The Letter(s)

Chapters

The First Letter
The Response
The Rush
The Assignment
The Letter(s)
The Inner Mind
The Questioning
The Truth
Epilogue: The Final Letter

The First Letter

Dear Starlight Glimmer,

I'm not feeling well today. Well, I'm never feeling well, so I suppose this is just another ordinary day. Actually, I want to talk to you about that feeling. First, don't blame me if it feels strange to be talking and writing to you; you're a full-grown mare while I'm this weird pony with a social anxiety disorder who can't muster up enough courage to speak with you directly.

Sorry I didn't approach your office in person; I feel more comfortable talking through letters, otherwise known as being anonymous. I don't feel comfortable physically talking with ponies. It feels wrong, and that's one thing I wrote this letter about.

So anyways, if you could respond to this letter, that would be great! I still want to keep myself unknown to you, so just leave your response to my letter right outside your office door. Maybe even give it to Professor Sparkle and have her leave it on her desk in Period 3.

So anyways, I'll address the problem right now. Like I said, or wrote (whatever), earlier, I've got a social anxiety disorder and I find it incredibly hard to make any friends. And this is the School of Friendship, so not making any friends feels so... wrong.

In my opinion, it's really hard to make any friends, especially when they've all got friend groups of their own already. The worst part is, I feel like I'm basically invisible, so whatever I do goes unnoticed. And I honestly don't mind that, but it's a friendship school, and I still need to learn friendship. That's not going to happen if all I do is live life unnoticed.

I want to know if you have any advice on making friends that you could give me so that I feel more comfortable being here. Either way, I'd like some practice making friends, as well, just in case your tips don't work for me. I want you to assign some friend assignments that will help me to, possibly, bond with everyone. And maybe, just maybe, when I'm feeling more comfortable, I'll show myself to you. Expose myself. Talk to ponies. Basically the stuff that makes me feel uncomfortable now that I may be able to get over with your help.

I'll be waiting for your approval of "written therapy." If you are down with the idea, I appreciate it so much. If not, it's still greatly appreciated if you're reading this letter all the way anyways. Oh, and just know that if it's unapproved, I'll be trying my best to make friends. Try to let me know about it all. I just...

I don't know how to feel about this world I've been put in, and I'm hoping to feel normal about this all after talking for a little.

Thanks so much,

TAS (The Anonymous Sender)

P.S. Maybe talk to Professor Sparkle about this because some things I listed are class assignments, which only she or the other professors can give during their classes.

Starlight Glimmer set the piece of paper down and sighed. She had discovered it on her desk just as she was about to close up for the day. The School of Friendship had only been in business for about one and a half weeks or so, but ponies, and creatures, were already asking for friendship advice. And there were several of them, too. You can imagine how stressful that would be for the guidance counselor.

Starlight Glimmer folded the letter and tucked it into her bag, with intentions to bring it to Twilight, hoping they could together work on ways to help face uneasiness around others. Starlight was, as they had soon discovered, the last of the staff members to leave the school. Everypony always stayed afterschool for guidance and advice, so Starlight was often held up. Today, she was slowed down about twenty minutes more than usual, which was a bit past dinnertime. Luckily, it was only late summer, so the sun was still up a bit before bedtime. It was fairly nice out on this day specifically, so the girls decided to have a picnic together. With all the stress, Starlight had almost forgotten about it until now.

With a tired smile, she placed the bag on her back, closed the doors to the school, and teleported herself to the park. The girls were sitting on a big blanket, laughing, but not yet with food. As she approached them, she asked, "You didn't bring out the food yet?"

They all laughed as Twilight looked at her with a grin. "We couldn't start without you, Starlight. Now, sit down so we can start our dinner!"

Absent minded, she sat down and took everything out of the picnic basket. Spike had made it all, and he was here too, so he'd even packed a few extra diamonds and emeralds for himself. Starlight handed him the gemstones and the girls all took their desired snack. Starlight was left with apples, which was, luckily, one of her favorites.

The girls discussed several things as Starlight thought about the letter. She could bring it up now, but that would ruin the fun of the night. Maybe after dinner? She groaned in her mind as she realized that wouldn't work out either; they were all sleeping over at the Castle of Friendship, so they would obviously be talking then too. That eliminates discussing it at-

"Starlight?" Twilight asked with the familiar sparkle of Friendship and in her eyes. "You've been pretty quiet. Anything you want to say?"

Well, she asked, so you should just get it over with. Starlight took a deep breath. "Yeah, see, there's this letter that was on my desk. And, see, it's anonymous, so, yeah... You know what? Here, I'll just show you."

She took out the paper and held it out for everyone to see and read. Twilight was rather surprised. "The counseling office is always open during school hours; they could've just approached you then."

Starlight pointed to a specific spot of the letter. "But, see, they feel uncomfortable talking in person. Stress disorder, you know."

Twilight nodded. "Alright, we'll do our best to help them out. Whoever they are."

"Work on it once we get home?" Starlight asked.

"Deal," was Twilight's response. The others didn't respond, as they were trying to relax and peacefully take the day as it came, but she was sure they were fine with it. Starlight sighed and slipped the note back into her bag, taking a final bite of her apples and walking to an unpopulated area on her own. She took in a fresh breath and stared at the letter, which she just pulled out and held in front of herself.

With several things on her mind, the letter just added stress to her life in several ways. She walked slowly back to the castle at sunset, while the sky was glowing brilliantly. She saved the picture in her mind, wishing she could somehow share it with the pony she knew was desperate for help. It'd been so long, yet this feeling had been approached again. Indirectly, but they were true feelings written down by a true pony.

She sat down at the throne room, in Spike's chair, rereading the letter over and over again. She was waiting for Twilight's approval of some of the suggestions, such as the bonding activities. But as for the advice, she could think of one, and only one. When she'd first been reformed, Twilight suggested that she think of three compliments for herself every day and write them down. The worst part of the assignment was that she had to give the paper of compliments to Twilight.

After the first day, Twilight checked on the paper, which happened to be blank. Then, she decided it would be that Starlight wasn't limited to complimenting just herself. Besides, part of being a good friend was complimenting the other, not just yourself. She felt much more comfortable doing this, and although it was hard, she had found a way through it.

So Starlight jotted the exercise down on a sticky note, which would soon be transferred to a sheet of paper for letter-writing. Then, Twilight walked through the door, alone. "I expected you to walk in with all your friends," Starlight mumbled as she brought her attention back to the letter.

"I was going to," Twilight said with a sigh and shake of her head, "but then you were gone, so I came in to check on you on my own. Are you feeling fine? How's it going?"

"Fine, yea, thanks," she replied. "Just wound-up over this letter, I suppose. It's pretty similar to when I was first reformed."

Twilight smiled as she caught a glance of the sticky note on the table. "I see that now. I distinctly remember giving you that assignment; it eventually helped you be a better friend both to everypony around you and yourself."

"Mhm," Starlight smiled. So, do you think you'll be up for doing this tomorrow? A bonding assignment?"

Twilight grinned. "Okay, that's actually genius. I wouldn't have the idea to assign creatures to groups and help them bond with unfamiliar people. Of course I'm down for it!"

Starlight giggled and nodded. "It's done."

"Hey," Twilight alerted her friend. "I kind of want to learn who the sender is. TAS, or whatever they call themself."

Starlight looked nervously at Twilight. "But they said they wanted to be anonymous. TAS just needs to take the time to fully understand, apreciate, and be able to do friendship. Like I was. I'm sure that whoever it was will show themself in due time. I'll maybe add a note about that, if you'd like, though."

With a nod, Twilight started to head out of the room before looking behind her. "Just go to bed soon, alright? I'll leave the finished letter on my desk first thing in the morning." Starlight quickly scribbled down a few more things and then followed Twilight out of the room with a yawn.

In secret, Twilight sat up in her bed a few minutes after Starlight had gone to her room. She flew over her friends, who slept on the ground peacefully. Once she reached the throne room, she dimly lit her horn so she could see a bit. She squinted, but grabbed the paper and read it slowly but comprehensively. With a smile, she figured Starlight was the perfect guidance counselor. She could give advice like nopony's business. She even gave advice to Twilight herself! She sure had come a long way from the cult leader they had originally found her as.

Twilight sealed the letter, with overwhelmingly messy hornwriting, into an envelope and wrote with neater penmanship on it,

To: TAS
From: Starlight Glimmer

She took the envelope and went back into her room with it, leaving it on the dresser besides her bed. She then closed her eyes with ease and drifted off to sleep.

The Response

Dear TAS,

First of all, many students get nervous talking to staff, so I don't blame you there. Although, I'm free through letters and in person, whichever works best for you.

I'm sorry to hear that you've been feeling this way. I know exactly the feeling, and I've been given practices to cope with these before. I'd be glad to share with you one of my favorites: Compliments. You should give yourself three compliments daily, to make yourself feel better. If that doesn't work, or you can't think of any, then try to compliment somepony else. You should also write down the compliments and the pony or creature you give them too, just so that you don't reuse them. It helps you sound more genuine with your praises.

Also, I've spoken with Twilight and her friends, and they're totally fine with the bonding assignments. Twilight especially thought it was smart. She'll be making an announcement for that in all periods of her Magic Class. I hope you'll be there to see it during Period 3.

If you'd like general advice on being a good friend, I honestly don't have much. Just be yourself, show your Spirits of Harmony, and most importantly, listen. If you listen to the other pony, I guarantee it will make friendship a lot easier. I hope all these tips help you, although it's not much.

Lastly, we can start exchanging letters either by my door or on Twilight's desk. Wherever I find the next letter will be where our written therapy letter exchanges will be held.

I'm glad you're trying to work through obstacles; I can tell it's very hard for you. The best part is that you are unlike some ponies. The ponies like you always face obstacles, but they will ask for help eventually. I see this great quality in you: the quality of boldness. Most are afraid to ask questions, while I see you are not. Not only that, but you appear to be an introvert. I'm sure it must be even harder to speak up when anyone's in that place. I'm glad you're bold for an introvert, honest, and I love the way you write.
(Yes, those were my three compliments to you, just as an example).

Sincerely,

Starlight Glimmer

P.S. I attached a decorative mailbox on my door, inspired by your letter. Students can now leave me messages and requests on the inbox. I'm making note to announce that.

She floated the letter out of her saddlebag and looked around to make sure nopony had made a connection between her, her current letter, and the letter on Twilight's desk. As she had walked into the classroom during Period 3, she teleported the envelope into her bag while Twilight was teaching some things about friendship.

Near the end of the class, just when she was about to leave, Twilight had announced the project she had suggested. She would be assigning different students to different students. Maybe it would be like a Hearth's Warming Helper, maybe it would just be a back and forth exchange. Twilight was currently indecisive, so she would probably discuss it with her friends after school today. The final exchange and all its details would be announced tomorrow, which was a Friday. That meant they would have the whole weekend to work on it, whatever it was. Maybe it didn't even require a weekend.

She slipped the letter back in her bag and started writing another letter. It was fine to waste her lunch period writing letters, as lunch was basically friend bonding period. Everyone in the school had lunch as a break from their classes, even the teachers and staff. With a sigh, she finished the letter and drank a bottle of water. Lunch, in her opinion, wasn't crucial. She folded the response letter and teleported a letter to herself. It was probably from the teachers' lounge, which wasn't good, because there was a chance that a teacher was currently in there and that they saw it disappear.

She laughed at the thought. Well, it was possible, but she was just being paranoia. As always. She walked through the halls, avoiding any crowds or eyes on her. As she walked by the counseling office, she quickly slipped it into the mailbox on the door. She quietly went back to her desk and sat down just as the bell rang. As everyone walked into the classroom, she put on a nervous smile. Throughout the day, all she could think about was if what she had written was good enough. She also wondered how the response to it would turn out. Would she like it or not?

She shook her head and moved on with the school day. At the end of the day, when it was near dark, she left the school with a lot on her mind. Tomorrow, many announcements would be made. One for her stupid mailbox idea, and another for the bonding assignment Twilight had liked. She was rather shocked that Twilight had liked the idea, especially the fact that she agreed to it wholeheartedly, but it was definitely more a good thing than a bad one. She was just being pessimistic was all.

She had a quick dinner, making sure to avoid making conversation or contact at all with anypony else. She snuck around the halls for a bit to swipe a few pieces of letter paper, envelopes, and seals. Just in case. She never knew when she would need them in a rush and didn't have time to just find an envelope, a sheet of paper, and a seal in time. It was always better to be safe than sorry, as the saying often goes.

Right after, she slipped into bed, her eyelids unknowingly falling slowly. Soon enough, she was asleep, just left to dream about all the things tomorrow might bring.

It included announcements that probably put her in the spotlight, more sneaking around the halls alone and with mysterious letters, but friendship help in class. It would be a mixture of happiness and anxiety.

She would just have to wait a few hours to see what events would occur, just like on any other night.

The Rush

Starlight had forgotten to clear her mailbox last night, so she hadn't checked or read any letters or notifications yet. She would have to do it soon, in the morning right before school started. She got out two pieces of paper, one for a response letter and another for making an announcement list. On her list, she decided on three items that would be addressed today:

Twilight's bonding lesson
The mailbox on the counselor's door
Something about the sports team that Rainbow Dash needed to talk about.

She got out of her room and rushed into the school, where she pasted the list onto a pillar near the stage at the front of the school. Then, she hopped off of the podium and rushed to her office, only to be stopped by Twilight. "Hey, Starlight. You seem a bit rushed today. Is something up?"

Starlight nodded. "I forgot to check for letters last night. Now I have to rush the response in. Oh, and I have a list of announcements to be made. Yours is first, by the way."

"Oh, alright; thanks for letting me know!" Twilight said with a smile. She's always so nice, Starlight thought to herself as both a compliment and a factual statement.

Starlight nodded again and rushed towards her office once more. She took out the one and only letter in the mailbox and skimmed it over.

Dear Starlight Glimmer,

Whew. I'm glad it's at least a bit normal that I'm overly nervous to approach you in your office. Although, talking through letters may have been a bit of a jump. And as of right now, I still prefer letters, if that's fine by you. (I hope it is).

Could you possibly tell me more about your experience with this feeling, (as you say you have encountered a similar situation before)? And about your friendship exercise, it's very hard for me. I don't have much self-esteem, and I'm almost on the verge of writing that I hate myself (which I'm sure is too harsh). And I would compliment other ponies, but I can barely talk to them without my voice vanishing or my hooves shaking. I'd have to say the worst part is that I can hardly stay in one place talking to someone. It often ends up in me running away.

Anyways, I'll now list the three compliments I give.

My first compliment goes to you. One thing I like about you is that you're always there to help your students, fellow staff members, and friends. You never fail to give advice, not even to me. And I thought that was impossible, at least seeing the way I freak out when most ponies try to help me. There's something about you that makes it possible for me to converse with you more easily than I can others. And it's not just the letters, because I've tried that before and it had almost as bad a result as talking in reality does. Oh, and thanks for all those compliments you sent me. I see more good in me now that you've told me that.

My second compliment is to Professor Twilight Sparkle. Can you tell her this one for me? I want her to know that she isn't a failure because she hasn't yet taught me the Magic of Friendship. The keyword there is "yet." She, just like you, has been super involved in helping me, and I appreciate it so much. She is so persistent when it comes to being loyal, kind, generous, fun, sometimes honest, and amazingly magical as a friend and teacher. Tell her that I'm glad I'm in her school, because she's made such a difference in my life, whether she realizes it or not.

My last compliment, probably the hardest one of all, is to myself. I told myself that it was great that I tried to flourish in this school, no matter how hard it is to accomplish. Aside from that, an effort to speak out was also quite courageous by my stanards; it's amazing to see how far I've come since coming to this school.

I'll tell you that I'd prefer if you left your messages taped onto your mailbox, not in it or on the floor near the door. And preferably not in Twilight's class, either.

Your effort is greatly appreciated,

Taz

P.S. I'm going by Taz now, so it sounds like a more natural name. I'd prefer if you use that when referring to me in letters. Thanks!

Starlight sighed and scribbled her next letter in right as the bell rang. She was only halfway done with the letter, so she groaned when she opened the door to see a long line of students waiting for her. She put on a nervous smile and welcomed them in. She was in the middle of consoling Sandbar as she realized she had to make an announcement. She told him she'd be back, as she did everyone else in line, also telling them that it was best if they tagged along as well.

When she reached the foyer, the late bell had rung and Twilight stepped onto the podium. "Sorry for making everycreature late today. I've got an announcement for everyone, and that doesn't mean just my class. The others' can participate as well, if they wish to. Hopefully they do.

"A friendship lesson has been planned and inspired by one of our shiest students here at the school. Wherever you are, I just want to say thank you." A smile creeped upon their faces. Starlight chuckled and eyed the audience nervously as Twilight continued her speech. "So, the basic details of this event are that you have to compliment three others that you don't yet know. And you can't just go up to them and say they look nice. You have to make letters for them. And letters are supposed to be a decent length, meaning you can't just be simple and broad. You've got to show that you really mean it."

Everyone applauded, and Starlight stepped up to make her announcment. With a sigh, she smiled. "Hey. I just wanted to tell everyone that, if you'd like to see me in my office, you should leave a letter or note in the mailbox on my door scheduling an appointment. Unless it's an emergency, in which you would see me without scheduling a meeting. You can also do written sessions with me, if you'd like. That's all."

A few groans were heard midst the nodding and clapping. "Rainbow Dash, if you'd like to say something about your sports teams."

Rainbow Dash nodded and took her place on the podium. "Alright, so I'd like the attention of everyone in the buckball team. Our next game will be held on Monday, right after school. If anyone would like to attend home game, you have to fill out your attendance form and give it to me by the end of lunch today."

The rest of what she said was droned out as Starlight walked back to her office. She opened the door, only to see Sandbar on her couch, curled up in a ball and comforting himself. Oh, right, Starlight thought to herself as she walked over to solace him once more. "Can you tell me what's bothering you?" she forced herself to ask, still taking pity on him. Today was going to be a long day.

The Assignment

Dear Taz,

Of course it's fine to talk through letters! In fact, Twilight had made an announcements saying that they would be the main source of communication over the course of the project.

My experience with social anxiety had a strong reason. Some ponies just have it, and others, like me, develop it over time, usually because of a traumatizing event in that pony's past. I'm sure you know of my backstory, of me being a dictator who believed in the perfect utopia. And it would have been perfect, if not for my selfishness. And even after Twilight extended her hoof to me in friendship, I turned away. I, unfortunately, was so vindictive! It was the wrong choice, as I came nearly close to the destruction of the whole world. See, I still despise the bad old times today, but I'm communicating just fine now.

When I'd first been reformed, it was near impossible for me to talk to anypony. Even with Twilight, conversations were awkward and short. Over time, though, I'd learned to realize that staying away wasn't going to do anything, so eventually, I learned to accept my place as their friend. They, as amazing buddies, helped me fit in and become who I now am today.

Now, your case is very different. You are similar to my friend Fluttershy. When she first met Twilight, she could barely say her name aloud. But with the help of her friends, both ponies and animals, she found the right rungs of the ladder to step up and move along. Now look what she's doing: teaching a big class of different creatures! She never would have imgained that she would have come this far, but she has. I'm positive you can do the same thing. You can start by revealing your identity, as Twilight has been nagging me about for a while.

Anyways, moving on, I told Professor Twilight your compliment last night, and she appreciates your kind words as much as you appreciate her help. I, too, am grateful for your kind words, especially when my job is so stressful. I know how hard it is to compliment myself, so I understand why it may be the hardest of all for you.

I know for a fact that you saw the announcement earlier this morning. I’m sure you’re participating, so please tell me what ponies you talk to and what compliments you give! I’m participating, as well, so I’ll leave you some of my own examples beforehoof in case you’re not ready to try yet. But from the compliments you have given through letters already, I’m positive you’ll succeed. Good luck either way!

Always here for you,
Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy Breeze

P.S. Different ponies will cover my letters sometimes, so expect to see a variety of writing styles.
P.P.S. I love the way you write! It's so smooth and flows as if a grown mare or stallion were writing it. If only I, Twilight Sparkle, knew who you were so you could get a proper writing grade.

Taz sighed and rolled her eyes. Twilight was already desperate to know her identity. She pulled out a slip of paper, writing the first paragraph, maybe it extended into the second, on the paper. It was a note to Twilight, showing her aggravation while still being as polite as possible. She was the headmare of the school, after all. Although Twilight did have every right to know who she was, she still wanted it to remain a secret.

She forgot that she was busy doing this in class, specifically Rainbow Dash's sports class, until a voice came on in the intercom. It was Twilights. "Just a reminder that The Great Letter Exchange has now been started throughout the school, wherever it wants to take place. A few rules I forgot to go over are that you must write your letter and then show each one to your instructor. That way, you can get your participation grade and your name logged in the system.

"I've also decided that staff can take place in this, as well! Staff will be holding a competition on whoever can give the most letters out, mostly to students. Staff can give to other staff members as well, but no one outside of the school. Students, we'll need your help to log in which teachers give you letters and give it to us by the end of Compliments Week. Students will also be participating. Since we are doing this out of the whole school, the top five students, who give out the most letters, will get bonus prizes. And they are secret bonus prizes, so I can't say what exactly it is. Have a fun week!"

Then, the intercom turned off and the whole class was chatty. Rainbow Dash blew a whistle and got everyone's attention. "Alright, we'll all be participating. It better be one of my students in the Top 5, you hear me?" Everycreature cheered in agreement as ruckus stirred again.

The bell rung and everyone started to head to next period, lunch. Taz placed a letter she had been working on onto Rainbow Dash's desk. She laughed as she grabbed the letter and forced a quiet groan that was still easily heard in the stillness of the room. "I'm actually kind of ambivalent on this whole thing, you know?" She nodded, signed her name on the letter and walked out the door with a wink.

With a sigh, she walked to the cafeteria where she finished writing the letter she had started earlier. In the middle of lunch period, she smiled once her letter was finished. She could now give out her compliment letters for the Compliment Week of Letters. Her first one was to a pony named Sandbar. She had seen him around every now and then, and although he was known for running away and befriending the creatures, she wasn't really too familiar with him. She wasn't close to anyone, for that matter. Although, many would possibly say that they were close to her. She would have tried to better know them, but she didn't particularly care for that until now.

She realized that the letter exchange competition would mean many students would need several pieces of paper, so she quickly teleported to the store, grabbed two large stacks of paper, and left them by the counseling office door. She took two of those papers for herself, starting on the first letter.

Dear Sandbar,

You are so kind and friendly, to everycreature, and I feel bad that I don't communicate with you as much as most ponies do.

Blah blah, something like that. She wasn't sure yet, but she would definitely pitch it up after school was done. If only she could finish sooner, much sooner. With a sigh she sulked out of the cafeteria, thinking about the day ahead of her.

The Letter(s)

Dear Fluttershy Breeze,

You are such an amazing pony. You have grown from the extremely introverted pony you were a few years back to the kind, loving, and helpful teacher we all recognize, the one who always gets nominated for Teacher of the Month. You're so great that nopony can compete with the amount of awards you have gotten just for being the caring being we all know.

Your hooves are always open to help ponies. Actually, not just ponies, but all creatures, too. You even created an area for them, Sweet Feather Sanctuary, just to help animals heal in a much more comfortable position. It's clear you care about anycreature who needs help, and even those who don't seem to need help. That includes me. I'll just tell you that I don't want you to feel as if you must help me. I really don't need it, not with the help I've been getting. Besides, you work so hard for everypony, I don't think you should really fret over me.

You, Fluttershy, are one of the kindest ponies I know. I couldn't ask for any more than that. I love you for who you are.