Section Three: Showing Your Honesty

Chapter Thirteen

It was just before noon when the two ponies had returned to Ponyville. The critters were more than thrilled to see them come home, especially to Starburst with the surprise to hear her voice. Twilight had been expecting them to return around this time, so the unicorn followed suit after about an hour after they took the moment to get settled.

"I see the animals have grown more attached to Starburst since you both returned," she said to Fluttershy after making her greetings. "And her eyes have changed! Does that mean she passed the trial?"

"It sure is!" The ashen mare spoke. "I even got this necklace. My sprite friend Shugo told me it was also a symbol of kindness in her world."

"Is that so? I'm so jealous that I wasn't there to see it happen."

"She's able to speak now, too," Fluttershy said. "The adventure was a bit rough, but I'm surprised she was able to handle things all right, despite not being able to speak at first. Starburst would gladly tell you all about it, since she was the one who could interact with a particular saccharite on a telepathic level."

"Telepathic, you say? Well, this will definitely be something worth hearing about. Princess Celestia would also be delighted to hear of Starburst's progress!"

"I guess that means you'll be taking her off of my hooves, too?" The unicorn could hear the sadness in her voice. "I never thought it would end so soon…"

"I wish I could…"

The two ponies noticed Starburst moving up to them after being excitedly greeted by the animals. Birds and squirrels remained perched atop her head and back.

"And I was just now getting to know all of your friends again...I honestly am glad that I could start over."

"And I'm thankful that they are able to accept you again!" Fluttershy smiled. "I'm sure they will miss you, so don't think that this is goodbye. I'll always be here in case you return."

"Thank you, Fluttershy," the ashen pony hugs her. "I've learned so much from you, the animals and the saccharites. I won't forget it."

"You've done wonderfully! I couldn't ask for another friend with such kindness and warmth as you! Whatever your next trial is, be sure to give it your all!"

"I will!"

After saying their goodbyes, Twilight and Starburst head back into town.

"Do you still feel worried about other ponies seeing you like this?" The unicorn asked, after Starburst told her everything about the kindness trial.

"Well, it's just as strange as not having a voice or eye color," she answered. "But...after the kindness trial, I've learned to embrace my differences. I know I have a long road ahead of me, and I expect to do my best at every step of the way."

"That's the spirit," Twilight smiled. "It's great that you're encouraging yourself, but remember that the girls and I are here to help you along no matter what next trial you face."

"Howdy Twilight!"

A familiar orange pony spotted them as she began moving her apple cart out of town. She nearly jumped seeing Starburst beside her.

"Well I'll be! Nice to see you again, Starburst! Something definitely looks different about ya."

"That's not all that's different." The white pony smiled.

"Your voice had returned, too! So she cleared the trial?"

"That's right," Twilight answered. "I'm glad we were able to follow that riddle to the letter. If we keep this up, she'll have her colors and memories returned in no time."

"So, are you on your way home, Applejack?" Starburst asked.

"Yeah. Remember when I mentioned the Golden Apple Harvest before? It's now two days away and I'm headed back to make more preparations."

"Seems like you already have your hooves full. Will you be needing a hand?"

"Actually, that doesn't sound like a bad idea! I might need all the hooves I can get since I feel we might be falling a bit behind with the prep work. Apples from all of Equestria will be packed at Sweet Apple Acres just for one day."

"Now, do you mean the types of apples, or your family?" Twilight questioned.

"Both, really," the earth pony laughed chuckled. "Consider it being one of the biggest markets for showcasing apples. This day is also the best opportunity to buy apples from other cultures if you're ever curious."

"Sounds amazing. I'm looking forward to stopping by!" Twilight turns to Starburst. "So it looks like Applejack will be showing you the ropes towards learning about honesty. Make sure you pay close attention."

"I will," the pony smiled. "Come back to visit us soon."

"Ready, Star? I hope ya don't mind the nickname."

"Yeah! That's fine," the ashen pony followed next to her. "Twilight came up with it first actually."

"Is that so? Well then, I'll be sure to break it in!"

Twilight could somewhat sense that her pupil would do well. After hearing how things went at Fairies Ring, it might have been intuition calling at her conscious. It's probably too late to even consider it beginner's luck.