#starshine nova

[ask-healthy-light]

Buried Past - Part 2

Before you read: Please be careful, as this story could contain triggering content. If you wish to avoid it, please feel free to filter and avoid this story. - Mod

"When I heard what she said, I was stunned. I searched for a box of tissues, and grabbed a glass of water for her, hoping I could help her to dry her tears and clean her face. Maybe I could ask her about what happened afterwards. But seeing how distressed she was, and knowing how stoic and 'uncaring' Starshine was, whatever happened there, it must have been really, really bad. "

"I felt really bad and put the note back in my bag. It took a while to calm down miss Cheerilee, and I apologised, because I didn't realise how much it hurt her. I started heading out the door, my head down in shame, when she stopped me and asked me to sit down again. She continued, and said that it was okay that I wanted to know more, because then, maybe, I could help her, and Starshine."

"She asked me to grab some cups for the tea, and when we both were ready, she started to explain, but said that she would not, under any circumstances, go into details. When I asked why, she told me that what happened back there, back then, was what she wanted to forget, and, knowing how Starshine ended up, she was sure that she would feel the same way about it."

"After she took a deep breath, she said: 'Things weren't always so wholesome and nice as they are now. They still aren't, if you look closely enough. Especially in bigger cities, where everything is bigger, and more danger lurks around every corner. It was difficult to see how poorly foals were treated, so I decided to apply to the school that Starshine happened to be enrolled in.'"

"'Unfortunately, I wasn't a teacher for the younger foals, who I knew needed my help most. The teachers of those classes were… I can't even properly describe it. Monsters, horrible, cruel, unfair, none of these words could ever come close to reaching the level of nastiness that they reached… Just being close to those classes, I could feel my heart break, every single day.'"

"'Starshine happened to be part of those younger classes when I was employed as a teacher there. I could see her and all of her classmates, just for a few moments in the day, and I could see on their little faces how… horrified they were. Eventually, I got a glimpse of what was going on when I happened to stay late one evening when I met Starshine, who had been forced to stay.'"

"'As it was pretty dark I decided to walk her to where she lived, and on the way, we spoke a little bit. I noticed she was constantly trying her hardest to hold in her tears, and she flinched with almost every move I made that wasn't just walking next to her. It took me all my strength, trying not to cry, or let my voice crack, until we reached the place she lived; an orphanage…'"

"'As we approached, the headmistress stood at the door, and everything felt wrong. From the moment I laid eyes on her from across the street, even though she appeared to have a smile upon her face, I could not help but feel terrified and furious, simply being near her. A poor, crumbling facade, trying to hide a horrible heart to whom it belonged.'"

"'More and more things fell into place when we crossed the street, and Starshine, despite only knowing me for what must have been just ten minutes, tried to hide behind me, and quietly asked me to not let her go back… The headmistress stared daggers at her, as she looked straight through me, and firmly told her to get inside. As she held on to my hind leg, I could feel her shaking.'"

"'Suddenly, the headmistress started counting, and I felt Starshine shake even more. By the next number, she let go, and the third, she was near the steps. She looked at me one last time as a single tear rolled down her cheek, then turned around and headed inside. The mistress thanked me in such a disdained voice, and slammed the door shut. I stood dumbfounded for a few moments, until I heard her shouting from the third floor.'"

"'She was so loud, it hurt my ears from multiple stories up...'"

(Thanks for reading part 2 of this request story! If you'd like a story of your own, feel free to send in an ask!)

Featuring: Morning Mist and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 [Finale]

[ask-healthy-light]

Morning: Starshine Nova is a pony whom you have known as the "popular prankster and trouble maker." She is a bothersome loud, boasting mare, yet here she lives with me in my own house. Ponies have spread rumors that starshine is hard as a rock and there is no such light whatsoever inside that "dead heart " of hers.

Though, they seem to be right, there's more to Starshine than meets the eye. I, as per researching her old life after I accidentally found her diary and orphanage photos, as well as high school photos, some edited by a marker such that I can't make out their faces, and most written.

Starshine was.. broken on the inside, actually...

Buried Past - Part 1

Before you read: Please be careful, as this story could contain triggering content. If you wish to avoid it, please feel free to filter and avoid this story. - Mod

"I was just cleaning the attic, moving some boxes that had been there since, basically, forever, to make room for the chairs that we had just bought new replacements for. Starshine was even helping to move things around. Without her help, it would have taken a lot longer to finish, and on more than one occasion, while my back was turned, she prevented a box from falling."

"One of these times, far in the back of the attic, gathering dust next some of the last things we needed to move, there was a pile of boxes that I hadn't seen before. As I was moving the boxes, I tripped, and the box I was carrying fell over and spilled its contents, a couple of books and a few small boxes, over the floor. I gathered them up and put them back, and that's when I noticed."

"From one of the boxes, that apparently wasn't closed properly, a picture slipped out; a group of many young colts and fillies, all in near identical clothing, standing in front of a building that I also didn't recognise. When I flipped over the picture, I noticed that there was some writing on the back, but most of it had been covered by dark marker, and was unreadable."

"I didn't think much of it, and I thought it was a picture of the previous inhabitants or something. I had nearly placed the picture back, when I noticed something, and I took a closer look. I needed a moment, but then, standing close to the side, I saw a filly who looked an awful lot like Starshine. I noticed the faces some of the foals next to her were covered by marker."

"I also saw the faces of the older Ponies, standing to the sides, and they were also covered, just like the foals, and the text on the back. Looking further into the box, I found more photos, and it became easier to find Starshine with every photo, as she got older, and the faces of more and more Ponies were marked over, making her stand out. One older Pony, I did recognise, fortunately."

"On one of the photos, the name of the building was just visible, or at least, part of it was, but I took a piece of paper and wrote it down. For now, as we were still busy, I put the photos and the books away, and covered the box, then headed downstairs, where I found Starshine in the kitchen. She was loudly drinking a fizzy drink from a can, and burped loudly after she finished."

"I wanted to ask her about the photos, about the books, but I decided against it, for now. I made a little excuse and told her I was heading out to the shops to get groceries, though I was planning to do more than that. She just said 'fine', and crushed the can against her head before she zipped out through the window, going to Celestia knows where…"

"Even though it was Saturday, I headed to the home of a teacher who lives in town, and asked if I could ask her about some things I felt could be important. I guess she noticed I was worried about something, and she invited me in, and asked me what I wanted to know. I slid the piece of paper towards her, and when she saw it, her eyes widened, and she nearly dropped the teapot."

"She looked downward with such a painful gaze that even I felt it in my chest. Something was seriously wrong. She then looked at me with tears in her eyes, and as she tried to dry her tears, she asked me what I wanted to know, and I explained that I found my friend, Starshine, on a couple of photos, with the faces of most other Ponies covered and unrecognisable."

"Eventually, almost all of them, except for Starshine herself, and for the teacher, Miss Cheerilee, were coloured over. On just one of the pictures, I could vaguely make out the name of the building they stood in front of, and I headed to her after writing down the name. I asked her if she could tell me anything, as I was curious. She looked between the paper and me, and she cried, and said:"

"Th-that building, those P-Ponies… S-so much… Pain…"

(Thanks for reading part 1 of this request story! If you'd like a story of your own, feel free to send in an ask!)

Featuring: Morning Mist and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 [Finale]

[ask-healthy-light]

Buried Past - Part 6

Before you read: Please be careful, as this story could contain triggering content. If you wish to avoid it, please feel free to filter and avoid this story.

The remaining story parts will be more positive, focused on healing & positive changes, but just in case, please stay careful. - Mod

"'The well-dressed stallion, who had introduced himself as Fancy Pants, said that, for the moment, as construction was happening, the children couldn't yet enter. However, he and his entourage had expected this, and had planned ahead: the rest of the day would be a visit to the Gardens of Canterlot Castle, where we would hold a picnic, as a treat for the children.'"

"'He also told us that with the effort of the construction workers, the reconstructed building would be finished in no-time. At the end of the day, the children would already be able to rest in their own rooms again. I could only smile and say thank you, both to Fancy and his entourage, as well as Ivory for all her help. It was brilliant, knowing that things would finally get better.'"

"'I made sure that the children promised to be on their best behaviour, and together, with Star holding my hoof, we headed to the Castle. The sounds of their amazement when stepping into the Halls of the Palace, I will always remember. And walking into the Gardens, seeing such a beautiful variety of flowers and plants, many foals just wandered around for a little while.'"

"'Eventually, as the day went on, and the kids were starting to get peckish, Fancy asked a few of us to help us carry some things from inside, where we found big mats and bags of sandwiches and fizzy drinks to enjoy. There was enough for a group twice the size of everyone there, so there was no need to worry about anything. '"

"'As I was walking around, helping to place down the mats, I saw Starshine, sitting a distance away from other kids. After finishing with the set-up, I walked over to her with a couple of sandwiches and a drink. But when I sat down next to her, she lied down and turned away from me. I didn't know why, so I placed the sandwiches and the drink down, but she didn't move a muscle.'"

"'I started getting more worried again, and asked her if she needed anything, but no response. I wasn't sure what else I could say or ask, so I just sat quietly next to her for a little while. She did eventually grab a sandwich, but she still looked very sad. I reckoned she needed time alone, and as I stood up, I told her she could always walk over and ask me to chat with her.'"

"'But she didn't reach out the rest of the evening. So, after clearing up everything, the group prepared to head back, as Fancy had told us the children's rooms would be finished by now. I told Starshine we would be heading back as a group, and offered my hoof. She did take it with a heartbreaking defeated look, and we walked back together, but I didn't see her smile at all.'"

"'Any other time I saw her after that, I didn't see her smile. She became more assertive and quite rude, and I didn't understand why. But I think that I do know, now. The teachers, the school, whatever may have happened at the former orphanage, it ended up being too much. That was quite a few years ago now. I haven't made time to reach out to her since. I hope she's alright…'"

"After she finished her story, we just sat in silence for a little while. To think, all this time, Starshine had been enduring all of this by herself. Even after the source of the trouble stopped, everything that happened to her continued to haunt her, to this day… Her stoicism and uncaring nature are a well-built facade, to protect herself. I just wish she didn't need it…"

"Her tale helped me understand Starshine a lot better, but also, made me worry for her more than usual. I didn't know what to do, or how to help, and whatever I thought of, Cheerilee would have tried when Star was younger. By now, my tea had gotten cold, so I quickly drank it, and thanked Cheerilee for her time and her efforts. As I headed out the door, she stopped me and said:"

"'Please, take care of her. Even if she seems bothered, just… let her know you're there for her, alright?'"

(Thanks for reading part 6 of this request story! If you'd like a story of your own, feel free to send in an ask!)

Featuring: Morning Mist and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 [Finale]

[ask-healthy-light]

A Summary of Events

Healthy Light, a Kirin, had been invited to visit an amusement park, built by Banana Pie. The Kirin had been enjoying their time there, when they found a strange trap door leading to tunnels underneath the park. When they explored the tunnels they stumbled upon a surveillance room, filled with monitors, keeping an eye on many Ponies and other creatures that Light did not recognise.

Banana found them in this room, but fainted shortly afterwards, for he had drained all of his energy. Carrying the unconscious Pie on their back, Light headed to Ponyville and helped him rest in Ponyville Castle. The following morning they met Solar Eclipse and Twilight Sparkle, a fused alicorn. Light headed back to the park, followed by Eclipse, where they met Light Rain.

Shortly after the trio arrived at the Castle, the wall was blown up by Boomlord the Unicorn, and Light was injured. After visiting the Doctor, they met the Pegasi sisters Caff and Decaf at a small café. Caff joined Light and a few others, who were headed to Canterlot, and a friend of Rain, Cherry Cream, filled in for Caff for a while.

Later, Light, joined by Banana, Boom and Caff, arrived in Canterlot, where they met Violin Sunrise, whom Boom had contacted for help. Back in Ponyville, after Eclipse had a visit from Decaf, Rain and Cherry, sent a letter to Light offering to contact Princess Celestia for them. The group in Ponyville enjoyed dinner together, joined by Green Apple, another friend of Rain.

In the Canterlot Library, Boom found an interesting book, but did not say anything else about it. Eclipse's letter about Celestia arrived, shortly after which, Boom vanished, leaving only a note in his wake. At the Library, Light got more contact details from the Librarian. That night, Light had strange dreams, and was visited by Princess Luna in their dreams about these visions.

That evening, Light and their friends would head to a Gala, where Violin would perform with the Royal Orchestra. By strange means, the book Boom had been reading showed up at home, with a note encouraging Light to read it. At the Gala, Light met Princess Celestia, whom they met before, in the park, the day after they arrived in Canterlot.

Light met an old friend, another Kirin, named Harvest Duran, at the Gala, and spent a while catching up with him. The Gala ended when Celestia got severely injured by Boom falling out of a portal. He escaped, leaving another note, and Celestia was brought to the Medical Centre to heal. Luna joined Light, Violin, Caff and Banana and left to visit Celestia.

At the same time, Eclipse had taken the group to Canterlot to visit the Gala, but changed course to the Centre when they saw Celestia being brought there, meeting Light and their group when they arrived. When Light headed to the café to bring Celestia some tea and pie, a lady at the café gave Light a note someone had handed her.

The whole group had lunch, and spread out to do their own thing for a while. Back at Violin's, Decaf helped decode Boom's note, and soon thereafter, Light, Caff and Banana met Boom outside of the city, where he gave a healing tonic to give to Celestia. When Light got back, they visited Celestia again, and gave her a tiny bit of the tonic, which fully healed her, instantly.

The news came as a positive surprise to everyone. The day after, a special celebration would be held where the Orchestra would perform a few songs to honour the sisters, as well as an aerial performance by Starshine Nova, another of Rain's friends. Light met Nox Lunarwing, Celestia's cousin, and Taciturn, a close acquaintance of Celestia, just before she left the Centre.

Light met Boom again, and told him to stay away, which they feared hurt him too much. Currently, Violin is at the Palace with the Orchestra preparing for the celebrations. Meanwhile, Luna, Celestia, Solar and Twilight, Banana, Caff and Decaf, Rain, Cherry, Green and Nova, Harvest, Nox, and Taciturn, and Light, are headed back to the Palace, where they hope nothing bad will happen…

(Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed reading these parts as much as I enjoyed writing them! It's been an absolute blast writing this story so far, and I've got many more things planned! Do keep sending your questions for me to add to the story! And thanks again for all your support! For all the people who sent in asks, who left positive messages, who gave feedback, who allowed me to involve their characters, and everyone who encouraged me to keep writing! Thank you!)

Featuring: Banana Pie from @askbananapie Solar Eclipse and Twilight Sparkle as Twilight Eclipse from @asktwilighteclipse Light Rain, Cherry Cream, Green Apple and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds Boomlord from @thedumbguywithaheart43 Caff and Decaf from @askcaffeinehazard Violin Sunrise from @ask-violinsunrise Harvest Duran from @duran301 Taciturn from @venomsbite Nox Lunarwing from @nox-lunarwing

[ask-healthy-light]

Buried Past - Part 7 (Finale)

Before you read: Please be careful, as this story could contain triggering content. If you wish to avoid it, please feel free to filter and avoid this story.

The remaining story parts will be more positive, focused on healing & positive changes, but just in case, please stay careful. - Mod

"I took her advice to heart as I walked out the door. So many thoughts in my mind, it was hard to keep track of them all. After all this time, finally knowing what Star has been through, and why she acts the way she does, I admit, it wasn't easy… But I wanted to try and help, even if just a little bit. For now, I headed to the shops, as I told Star I went to buy groceries."

"A little while later, I arrived back at home, though Star hadn't come home yet. I put everything away and headed back upstairs to the attic, and properly stored all the photos and documents that came in the box. After this, I found a small chest with a lock on it, and placed everything in there, and closed the lock. I hid it away and held onto the key for the moment."

"I knew she would not respond well when confronted with her past, that she has spent so long building on. Back downstairs, I started cooking for tonight when Star flew back in with great speed, knocking me over while I was washing the vegetables. She extended her wing and helped me up, and I made sure not to get upset."

"I think she was quite surprised when I laughed it off, and simply politely asked her to take more care next time. She headed upstairs, which, admittedly, made me very nervous, but I heard a door slam and knew she had gone to her room. I finished washing the vegetables and went outside to sit in the sun, and just let my mind wander for a bit.

"Knowing Star, being direct would not be clever, so I'd have to be more careful. Should I leave a note? Avoid it entirely? What if she reached out to me instead? I'm no Doctor, but I think I'd be alright if she wanted something off her chest… And what about the box of pictures upstairs? I have the key to the chest, but it should really be her own choice what to do with it… "

"I guess I must've fallen asleep at one point, as I was suddenly poked awake by Star, who told me she had been busy with dinner, and it was nearly done. Now I was surprised, as she rarely, if ever, cooked, so I held my breath, hoping for the best. Everything seemed to be going well, the table had been set and there was a casserole dish in the oven, filled with veggies."

"I helped with the finishing touches, poured something to drink and helped clean the dishes as Star carefully took out the casserole. It smelled really good as she scooped a serving onto our plates. Sitting across from her, I admit, was quite difficult. I wanted to say something, I wanted to let her know that I knew and that I would be there for her, but decided against it."

"Other than that, dinner went quite well. Afterwards, we cleared up and I did the dishes as she headed out again, fast and far away, given that I heard a boom shortly after. As I was drying the dishes, I got an idea, and finished quickly, grabbed a pen, and wrote a message for her to read. Afterwards, I placed it in her room with the key, and headed to my room."

A little while later, Starshine got back home and closed the door, and headed to her room. Here, on her nightstand, she found the note that Morning left, along with the key. She paid no mind to it at first, but decided to have a look at the note. A tear formed in her eye, and she had to take a seat, as she quietly read the note, which said:

"'I found something of yours upstairs. When I went to get groceries, I visited Cheerilee, and asked her about you. I didn't realise how much you had been through. So, here's the key to a chest that I've put everything in. You can decide what you want to do with it. We won't have to speak about this at all. I just wanted you to know, I'll be here.'"

After reading Morning's note, unbeknownst to any of her friends, Starshine smiled, once again.

(Thanks for reading the final part of this request story! Hope you enjoyed reading it! If you'd like a story of your own, feel free to send in an ask!)

Featuring: Morning Mist and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 [Finale]

Mod: Might have to limit myself to a maximum amount of parts to a bonus episode. Got a bit tired, getting close to the end. Might write bonus episodes, and only when completed, release them.

[ask-healthy-light]

Buried Past - Part 5

Before you read: Please be careful, as this story could contain triggering content. If you wish to avoid it, please feel free to filter and avoid this story.

The remaining story parts will be more positive, focused on healing & positive changes, but just in case, please stay careful. - Mod

"'Throughout the day, the scholars went down the list I had made, going class by class, firing everypony on the list. As they went down the halls, throughout the entire school, I kept count. A total of nineteen teachers, including the principle, were all fired, on the spot. They didn't get even a single moment to talk, they were out. I can't imagine how the crowd must've reacted…'"

"'Since most of the teachers were now gone, the positions needed to be filled. When I met the head of the EEA again, they told Ivory, the remaining teachers and me, they would be substitutes for many classes for the coming period. Some of the most educated Ponies in the whole country, and here they were. At the same time, they would make great changes to the entire school system.'"

"'I turned to Ivory and gave her a big hug, thanking her for all her help, for I could not have done it without her. I also shook the hoof of the head of the EEA, who smiled politely and headed out with just a few other scholars, as the rest had began teaching already. As ecstatic as I was, fortunately, I managed to keep my nerves under control for the rest of the day.'"

"'For the first time since I had started teaching there, the school was almost entirely quiet. No shouting, no crying foals, nothing. During my small breaks, I walked through the halls, and in every class I passed, I could see colts and fillies looking at the teachers with amazement in their eyes. Unicorns using magic to teach, Pegasi rushing around the class helping every foal…'"

"'It was absolutely wonderful seeing how the young ones were doing with better teachers, who genuinely cared for them. But I knew it wasn't the end. I took a moment for myself and stepped outside to take a deep breath, joined shortly by Ivory, who asked if I was okay. I was, but I was still concerned. The orphaned Ponies would still have to go back to that awful orphanage.'"

"'Ivory gently took my hoof and assured me that she took care of that as well. At the end of the day, she told me she'd help gather all the foals, and help walk them to where they lived. I trusted her, but I admit, I was doubtful, and I couldn't bare seeing the brokenhearted looks on their faces. I was especially worried for Starshine. How would she end up if she stayed there?'"

"'At the end of the day, as every student headed out of the school, I found Ivory with a group of foals, with Starshine standing quietly standing to the side. Apparently, she had asked the substitute teachers to tell some of the young ones to wait for me, and when I walked up, they all waved to me. It warmed my heart beyond belief to see them smiling again as brightly as that.'"

"'Together, Ivory, Starshine, me, and a group of about 20 foals and young Ponies headed to where they lived, and I prepared myself to say goodbye to them. But when we got there, it was not the headmistress waiting, in front of the building. Instead, we found a group of Ponies, who were all dressed very neatly, were speaking to a couple of workers, wearing helmets and bright vests.'"

"'Before I had a chance to ask, Ivory had crossed the street and started talking to the neatly dressed Ponies. Then, she pointed at me… I carefully led all the little ones across the street, and I held Starshine's hoof as we crossed, as she was the youngest foal in the whole group. The rest of the group all held hooves, and when we got to the building, it felt… Alright.'"

"'Apparently, Ivory had gotten in contact, not just with the EEA, to fix the school, but also with other Ponies who were influential in society. They told me they would help reorganise the orphanage, and would rebuild its interior to accommodate many more orphaned foals and other creatures. Adding to this, help for all the foals who suffered under the previous headmistress.'"

"'My ears hurt again, but, this time, from the foals' cheers instead.'"

(Thanks for reading part 5 of this request story! If you'd like a story of your own, feel free to send in an ask!)

Featuring: Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 [Finale]

[ask-healthy-light]

Buried Past - Part 4

Before you read: Please be careful, as this story could contain triggering content. If you wish to avoid it, please feel free to filter and avoid this story. - Mod

"She told me that it took a few days for the letter to get to Ivory, but since Cheerilee had known her for a long time, she trusted her beyond a shadow of a doubt. And a good thing she did, because of her position in politics at that time. She knew Cheerilee wouldn't lie about something as serious as this, so when she got the letter, she knew it was serious."

"When I asked her what she wrote in the letter, she replied: 'It was a call for help, any kind of help that we could get. I saw how horrible things were for younger students in the lower grades. And since I had heard the headmistress' extremely harsh scolding of Starshine, simply for arriving late due to others' actions, I feared it was even worse over there.'"

"'I kept quiet about the letter to almost everypony. Only my own students, whom I knew had been through similar awful treatments, would know what I was planning. When I asked who wished to help fix things in the school, every, single, student stepped forward, and promised to help as best they could. I have never felt prouder, than when I requested their help and support.'"

"'There were so many offers to reach out to Ponies they could easily contact, I could barely keep count. But I did. Over the next few days, every evening, I made sure to wait for Starshine and her classmates, and they told me all about what they had been through. I wrote all of it down. Some of their classmates were horrible like the teachers, and they didn't say anything to them.'"

"'A few days later, I got a letter back from Ivory, where she asked for any information that she could use as proof to support my claims. I had to send her multiple books' worth. My hooves still ache from time to time because of how much I wrote. But to see the faces of the little ones brighten up again, to help them see a better future, to have them smile again, it was worth it.'"

"'With my students support and help in reaching out, I was able to help more of the foals, who went to the same orphanage as Starshine. Whether it was food, medicine, bedding, or an extra helping hoof, they all pitched in to help. As more students were helping me at home, seeing my more stoic students be silly with the foals, trying to cheer them up, was especially lovely.'"

"'I was still concerned over Starshine, because after she spent the night at my house, I didn't see her smile often. I left some notes in her lunch trying to cheer her up, but it didn't seem to work. It broke my heart, seeing how broken she was. She should never have endured this. None of them should. But I was so proud of them, for doing their best and for daring to step forward.'"

"'I started looking for help outside of my abilities for the students, both young and old. They all needed to have the means to process what had happened to them. Doubly so, for Starshine, and the other foals and young Ponies at that awful orphanage. Many of them managed to get help. Years later, whenever I met anypony again, many of them were doing much better. But not all of them.'"

"'One morning, as I was making my way to the school, I noticed more folks standing outside than usual, taking notes. The crowd grew, and before noon, the streets in front of the school were filled with Ponies. From my classroom, I noticed Ivory, who walked up with a number of older Ponies in dark red capes, who looked really intimidating.'"

"'I trotted out to meet her, and introduced myself to the visitors, scholars from the Equestrian Education Association. Ivory apparently told them about me, and how I detailed the events that took place at the school. They politely thanked me, and asked me to point towards the teachers I had written about most. I gave them a list of names and classrooms, after which they headed over there.'"

"'To say they went ballistic, would be a grand understatement.'"

(Thanks for reading part 4 of this request story! If you'd like a story of your own, feel free to send in an ask!)

Featuring: Morning Mist and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

[ask-healthy-light]

Buried Past - Part 3

Before you read: Please be careful, as this story could contain triggering content. If you wish to avoid it, please feel free to filter and avoid this story. - Mod

"I wanted to help her, and the first step would be to understand. But even without knowing the details, hearing all of this about Starshine from Cheerilee, what she has been through, it was really hard. Thinking about her holding it all in, never telling anyone about what happened, I could not stop myself from crying. At least I could use the tissues I grabbed just a moment ago."

"After we took a moment to try our tears, we had a sip of tea to calm ourselves, and Cheerilee continued: 'The face of a foal should be filled with happiness and excitement, but any joy Starshine held, it was all stamped out. Whether at the orphanage or in class, I doubt she would have made it had she not built a very strong facade, to hide her joy, to prevent punishment…'"

"'The next time I saw her, I could barely hold in my sorrow. The look on her face when she walked into the building that morning… I knew I had to do something. But I didn't know what I could do. I wouldn't be able to go up against both the school's teachers and the orphanage's headmistress or other "caretakers" at the same time… But I would have to try.'"

"'At the end of the day I saw her again, and I offered to walk her to where she lived again, but she barely responded. It was heartbreaking to see that she had no more energy, as all of it had been focused on survival… Shortly after we left the building, I asked her if she wanted to stay the night at my home. I can't describe the joy I felt when I saw her eyes, after she said yes.'"

"'Fortunately, I lived close by, and we got home pretty quickly. When we got there, she asked me what I wanted her to do, but I told her I didn't understand. She looked down and apologised for the question, turned away, as if to shield herself… I got down to her level and gently spoke to her, and I told her that she had nothing to apologise for, and that she was my guest.'"

"'I prepared dinner for the both of us, a small salad with some homemade dressing. It wasn't that much, but at least it was quite varied, and the dressing was really nice too. Starshine finished her plate by the time I was barely halfway through, I reckon she was hungry. After dinner, we had some cookies. I'll never forget the ecstatic look in her eyes when she got one with chocolate.'"

"'After dinner and desert I showed her where she could stay for the night, the room of my housemate, who was away, and who would often stay at her work overnight to get an early start the following morning. I laid awake in bed for hours that night, thinking about what to do, or hat I could do. I was just a teacher, I barely had any influence. But I had at least one idea…'"

"'The following morning, we had breakfast together, and Starshine managed to smile a bit again. I was glad to see that some kindness and a night with fewer worries already helped, even if just a bit. We arrived at school just before classes began, and after she embraced my leg and thanked me for letting her stay, we waved goodbye to each other, and for the first time, all seemed well.'"

"'Or at least, I thought it was all well. But when I saw her again in the lunch break, a few hours later, she looked devastated again, and I didn't know why. Many of her classmates looked miserable as well, but some seemed to be having a great time. A little too good a time. When their teacher walked by and high-hooved them, saying they did well bullying the orphaned students, I felt a spark.'"

"'It took me all my strength to hold myself back. Not my tears, mind you, but my rage. At that moment, I knew I had made my choice. Enough was enough. When I got home, I sent to my housemate a letter, which I knew would arrive in a few days. In the meantime, I started asking other teachers and students for assistance. With the help of my housemate, Ivory Scroll, we would succeed.'"

"When I asked her who she meant by Ivory Scroll, she gave a smile, and said:"

"'Oh, yes of course. That was her name when I met her in high school. But nowadays, you only know her as Mayor Mare.'"

(Thanks for reading part 3 of this request story! If you'd like a story of your own, feel free to send in an ask!)

Featuring: Morning Mist and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 [Finale]