight Glimmer! Curse your tongue and your thoughts! You plague me with your offers of sweetness and compassion! Do you think I don’t want to be loved? I need everypony to love me!” Starlight rose up, getting in the other unicorn’s face. “I wanted that too! At any cost!” “Then why don’t you now?!” “I decided to care about the feelings and dreams of other ponies!” “You care! You? Ha! Hahahah!” Shutter Bug twisted around, collapsing onto the couch, laughing hysterically. Starlight got up off the floor, slumping back down in her chair with a sigh. “Yep, she’s clearly in late stages of villainous madness,” she sassed as super softly as possible. Finally her client snapped out of it. “Well your care is not wanted! It is annoying! I see how much happier you are now, but you don’t have power now! And so you are a fool!” Starlight shook her head. “I was a fool then, not now. Well, not always, anyway! I would much rather be your friend than your enemy.” Shutter Bug got up off the seat, frowning. “You know what I am most angry at you about? The loneliness. The dark cold loneliness, after feeling beloved for so long.” Heavy sadness dripped in the green unicorn’s voice. “I am without anypony. You knew that feeling too, once. I cannot forgive you as you forgave Twilight Sparkle.” “You don’t have to… at least, not yet… but eventually, we must all confront our pasts, so we can have a happier future.” Shutter Bug gave her nemesis one last cold stare. “If I give in, then it means you have won. That’s what I cannot allow.’ Glimmer grinned. “I prefer to think of it as both of us winning.” Shutter Bug frowned. “I don’t understand. I’m going now...” she hopped off the couch and approached the door. Starlight looked down, saddened. “Well, I understand you not wanting to stay longer than necessary. Please, take care of yourself.” Shutter Bug paused near the door, turning to look, glaring and grumbling, “Maybe we will talk again. I will consider it.” Starlight smiled and nodded, the last sight of Shutter Bug looking worried, as she left the office, mumbling to herself, “Instead of knowing my enemy better, I feel more confused...” Starlight sat back, staring at the kites on the ceiling. That pony, she had hurt her deeply. She hoped she could make things right, somehow. “Maybe I should find her later and offer a picnic with kite-flying. Too bad I didn’t even ask her name… unless I already know…“
Princess CadanceStarlight rolled over, hitting her head on a rock. “Ow!” she growled, sitting up and rubbing her skull, wincing, the rock illusion disappearing, revealing to be merely her work desk. “Ugh, it would take way too much focus to make everything temporarily… not there!” the guidance counselor complained. “Why does everything have to go wrong?!” “Why does everything go well?” came a counter-question, a pink slender swan-like creature trotting into the room, candy-colored hair drifting down on one side. “Princess Cadance!” gasped Starlight, scrambling up off the ground. “Eheheh, um…” she squinted, just to be sure. “What are you doing here?” she grinned, nervously. The Element of Love laughed. “Well, I could talk with you about some of my problems, of course,” she smiled sweetly, “because you have a gift for helping others.” Starlight was stumbling for her desk, the sudden compliment taking her off-guard too. It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle meetings with the alicorn tetrarchs of Equestria… she just didn’t expect one right now! “Um yes. Yes, I do pride myself on being a capable counselor, heh. No problems with my problem solving here!” Starlight put her forehooves together nervously, grinning widely. Cadance walked up to Starlight’s desk, then turned and moved around to her left side, placing a hoof on her back. “How about we trade places? Just for this moment.” Starlight’s eyes bulged, and she immediately teleported onto the couch in front of her desk, sitting on all fours. “Okay, I’m here, now what?” She was feeling panic start to rise. Was she in trouble? Princess Cadance giggled again. “I have heard a lot about you, Starlight Glimmer, from all the other alicorns. I am sorry that I have not made any kind of formal or informal visit before now.” Starlight waved an arm and rolled her eyes. “Pfft! You’re way busy running an empire and stuff, heheh...” Princess Cadance smirked, putting her own hooves on the table now. “You are very uncomfortable with praise.” Starlight felt like a thunderbolt struck her psyche. “How did you know? Wait, of course you knew. Of course you are the most empathic alicorn.” Starlight sighed softly, looking down. “Thank you for visiting me.” Princess Cadance grimaced, resisting the urge to snuggle and comfort Starlight. Not yet. “I have every reason to be grateful and thankful for what you do here at the school of friendship.” She closed her eyes, and put a hoof on her heart, smiling warmly. “Your gift for helping others with hurts of the heart, it has made many students at this school happy.” Starlight wiped away some tears and smiled. “Thank you… but...” “But it’s never good enough,” Princess Cadance finished for Starlight. “Because you keep being haunted by the past, stressing about the present, and doubting the future. You shouldn’t cling so often to negativity.” Starlight got up off the couch, glaring, pointing an accusing hoof. “And what do you know of negativity? You’ve never done a bad thing in your life, Princess!” A solemn frown etched on Cadance’s face, leaning back in the chair. “Do you really think I had no faults to overcome before I became a princess? Nopony is perfect, so everypony should help one another.” Starlight sat on the floor again, biting her lip, ears drooping dejectedly. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry...” Cadance took the most direct route, spreading her wings and swooping down over the desk, landing before Starlight, wrapping her up in a warm hug, squeezing the purple-pink unicorn against her cream-pink fur. “Don’t ever be sorry for expressing your feelings! There is nothing wrong with feeling angry, or sad, or anything else.” Cadance put her golden slippered forehoof on Starlight’s chest. “It’s what you do with these feelings that counts. And what you’ve been doing lately, is putting all your emotions into helping others’ emotions!” Starlight stared up into the alicorn’s big purple eyes, tranquil and serene. She felt that aura of calm wash over her, closing her own eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, sighing. Cadance stepped back, folding her wings. “Remember: you have to maintain your own well-being too! Then you can help those you care about even more!” Starlight gave a small smile. “Alright. Thank you so much, Cadance!” she stepped forward and gave the tall slender pony a warm hug and nuzzle. “Oh good, you dropped the ‘princess’ part.” Cadance pointed out with a grin. “Guess that means I did pretty good, huh?” Both ponies giggled adorably. “But seriously, if you ever do need any help, Cadance...” Starlight pressed, pointing with a hoof and a smug smirk. The Element of Love grinned sheepishly. “Well… maybe there is something...” she mumbled, blushing heavily. “But it’s kind of embarrassing...” Guidance Counselor Starlight laughed. “It’s a good thing I’m an expert in embarrassments!” Cadance’s eyes shone, and her grin grew, and the hope in her eyes, renewed the hope in Starlight’s heart.
