Equal Equestria Enlightenment

by stupidhand14

Rating: teen
Tags: Starlight Glimmer, Shining Armor, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Original Character
Length: 43617

The alternate story of if Starlight Glimmer was a bit smarter... and less of a fool in the end. This is the story of the possible future, starting from when everypony did not turn against her.

The alternate story of if Starlight Glimmer was more committed to her beliefs, and had actually planned for the possibility of if she was discovered. This is the story of the possible future, starting from when everypony did not turn against her.
Now with Sequel: Foundations of Equality

Cover art by ImpCJCaesar
Currently edited by EloquentElephant

Published 2015-04-27 16:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-02-10 06:19:48 UTC

Prologue: The Turning Point

It has been a month since harmony was nearly destroyed by those strangers. Fortunately, things have finally started to calm down in our little community. We even made some new friends, some of which I am sure will be a big help to our community. But, I am getting ahead of myself. I did start this journal to catalog the rise of true harmony, so I might as well start on the day that everything changed; the day that Fluttershy became a traitor and tried to turn everyone away from true friendship.

Day 368

"...Then how do you explain this?" Fluttershy asked as she threw the bucket. I saw the water coming towards me and jumped out of the way.

"I knew you couldn't be trusted," I told her. Most other ponies assumed that she had seen the truth, including me at one point... but now I know she was hiding something. Suddenly, I felt something on my flank and turned to see Party Favor wiping away the makeup covering my cutie mark.

"No," I said, panicking. "Get away!"

I could hear an audible gasp from my friends. The moment I feared for so long was now. This was where I would rise or fall.

"But... you said cutie marks were evil," said Double Diamond. "You said special talents led to pain and heartache."

"They do, can't you see? Look at them!"

"Then why... why do you have your cutie mark?" asked Sugar Belle

"I... I... I..." I tried to form my thoughts, but was unable to. I couldn't figure out what to say; my mind was deadlocked. I couldn't stop myself from letting my tears flow.

"It's because... I have to," I confessed. "The staff is nothing more than a stick I found... the cutie unmarking is something I have to do, personally. It takes up a substantial amount of magic." There was silence as my fellow ponies let my lies sink in.

"Why did you lie to us? We would have understood," called out Double Diamond.

"I'm sorry everypony... I just thought that if you knew the truth, you would want your own cutie marks back. I hid my cutie mark so that nopony would feel unequal." I could see that I was changing some minds in the crowd, and most of them seemed much calmer.

“Shouldn’t we all have our Cutie Marks then?” a mare shouted from the crowd.

“No!” I shouted in a panic. “That would just destroy the equality we have created!”

“But with your Cutie Mark, aren’t you different from us?” Juicy Pear asked.

“Yes, I am different… but I can’t change that. If I do, all of our friendships will be destroyed.”

“How can you speak of friendship if you’re not equal?” a young colt asked.

“Because I know I am not superior to anypony else. I studied Equality for years to understand true friendship.” I looked at the crowd, waiting for the next question to come, but none ever did.

"This does not change anything else," I continued. "Everything I said about cutie marks was the truth. This cutie mark is my curse, my burden. I only keep it so that all of you can be friends." I put my head closer to the ground, knowing what was about to come. "I will understand if you wish me to leave the village, and allows me to come back if you need me to do the cutie unmarking."

Nopony was able to speak, their shock evident. After a few seconds, a lot of them came running towards me. I thought they were going to attack me, but I knew that I couldn't stop them. However, rather than attacking me or getting angry, they embraced me.

"I had no idea you were forced to bear this burden," one called out.

"You should have told us from the beginning," scolded another.

"We would never kick you out of the village," Double Diamond called out. It felt so good, knowing that my friends still liked me, despite my lies. I looked over the swarm of ponies to see the six strangers too shocked to move. I could salvage something from my early plans after all.

"Somepony, stop them! They haven't finished the equalization process!" I called out to anypony that would listen. I could see Lightning Dust, a relatively new friend, already taking flight to stop the pegasi from fleeing. Before any others could move, they were surrounded and promptly put back into the learning house.

"Thank you every pony... I... I..." I was getting choked up again. "I cannot express my thanks, to all of you. I... I feared this day would come and you would be blinded by your anger and abandon our goals. I was always scared that some of you would leave our village. That thought always made me sad.

"However, we cannot allow this to change us. But... now I must ask, do you all wish for me to continue hiding my cutie mark, like I was, or would you all rather I keep it shown?" I finished. There was some mulling in the crowd, with many of them asking questions to one another. I could not get a clear group consensus on the matter

"I have a question," Double Diamond stated before standing in front of everypony else. "Why can't you remove it and then reattach it when we need to perform the cutie unmarking?"

This was an interesting question, one that I had tested. When I discovered this spell, I had attempted to remove my Cutie Mark. It worked and most of my magical energy was gone. I quickly reapplied it, and all of my magical was restored. But I couldn't tell them the truth that I could lose my cutie mark. I still needed my power. A lie wouldn't hurt them too much at this point, right?

"Well, it takes a long time for a cutie mark to give a special talent back," I started. "Last time I tested it, I was unable to do the cutie unmarking for over two months." That should satisfy them. A little lie never hurt anyone, right?

There were more murmurs, as ponies processed this information. I was getting more nervous. Though they forgave me, they might very well have me remove my cutie mark.

A few minutes passed, but it felt like hours to me. I answered a few more questions, being truthful this time, and, in the end, they allowed me to keep my cutie mark. The only condition was I had to limit my use of magic and continue hiding it. It was a fair compromise, considering the alternatives. There was only one other order of business; the elements. I was still in a vulnerable position, and those six were the focal points of any resistance to my authority. After a few more hours of talking and socializing with other ponies, I decided to visit the elements.

I opened the door to the equalization room. The elements were all in one corner, probably scheming together. As soon as I opened the door, they all got up and gave me a glare of pure anger. I looked each in the eye. Rainbow Dash had a smirk of determination clearly painted on her face. Applejack and Rarity mirrored the look, though in their own ways. Pinkie Pie was glaring at me, though that was not unusual even before the cutie unmarking. The two that surprised me were Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle. Fluttershy looked very sad, not that I could blame her. Twilight Sparkle, on the other hand, was analyzing me. I cannot understand why she did so, but it does not matter.

"What do you want?" Rainbow Dash asked, her voicing raising.

"I just came in to tell you all something," I started. "You may think that you know what is best for this village, but you're wrong. Today just proved that. The other ponies sided with me and harmony, not you and strife." They were all glaring at me now. It probably wasn't a good idea to rub in my victory over them.

"I just wanted to say that I hope you all see past your mistake," I continued, sadness filling my voice. "I really do not wish for anypony to continue believing the lie of cutie marks. I hope you are still willing to join our little community." Their faces were shocked as I turned away. I walked out the door only to find Double Diamond waiting there.

"Oh... hello Double Diamond," I said.

"Hello," he replied. "I am just here to take those cutie marks back to the vault."

"Oh, yes... of course. Please, right this way," I replied, leading him towards my cottage. The journey was, blessedly, uneventful. Double Diamond just took the cutie marks and left, bidding me a good night. I hope we can have a respite for a bit.

Author's Note

And so it begins.

Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 1: Generosity, Equalized

Shining Armor's Log Day 368

Boring paperwork. It was always boring paperwork for the Captain of the Royal Guard. I sat in my office, signing off on many of the different necessary files. It was always mind numbing for the old rising star of the Royal Guard, and today was no different. The Crystal Empire was unbearably quiet, and the Royal Sisters practically protected themselves. That left boring, tedious work for me to do. My silence was broken, however, by a guard.

"Sir, we have someone here to speak with you," said the guard.

"Who is it?" I asked. I didn't get visitors every day, and they usually were unimportant Canterlot ponies that wanted to feel important.

"It's your sister's dragon, Spike. He says he needs to speak with you urgently." I gasped, surprised that the number one assistant was not near his boss.

"If he's here, it’s probably very important. Send him in," I commanded.

Spike entered the room, looking around nervously.

"Hello Spike... Where's Twily?" I asked. "I thought she'd be here with you." Spike's head shot up.

"That's just it; I don't know where she is!" Spike all but shouted. I was now in panicked older brother mode.

"What do you mean you can't find her?"

"She and the others went to follow some new map thing in the middle of the castle, and they haven't returned yet." I couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"If I know my sister, I know that she'll be fine in any situation, as long as she has her friends."

"B-- Bu--- But," Spike began to say before getting cut off.

"Spike, don't worry. She's probably just been stalled a bit. She'll be fine."

"But their cutie marks disappeared off the map," Spike said, still worried.

"Maybe it just disappeared because they've been gone for that long? Ever thought of that Spike?"

Spike looked down. Even I could tell he was embarrassed for having troubled me with this. I was starting to feel bad for mocking Spike's worry. He was just worried over a loved one after all.

"Listen, Spike," I began, "Perhaps I could stay with you until Twily returns."

Spike was shocked. "You'd really do that?" he asked.

"Of course. It beats paper work," I replied with a chuckle.

"Yeah... and you’re probably right. Twilight could beat anything as long as she is with her friends."

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 375

Today was a day of celebration! We have gained a new friend, though I suppose it was my change in the equalization process that caused it. This week's events are the first step towards an equal Equestria.

One major flaw in the equalization process was the fact that it can only handle one pony at any given time. I had ordered some ponies to build more equalization huts before the Princess arrived, and they finally finished. These new and improved huts had separate caged in areas, which would divide everypony from each other. It was also much harder to break out of, and each area had its own library of wonderful books to read.

Myself, Double Diamond, and a few other ponies escorted the prisoners to the new cells without incident, and the next few days were spent in routine. Every morning we would ask if they wanted to join our little community. They would decline, and back into the caged areas they went. They were fed three meals a day, but no pony interaction. These was, from some new books released by somepony named Psych, the most deprived conditions that a pony can meet that would still allow them to survive. However, he argued that ponies minds are far more malleable when at this state.

After four days of this routine, I noticed one of them was mumbling things, and they were smiling slightly. That is usually the first step in enlightenment. That day, when taking them out to ask if they would like to join the village, something wonderful happened.

Rarity stepped forward and said in a rush, "I want to join the village."

Everypony started to chatter. We were looking forward to having a new friend.

"Rarity, what are you doing?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock.

"Oh, I am terribly sorry my dear... But... I I must give up my cutie mark for my freedom. Perhaps... Perhaps it won't be so bad," was her response.

"Everypony, we have a new friend," I announced to the crowd. There were many cheers, though some were still skeptical. After Fluttershy's lies it would be hard to trust any of these six.

"Are you familiar with what happens now, Rarity?" I asked.

"Oh, but of course," she answered. "Unless I am mistaken, I will be staying at your home for the short time it will take to build my own home."

"Yes, that is correct. Come, let me help you get settled in," I told her while guiding her towards my cottage. After leading her in, I was forced to do something I wished we didn't have to do.

"Now... Rarity, there is a slight issue."

"Oh? What is it?" she asked, worried.

"Ever since Fluttershy's lies, some ponies don't wish to trust other ponies outright. We will need to assign you a buddy to watch over you."

"Oh... That's okay, darling. I understand. It is a horrible thing Fluttershy did, but she was just misguided. I can assure you, she is the kindest pony I have ever met. She would never lie to you without reasons, even if they were misguided."

"And you are sure they are wrong?" I asked her, looking deeply into her eyes.

Rarity just continued smiling. "Yes, those ideas were founded on misinformed conceptions."

I could not, and still can't, see any deception in her. Her cottage is being built at a surprisingly fast speed, as per my orders. When one person of a group realizes the truth, it is much easier to convince others of our philosophy. It is only a matter of time until all six realize their mistakes and that we're only trying to help them.

Chapter 2: Integration

Shining Armor's Log, Day 382

Staying at Twily's castle feels right at home, though I may have been spending too much time in the Crystal Empire. It seems a bit plain, but I'm sure that she'll decorate soon. She's just been doing a bit too much lately. Spike has also been a great host. I haven’t gotten to truly speak to him for long periods in such a long time. This short vacation beats the paperwork I'll probably have to do when I get back.

However, I can't stop thinking of why I am here in Twily's home. Something is wrong. She has never been gone on her adventures for more than a few days, and suddenly she's gone for over two weeks. This suggests the worst, but I have to stay positive, for Spike's sake. I have decided to try and find the location that she went, with Spike's assistance. Sadly, he says he was sleeping prior to seeing their floating cutie marks, and doesn't know exactly where they were.

Nevertheless, I will find Twily. The only problem is my absence has been rather long and I am sure Princess Celestia is questioning as to where I am. I'll have to use Spike to inform her of my current conditions. Hopefully nothing evil has befallen Canterlot while under my guard... again.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 384

Just as I predicted, the dominoes are beginning to fall. All it took was a little push. But I am getting ahead of myself again. I should start with Rarity's transition to our little community.

Rarity, while being a bit dramatic, made an easy transition into our community. She used to be a fashion designer before moving to our little community, and since that means she is used to working with the machines used to fabricate clothing, I allowed her cottage to have a sewing room. However, after giving her this wonderful area, she just looked around and sighed.

"What’s wrong?" I asked, concern feeling my voice. "Do you not like it?"

"Oh, no, it’s not that dear," she assured me. "It's just... I cannot find inspiration for any new dresses."

"Is that all?" I asked. She blinked at me with a confused expression, but nodded. "Then that's an easy fix! Just follow the pattern." I pointed to the sketch books. Inside were many different sketches of clothing that some ponies made for the other ponies. Rarity looked over the designs, and just couldn't stop judging it.

I should probably mention here that the Cutie Unmarking does not take away some trained talent. This is why we usually set ponies up with jobs that would require their old skills, though they do perform worse at their jobs. Our little village has never had a fashion designer before, so her trained talent, not natural talent, might be able to improve on some of the designs. Any improvements would help with the clothing. Even I could tell that the clothing was horrible to look and, and worse to wear. I even designed a few of the patterns, but I never took a fashion class at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Some formal training might have helped in the designs, but I didn't think that I would be designing outfits for an entire village to wear.

Anyways, back to the contemporary events. Rarity took a few looks at the designs, studying them as I looked on hopefully that she would improve them. I was not disappointed.

"Do you mind if I edit these designs, just a smidgen?" she asked.

"I was hoping you'd say that." From that point until she was done, I could not get two words through to Rarity. She was completely focused on her work, and seemed to be struggling to come up with new designs. After about thirty minutes she looked up from the paper, and turned to me.

"I am so sorry for this dear, but can you please step outside?" she asked me. "I need quiet to work... now."

"Oh, yes... I suppose I could do that... I'll just be going now. If you need anything else, feel free to ask," I replied as I walked out. I could hear her muttering to herself already about new designs. As I walked out, I saw Sherbet Fluff and Rosemary Snow standing outside her front door.

"Be sure to keep watch over all the exits," I commanded them. "We were already betrayed once by a supposed friend. I do not want to see another one of these six turn out to be willing to lie to their friends who accept them with open hoofs."

"Of course," was their reply. I can never understand why ponies around here use those words so much. Maybe some kind of effect from the Cutie Unmarking? I'd have to study it more to find out.

Before I could make it to my next errand, however, I was stopped by Double Diamond and a few other ponies.

"Hello, friends. How may I help you?" I asked.

"We're here to discuss some things with you about the village," Forest Ember said. He was a big help to me in building the village, and now helps out with the farms.

"Oh, alright. Here, we can go inside," I said as I led them to my cottage. Once inside, I pulled up some cushions and placed them around a small table.

"So... what is this meeting about?" I asked.

"We were just thinking that, since you still have your cutie mark, you need a council of sorts," Fire Hammer said.

"Yes, ever since that discovery, many ponies have been doubting your honesty," Double Diamond told everypony.

"We think it is best for you to take our council into consideration when making your next decisions," Forest Ember finished. I sat stunned. My own friends, who I created harmony for, didn't trust me. I just sat there for what felt like hours before somepony coughed, which finally shocked me back to my senses.

"Yes. I do believe that would be a good idea," was all I could say on the matter. "Can you all please go now? I am feeling quite tired all of a sudden."

"Of course," they all said in unison before saying goodbye and leaving.

I went to bed with an uneasy mind. I still cannot see why or how a council was made of ponies I thought were my allies. But maybe this won't end as badly as I fear. They are still letting me remain Mayor, after all. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Author's Note

Here is the next part of the story. Unfortunately, this will be the last part for a few weeks. I have a load of tests and projects coming up that I procrastinated on. Hope to see you all as soon as Finals are over. See you all then!

Once again, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 3: Laughter in Equal Amounts

Shining Armor's Log Day 386

I was always curious as to why Spike came to me for assistance in finding Twily. Princess Celestia has more power, and could have ordered a countrywide search for her pupil, but instead he came to me. I asked him why earlier today.

We were walking through Ponyville, picking up more quills, paper, ink, and some food. While I used to be a strange site, most of the ponies have gotten used to my presence in this town. Spike came with me, as he was in charge of Twily's money and insisted that he paid for the supplies needed to find Twilight.

"Hey, Spike, I've been meaning to ask you," I started, "why did you come to me instead of Princess Celestia to help find Twily?"

"What do you mean, Shining?" he asked.

"Well, when you were worried about Twilight, you came to me for help rather than going to Princess Celestia."

His eyes widened in surprise before saying, "I did go to her first. She said to go ask you for help."

Now it was my turn to be shocked. Princess Celestia sent Spike to ask for my help? That didn't make much sense. At some point, I must have stopped walking because Spike was soon snapping me back to reality.

"Shining, You okay?" he asked while waving his claw in front of my eyes.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I was just surprised that Princess Celestia actually sent you to me."

"I guess that makes sense. She did say that she had received a letter from Princess Cadence saying that you needed something to do."

"Wait, what?!" I gasped.

"Yeah. Your wife sent Princess Celestia a letter asking her to give you something exciting to do. She said this was the perfect thing for you to do since you were bored," Spike informed me.

"Hey, we're here already," Spike said as we approached the castle. "Let's get to remaking the map!"

After that informative conversation, we remade the entire map onto different pieces of paper. We have nearly everything needed to go find my sister. Now all we have to do is get some food. I also have to leave a note for Princess Celestia and Luna, as well as put someone as an acting Captain of the Royal guard. Perhaps I should leave something for my wife as well... I'll figure something out.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 389

After one domino falls, it is only a matter of time until all of them fall. The second domino has fallen, and this addition should bring some happiness to this town. Even though my day did not start on a high point, it definitely ended much better.

My morning truly began when I walked outside only to find the "council" outside my cottage, waiting for me.

"Hello," I greeted them. "How can I help you?"

They all turned to me, but Forest Ember was the first to speak. "Hello Starlight Glimmer. We are just going to accompany you today."

"And hopefully just for today," Fire Hammer said. "I'd rather like to get back to my production line soon, if it's all the same to everypony."

"Then why are you here?" I asked, confused.

"Some other ponies were thinking that we needed to make sure you were acting the same, despite still having your cutie mark," Double Diamond informed me with a roll of his eyes.

"That... that doesn't make sense," I said, stating the truth.

"You are correct, it doesn't. But scared townsponies want reassurance, so we're here to give it to them," Fire Hammer said with a shrug.

"Okay. Let us get going then," I said, leading them towards Rarity's cottage.

I saw that Sherbet Fluff and Rosemary Snow were still guarding the building. I nodded towards them before knocking on the door.

"Just a minute," a mare called from within. A few seconds later, the door opened revealing Rarity with a perfectly stylized mane. "Oh, hello darlings. How may I help you?" she asked.

"Hello Rarity. I was just coming to check in on your reworkings of the designs," I told her. "May we come in?"

"Certainly," she said before motioning us to enter. "I have been up for most of the night reworking the designs. It has been difficult but I have come up with a few ideas." She hoofed me the sketchbook, now full of new designs that, while much better looking, were all equal in appearance.

"It's morning," I informed her. She looked at me with eyes as wide as pans.

"Really? That is strange, I do not feel as tired as ---" she started to say before being cut off by a yawn. "It does appear my hours have caught up with me."

"Then I am sorry to have kept you awake by doing me this favor."

"Think nothing of it. Generosity should cost something, otherwise it's not real."

"Well then, Rarity, I'd suggest you get some sleep. It'll do no good to anypony if you fall asleep while going around town," I told her. "We have to go anyways. We still have a lot to do."

"I do believe you are right, goodbye," she said as she cantered off upstairs.

"What's next?" Forest Embers asked.

"Next is checking on the equalization process," I told them as we walked towards the equalization houses.

After the remaining five ponies were assembled, I asked the usual question of if they would like to join. Today, we had a new friend.

"I'd like to become friends with all of you!" shouted Pinkie Pie.

"It appears we have a new friend everypony!" I announced to the crowd who cheered in response. I waved Pinkie Pie over, and she hopped towards us.

"What the hay are you doing Pinkie Pie?!" Rainbow Dash shouted at her friend.

"Dashie, if I can make these ponies happy then why shouldn't I? They all want to be my friends, and if it costs my Cutie Mark to make other ponies happy then I'll do it," Pinkie Pie said.

"Anypony else?" I asked towards the remaining four ponies. They were all quietly glaring at me. "Okay. We will try again tomorrow, everypony."

"So, Pinkie Pie, do you---" I started to say before being cut off.

"Just call me Pinkie!" She shouted into my face before turning away to look off into space. "It's what will make the story flow better."

"The... what?" I asked, confused. Suddenly her cutie mark pulsed black.

"I... I don't know," she said with a concerned expression on her face. "I don't know what I meant by that."

I shook my head to clear it. "Anyways, let's get to my cottage. We'll have to figure out what job you can do after we have your cottage made."

"Oh, that's an easy one. I can bake."

"Then you can work with Sugar Belle at the bakery. We do need more bakers in our little town," I said as I took her to my cottage.

I then remembered that Double Diamond, Fire Hammer, and Forest Ember were supposed to be following me. I turned to see that only Double Diamond was still there.

He saw me looking around confused and said, "The other two left. We all know you are still trustworthy, but our friends would like to know that everything you did was for the good of everypony."

"Right. I understand," I told him. "Come on, we'd better hurry." Pinkie Pie had already gotten 20 feet ahead of us, and I still did not feel entirely safe leaving a new friend alone in case of betrayal or abandonment.

The rest of the day was uneventful. Pinkie's house is being made, once again with lightning speed, and she will be starting her job as a baker tomorrow. Two down, four to go. I wonder how long until somepony comes looking for them...?

Author's Note

I suppose my last update was a bit of a lie... I just couldn't resist writing one more chapter before doing my tests... or studying them for that matter.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 4: Kindness to all

Shining Armor's Log Day 390

Spike and I have met some difficulties in trying to find my sister and her friends. Without an accurate area of where exactly they all went, it is near impossible to send a search party to one location. That is why I was forced to meet with Princess Celestia earlier today.

I walked into the main throne room. The only ponies in the room were the guards and the Princess herself.

"Hello, Shining Armor," she greeted me. "I thought you were supposed to be gone for a few more weeks."

"Yes, that is correct, Princess," I responded. "However, circumstances have forced me to meet with you for aid."

"What do you need, my loyal Captain?"

"I need a force of 20 or so ponies to use as a search party for my sister and her friends," I said. After I said this I saw that a few of the royal guards looked at each other. More likely than not, there would be three times that number trying to escape the boredom of Canterlot through this mission.

Princess Celestia thought about it for a few seconds. "Do you know where she will likely be?"

This was the one question I had hoped would not come up. "Not exactly..." I said hesitantly.

"What do you mean not exactly?" she inquired while raising her eyebrow.

"I know she is most likely somewhere in north eastern Equestria."

"That is a very large area to search. I'm afraid I cannot give you those 20 ponies."

I looked down in defeat. If Princess Celestia would not give me aid, then Princess Luna couldn't give me support either.

"As you wish," I said as I turned away. "Good bye. I will return in a month or---"

"Where are you going?" Princess Celestia asked, cutting me off. Her tone implied that she was angry that I was walking away.

"I was going to go looking for Twilight on my own."

"Why would you do that?" she asked, a slight smile on her face.

"You said you wouldn't give me any help, so I thought..." I trailed off under her gaze.

"I said I wouldn't give you a force of 20 ponies. I will be giving you 50 ponies to help you search," she finished with a familiar smile on her lips and a glint in her eye. This was better than I could ever have expected.

"I will also," she continued, "be giving you full authority to the supplies depot. Feel free to take some food from the granaries as well, though don't touch the cake."

"Of course not. Thank you, my Princess." I bowed to her before turning away. 50 ponies. I'd have to find out who to bring... perhaps a quick competition to see who should come... I'll have to decide later. I have to get everything ready. For once, I am actually enjoying doing paperwork.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 390

Another domino in the line has fallen. Half have fallen already, and three remain. At some point, the Princess will see our ideas as the truth. Maybe after that, phase two of the plan can begin. But better not count your eggs before they hatch. Today was a day of redemption.

I was just coming from a meeting with some friends as I saw Sugar Belle running towards me.

"Hello Sugar Belle, how are---" I began to say.

"Starlight Glimmer! You have to help me," she cried out as she galloped to me.

"What is it?"

"It's Pinkie Pie. She keeps throwing away the muffins," Sugar Belle cried out. I couldn't stop a gasp come out of my mouth. Wasting food was frowned upon in every level of Equestrian society.

"Let's go, fast," I ordered. We maneuvered through the crowd until we reached the bakery. I trotted inside, and saw that Pinkie was indeed baking muffins and throwing them out.

"Pinkie Pie, what are you doing?" I asked her as I approached.

"Hiya Starly," she greeted. "I was just trying to get these muffins to taste good, but nothing I'm trying is working."

"Pinkie... the muffins are an acquired taste. Like most food here, it is made with ingredients grown in this... arid climate. As such, we cannot grow some of the plants, and have to substitute our regional ones."

Pinkie Pie just looked at me with a tilted head. "Are you saying that the ingredients are bad?"

"No, that's not what I am saying. I am just saying that you'll have to get used to the food, that's all."

"Okie dokie loki," she shouted. "Oh, and tell Sugar Belle that I will pay for all the wasted ingredients. I didn't mean to make her sad or worried."

"You can tell her yourself, if you want. She's just outside."

"Yeah! That will do it!" she shouted before turning back to the kitchen. The muffins aren't that bad, are they? I enjoy eating them. Why shouldn't other ponies?

I walked outside to see Party Favor and Night Glider counseling Sugar Belle. After telling her that Pinkie understood what the problem was, and assuring Sugar Belle that she would not be held responsible, I left. There was one more order of business for the day; the equalization process.

As the prisoners were lined up, I asked once more if anypony would like to join our community. Today we had one of the two pegasi speak up. It was the first to speak up before, Fluttershy.

"I'd like to rejoin the village," Fluttershy said. "For real this time." There was not cheering at this request, nor was there any encouragement. Most ponies were still angry with her for having tried to break our village apart and corrupt my philosophy.

"Everypony, it is rude to judge a friend off of a past mistake," I scolded the crowd. Many ponies heard what I said and looked guilty.

"Each of us were mistaken before, thinking cutie marks were a good thing. We saw through those lies, but this pony did not before. Now she has, and we should not judge her for her past mistakes," I finished while putting my hoof around Fluttershy's neck.

Upon finishing my short speech, everypony dropped their distrusting looks.

"Now," I continued, "how do we greet a new friend?" At that point, everypony began to cheer.

"Let's go get you to your cottage," I said as I took Fluttershy away. "It's already been made."

Before we could get to her new home, however, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were there welcoming Fluttershy to the village personally. Fluttershy went immediately to bed after getting to her house. With all the regular business done, I had one final task I needed to see to. I went to Double Diamond's cottage just before sunset and knocked on the door.

"Hello, Starlight Glimmer," Double Diamond greeted me as he opened the door.

"Hello, Double Diamond. May I come in?" I asked.

"Of course." His house was like most other ponies' homes, but with a few extra pieces of furniture. Double Diamond locked the door once again before turning back to me. "What is it you wish to speak to me about?"

"I want to know why the Council was made and who made it," I asked bluntly.

"The Council was made to keep you on track, and avoid any mass hysteria. It has no true power, but it gives the other ponies security, especially the fillies and colts. But Forest Embers, Fire Hammer, and I want to make it into an easier way to approach you with the problems other ponies have."

"Then who made it?"

"All of us did. It was a large meeting and we all agreed that we needed some ponies in a position to counteract you if you were to do something we did not like." I paused at this. All of the friends I had created harmony for all believed I couldn't be trusted. It still hurts.

"Thank you for your honesty, Double Diamond," I said after a long silence. "Have a good night."

"Good night, Starlight Glimmer," he replied before closing the door.

Chapter 5: Honest to Everypony

Shining Armor's Log Day 392

We left this morning at Dawn, with Celestia's sun lighting our path. The group was broken off into teams of three, with each team consisting of one pegasus, one earth pony, and one unicorn. I put Spike in charge of the messaging system of our force, while I went out looking by myself. I started at the train station, to find out exactly where they went.

I approached the pony I assumed was the boss. He was a medium sized earth pony, with a dark blue coat. His cutie mark was a burning piece of coal.

"Excuse me, sir," I started. He turned to look at me before his eyes went wide.

"Wait! I swear, my tax report is correct! I didn't lie about nothing!" he shouted at me.

"I'm not here to talk about your tax report," I told him with annoyance dripping from my voice.

"You're... You're not?" he asked incredulously before laughing. "By Celestia, I thought you was one of them tax ponies, coming to point out some flaw I did make."

"I can assure you, I am not here for that."

"Well, what can I do for ya'?"

"I need to see your records of ticket sales. I'm looking for six ponies that may have become lost."

"Shoot, that'll be easy! Follow me," he commanded as he walked into a nearby doorway. After about five minutes of walking down many stairs, I saw the record room where the train ticket purchases were stored.

"Now, when did you say they bought their tickets?" the pony asked me.

"They should have bought them around three weeks ago," I answered. The pony began to whistle while searching through the files. It was uncomfortably hot in that room, especially since I was wearing my armor still. After several minutes of boiling heat, he finally found it.

"Six ponies who all bought tickets at the same time heading for the same place. I think these are who you're looking for?" he asked as he showed me the tickets. They were my sister and her friends' tickets.

"Yes, these are them. Thank you for your assistance," I told him as we were walking out.

"It was nothing. Anything for the guard." I gave him a farewell and took a look at the tickets. They went to the literal end of the line for the train. From what the ticket, and later research, showed, it wasn't even a station. The train went out of its way to go to the furthest track to the north east. I know where the search is going to start. I bought 51 tickets for the train going to the end of the line.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 393

Another pony has been enlightened by our philosophy. While I did have to take some extra effort, it was worth it.

It had been over three weeks since the group of six arrived in our little town. Still, despite our best methods of enlightenment, the princess, the farmer, and the rainbow one continued to resist our ideals. The princess would not turn as long as she had two other ponies supporting her, which meant I had to break the weakest link. After looking at the mental states of the two candidates, I decided that Applejack would be the easier one to break.

Her cell was like all the others, a small space with a few books and megaphones speaking our philosophy. That is no environment to have a reasonable conversation, so I decided to have her brought to my cottage to speak to her. Luckily the council was otherwise preoccupied that day, so I could speak to Applejack alone.

She came stumbling in, her hair a mess. We had taken her hat away until she saw the truth, so her hair was completely undone. She was dirty, which was to be expected after almost five weeks without a bath.

"Hello, Applejack," I greeted her in the friendliest tone I could muster.

"What da ya' want?" she responded with clear anger.

"I just wanted to speak with you, nothing more."

"Well I don' wanna speak with ya'."

"I thought you'd be difficult," I muttered under my breath. "Listen, if you speak with me for ten minutes, I'll let you speak with your other friends for a bit. Sound fair?"

"I suppose it does," she said while sitting down onto a cushion.

"If I may ask, why is it that you refuse our ideas?" I asked bluntly.

"'Cause they're as wrong as a two... fiddled... herder..." she said, starting to trail off. "Ya' know what I mean!"

"Who's to say that they are wrong?"

"What are ya' talkin' 'bout?" she asked, confused.

"I mean, you say my ideas are wrong, yet you are unable to explain to me why they are wrong. I don't lie in my beliefs, since they are beliefs. It is my opinion, so they could not be wrong."

"Now ya're just speaking crazy talk. Anypony can be wrong, even in ideas."

"While I grant you that, you seem to just say we are wrong and you are right. That is, in itself, wrong. You cannot prove that either of us are wrong, so we must both be right."

"Stop tryin' trick me with your words. I know what I know. There ain't nothing no pony can do to change that."

"Applejack, I believe you need to talk with some of your friends. Maybe they can make you understand better than I," I said as I trotted to the door. Outside, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy were waiting. Before I could call them in, Double Diamond walked up.

"Hello, Starlight Glimmer," he greeted me.

"Hello, Double Diamond. What are you doing here?" I asked.

"The council needs you to come to the western outskirts of the village. There has been an issue. I will stay with these ponies until you return." Of all the possible things to happen, this was probably the least expected.

"Alright. Watch them closely," I commanded Double Diamond before galloping to the western outskirts.

Upon arriving, I saw that the other council members were there, along with Paradise Rose, one of my old classmates and informant in Canterlot.

"Starlight! Finally! I have something important to tell you!" she called out to me from a distance.

"Hello Paradise," I greeted as I approached. "What do you need to tell me?"

"The Captain of the Royal Guard has been sent to find where Princess Twilight Sparkle has gone, and will be coming to your village... probably," she said happily. "This is your perfect chance to---"

"QUIET!" I shouted at her. "You're telling me that the captain of the Royal Guard with the power of the Equestrian military is coming here?"

"Yes... I thought you'd be happy," she said, on the verge of tears.

"No... no, you're right. I'm sorry, Paradise. I didn't mean to snap at you, it's just... been a busy time lately."

"I--- It's okay."

I turned to the council members. "We have to get everything going. This has happened faster than I expected, we need to get everything prepared for the arrival of the guards." I turned to Paradise Rose. "Here's your usual pay." I tossed her a bag of bits that I always kept on me. The rest of the return trip was planning the reception for the Captain of the Royal guard.

"If he's looking for Twilight Sparkle, they will find her," Fire Hammer noted. "If that happens, our perfect record will be broken."

"Not to mention our town will get a bad reputation," Forest Embers continued.

"Yes, I understand the problem," I said, getting rather annoyed. "I will think of something. Just give me some time."

After saying our farewells, I returned to my home. By this time, Luna's moon was out in its glory. Inside my house I saw something surprising; Applejack was smiling.

"Howdy, Starlight," she greeted me.

"Hello, Applejack. What are you still doing in my house?"

"Isn't this where the new ponies stay until their homes are done?"

Double Diamond came out of the back room. "Hello, Starlight. Applejack is one of us now, she is a new friend."

"This presents a problem, Double Diamond," I said as seriously as I could. "We'll have to fix it tomorrow."

"What problem would that be?" Applejack asked, worried.

"We need to tell the other townsponies about your realization. We need to celebrate," I answered with a smile.

After a bit more talking, and confirming Applejack did believe everything she was saying, I retired to my bedroom. I have a plan to finally make Twilight Sparkle see the truth... Hopefully I have enough time.

Author's Note

I seem unable to stop lying about not putting out updates. Either that, or I am just addicted to writing mediocre stories. Either way, doesn't change much.

A big thanks to my new editor,Pokekerfuffle, you've been a big help!

Remember, constructive criticism is always useful.

Chapter 6: Denial

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 395

It is only a matter of time until our town is put into the public spotlight. I had hoped to bring everypony to see the truth before that happened, but fate is against ~~me~~ us. The preparations are taking much longer than I had hoped for. While our pastries were good, we were lacking some fruit. I made the decision to use some of the town funding to buy a shipment of apples from a town not too far by train. Sadly, they won't arrive in time for the captain of the Royal Guard to enjoy them.

However, food wasn't the only item we were lacking in. Formal clothing is also in short supply, so I have set Rarity, Cloth Mender, and Forest Shaper to making formal attire for all of the ponies in our town. Once again, this is coming out of the town funds. I will have to raise taxes by a percent or two to help balance the budget. However, like everything else, something could go wrong at any time. The main issue lies with our four new friends, and the two soon to be friends.

I was making my rounds through the village, making sure everything was going right, when I heard a voice.

"Um... excuse me, Starlight Glimmer?" said a quiet, almost timid voice. I turned to see that it was Fluttershy that had called out to me.

"Yes? What is it, Fluttershy?"

"I was just wondering... can we go see our cutie marks?" This was not a strange request. Often, after the cutie unmarking, many ponies visit their cutie marks to say goodbye again or just make sure it's there. It usually provides closure to the pony that it concerns, but then again this is one of the... trouble ponies.

"Who is this 'we'?"

"Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and me."

I thought about it for a few moments. "I suppose you could go to visit the cutie mark vault, but I'm afraid you'll have to have an escort, as will everypony else that will be going," I decided.

"Thank you," she said before turning and trotting off. With her leaving to the cutie mark storage, it reminded me of a certain pony that needed a reminder.

I found Party Favor speaking with a few other ponies near the bakery. I motioned him to come over and talk. He excused himself from the other ponies and galloped over to me.

"Hello, Starlight Glimmer. What did you need?" Party Favor asked.

"I just came by to remind you to not tell any outside ponies about the cutie mark vault."

"I learned from my mistake. I swear by Celestia, I did," he said in an almost fanatic tone.

"Good. Let's not make anymore mistakes like that, yes?"

"Of course."

With that errand done, I decided that Twilight Sparkle needed my personal touch. I had her brought to my house, making sure that I had some refreshments ready. She looked more ragged and dirty than Applejack did.

"Hello, Twilight. How are you?" I greeted her.

"I have barely slept for the last three weeks and had constant brain washing for the same time. I've had nothing to do except think, and only the barest essentials for life," she answered in a very dry tone.

"I am sorry Twilight, but you are doing it to yourself. If you could just see how happy everypony is without their cutie marks, you'd see that this is true friendship."

"A pony's cutie mark is a representation of themselves. You cannot just strip that away!"

"Equality is what makes true friendship. Special talents cause fighting, competition, and feuds. Without them, everypony would be kinder, more honest ponies."

"T-- Th--- That's not true," she said in a small voice.

"Of course it is. Why else do you think your friends changed their minds? They saw the truth, so why won't you?" Twilight was quiet for a few moments.

"You won't make me change my mind. I know what is true. I learned and used friendship to save Equestria from many threats. That was true friendship, not whatever it is you are trying to push on us as friendship. I will resist you forever if I must." There was a tense silence for a minute.

"I think you should be going back to your house now," I told her before giving her back to the guards.

She continues her resistance, and the guards are closing in on her location. I have to come up with something to stop her from ruining everything... but what?

I returned outside to find Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack waiting for me.

"Hello... what can I help you with?" I asked them.

"We was hopin' to see our cutie marks today," Applejack answered. "Fluttershy says ya' want us to have escorts before goin' there, so we're here."

"Right, I did promise her that, didn't I?" I said with my head still spinning. I looked around to see that every other pony was busy preparing for the festival. "I'll just have take you to the vault myself."

The trip to the cutie mark storage area took about an hour, which was a bit longer than I'd like to leave the town without a mayor. On the way there, I thought I saw a small streak of gold and white going south east, but I hope it was nothing. Upon reaching the vault, I noticed four ponies waiting outside. They were the three members of the council, and one other pony.

"Hello... what are you all doing here?" I asked as we trotted over to the entrance.

"Hey. We were just thinking about the security of this area.," Fire Hammer answered.

"Thinking about the security? Why?" I asked.

"We were thinking of posting a few guardsponies here, to make sure nopony breaks the glass open," Forest Embers answered.

"Well, I am glad that you are here. You can help me watch these four," I said, indicating the four ponies who were now looking for their cutie marks in the vault.

"Why did you bring them here if you don't trust them?" Double Diamond asked.

"I don't distrust them, but I have to be cautious."

The ponies looked at their cutie marks for over an hour before finally agreeing to return to the town.

The return trip was far more boring. The banquet's preparations are going well, with most of the decorations already done and hung up. This should be something that brings everypony's spirits up.

Shining Armor's Log Day 396

Since I am the commander of the search force, I am forced to stay behind. As all the teams broke off, I had to set up a camp to await any results they might have found. Years of training for the military have made it possible for me to create a suitable camp anywhere in Equestria, and most places outside of it as well.

It was just after lunch when I heard the flapping of wings. I looked up to see a pegasus flying towards me. She landed a few dozen feet from my camp, but even at that distance I could see her eyes were bloodshot, and her walking was unsteady.

"What happened to put you in such a state?" I asked the pegasus.

"I'm sorry, sir. I can't help appearances right now. I was ordered to get a message to you as soon as possible," she responded.

"What is it?"

"We may have found where your sister is," she said.

Before she could say a single word, I asked, "Where is she?"

"We don't know where she, personally, is, but we saw her friends in a village to the north east. We successfully identified Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie in the crowds, and we believe Rarity as well, but we couldn't get a clear look."

"Alright. One second," I told her, before grabbing my breastplate.

"Everypony, we have found the targets. Return to the base camp," I said through the mental connection that the armor allowed.

"Alright, done," I told the soldier who was practically dead on her feet. "You just missed lunch, but I am sure I could make somethi---"

"NO! I mean, no thank you sir. I'll just have some dry rations," she said before trotting off to a cushion I had brought. I couldn't help but sigh. My bad cooking reputation preceded me it seems. Now even common soldiers I don't know think I am a bad cook.

That doesn't matter though. My sister was found, and excitement is sure to follow. I couldn't ask for more.

Chapter 7: Preparations

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 396

After some thinking, I came up with a plan to get rid of some of the... obstacles. Truth be told, the village wasn't the only part of our community. There were a few ponies who would be chopping wood, some more would be mining, and still others would be farming, about a day or two away from the town.

My solution to stop anypony from making mistakes, especially the new friends, is to send them as messengers to these areas. I decided to visit Rarity's home first.

After the standard pleasantries between ponies of charm, I was invited into her home. She had made a few bits since the last time I had visited, and actually had a few soft cushions for us to sit on while we chatted.

"So, was this visit just for my company, or did you have something in mind?" Rarity asked as she was making more dresses.

"While I do love your company, Rarity, I do have a favor to ask," I admitted to her.

"Whatever is it?"

"I need some ponies to go out to the farms to tell the farmponies to return, as well as collect whatever supplies they can before the... festivities," I explained. The council and I agreed that no pony should know about the captain's arrival, so the welcoming party was to be masked as a welcoming party for our new friends.

Rarity stopped working and thought for a few moments before answering. "I suppose a walk could clear my mind, and I am running low on some materials that the farm should be growing... Yes, I can do that for you."

"Thank you. You don't know how much this puts my mind at ease."

"Anytime, Darling... but, if you do not mind, I need to focus on my work," she said, turning back to her dresses.

"I understand. You might have a few other ponies going with you."

"That's fine," she said as she waved me off with her hoof.

The next stop was Applejack's house. Applejack was surprised to see me, to say the least. She seemed almost nervous, but it was probably nothing. She can't lie very well.

"Howdy, Starlight. What can I do for ya'?" she greeted me.

"Hello, Applejack. I just came by to say that we have found a job for you. Temporarily, of course," I assured her.

"That's sounding good right now. I need to get my hoofs back at work, don't want no pony to think I've become lazy, right?" she asked jokingly. "That, and I also really need the bits."

"Good. You can work as a farm pony under Prairie Flowers."

"Alright, when do I leave?"

"I am sending some ponies out there tomorrow to pick up some supplies and come back with some more ponies for the celebration. You can go with them to meet the ponies you'll be working with for a few weeks."

"Alright, I'll do just that," she assured me.

"Now, I hate to leave, but I have other ponies I need to meet with before long. Goodbye."

"Bye."

I found Pinkie Pie in the bakery. After ordering a few muffins, I decided to check on Pinkie Pie's progress with Sugar Belle.

"So, Sugar Belle, how has Pinkie Pie been... adjusting?" I asked.

"She's been doing fine since you've talked to her," Sugar Belle assured me. "She has paid the bakery back every bit for the ingredients she destroyed."

"That's good to hear. Do you mind if I go talk to her?"

"Not at all. We're actually ahead of schedule," Sugar Belle assured me before I left.

Pinkie Pie was baking quite a bit, and she seemed to be used to the muffins now.

"Hello, Pinkie Pie," I greeted her.

"Hi!" She shouted in response. "And I told you already, call me Pinkie. It's what everypony calls me."

"Sorry, Pinkie," I apologized. "Pinkie, do you think you could do me a favor?"

"Sure, what do you need?" She asked. Before I could answer, however, I was interrupted. "Perhaps you need some reconnaissance? Need a cake? Oooo! Do you need somepony to help you kidnap another pony as a birthday surprise?"

"What...? No, no, I don't need any of those!" I said hesitantly. The whole situation still confuses me.

"Well, what do you need?" she asked obliviously.

"I need you to accompany some ponies to go visit the forest. We'll need some logs for the party, and the ponies out there need to be told to return here," I finally got out.

"Okie dokie loki. I can do that. When will it be?" she asked.

"Tomorrow."

"That's super great. I just need to start baking everything that will be needed tomorrow. Hopefully Sugar Belle won't miss me too much... perhaps I should make her a goodbye cake..." she said before trailing off into gibberish. I found myself suddenly on the outside of a conversation that Pinkie Pie was having... with herself. I quickly let myself out.

Before I could get to Fluttershy's house, I was stopped by Fire Hammer.

"Hey, Starlight," he called out to me.

"Hello, Fire. What do you need?" I inquired.

"I just got done with those necklaces you wanted," he said as he showed me the six necklaces I had requested a few weeks ago. They were gilded iron necklaces, with an equal sign as its main piece.

"Thank you, Fire. These are perfect," I told him. "I'll send over the bits later. I'm afraid I still have some errands to run."

"Of course. I'll be waiting," he said before turning and going back to his forge.

Without any other interruptions, I got to Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy was already outside, and was talking with a few other ponies. After waiting about ten minutes, Fluttershy noticed me waiting. She said her farewells to the other ponies and trotted over to me.

"Hello, Starlight," she greeted me.

"Hello, Fluttershy," I replied. "How are you?"

"I am doing fine now, thank you. How about you? Are you doing okay?"

"Yes, I am, thank you for asking. I just came by to ask for your help."

"Oh, um... What do you need?" she asked quietly.

"I need some ponies to go to the mines tomorrow and get the stragglers back to town. I was hoping you'd be able to go and meet them."

"Oh, I can do that. Anything for you, Starlight," Fluttershy said with conviction.

"Thank you for your help. I wish I could stay to talk, but I have one more thing to do. Have a good night."

"Goodbye. You too," she said, before walking towards the bakery.

I returned home before setting to work on the necklaces. I had ordered these necklaces as insurance, in case things went bad. It appears I actually have to use them. That night, I spent six hours putting enchantments on the necklaces. If I activated a certain spell, the necklaces would begin to warm up and become tight around a pony's neck. After an hour, they would be hot enough to begin to melt. It is not something I am proud to have made, but I'll have to use them. May Celestia forgive me for what I will be doing.

Author's Note

If you can catch the reference in this chapter, you get a virtual cookie
(Disclaimer: you will not actually get a cookie)

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 8: Threats

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 397

There are lines I have not crossed until now. I have forced the truth on some, I have stolen from others to survive, and I disobeyed my professors when they told me I was going too far with my research. I have disobeyed several laws, and have nearly killed another sentient creature. Even then, I had a code of integrity. I have changed since my early years.

"If my conscience becomes a hindrance to me, then I will simply erase it. I have no other choice but to move forward.” I remember hearing that somewhere, and it fits. I have done something that I once thought was pure evil. The ends justify the means; the removal of cutie marks. I must always remember my goal. It gives me strength.

It was just after the sun had been raised that eight ponies stood outside my home.

"Thank you all for accepting this request of mine," I told them. They were to be the eight messengers, who would be split up into teams of two. "I know that missing some of the festival is hard for many ponies, but you all accepted. So, for our new friends who will be going as well, I would like to give these." I passed the necklaces out to Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy.

"This looks simply divine," Rarity cried out upon seeing the necklace. The other ponies had... less enthusiastic reactions to them.

"But, I don't want to keep you waiting. Safe travels!" I shouted to the messengers as they galloped away. With those four out of the way, only two other problems remained.

The town was very active, considering that most of the party preparations were planned today. This meant that, if I were to bring Twilight Sparkle to my house, I had to take her there myself.

As usual, as soon as the door opened, Twilight Sparkle got up. Of course, it was morning, so she was still bleary eyed from the little sleep she got.

"Follow me," I said simply, before walking away with the door open. Twilight obediently obliged. We got back to my home before too many ponies saw us walking together. When we entered, however, I did not lead her to the living room Instead, we went upstairs.

"Why are we going upstairs?" Twilight asked.

"Ponies are less likely to hear us there. You and I have some things to discuss."

My private room was lined with books and my journal, all of which were moved to the side. There were two cushions to sit on, but I preferred to remain standing.

"So, what do you want to talk about? Perhaps another plea to make me 'see the truth?'" she asked with venom filling her voice.

"No, I am unable to break you through those means. You have stopped my plans, and I cannott let that continue," I told her. I pulled out one of the necklaces. "Do you know what this is?"

"It appears to be a necklace... with an enchantment on it."

"Yes, but can you tell what enchantment?" I asked. Twilight studied it for a minute before admitting she did not know. "This enchantment allows me, the caster, to cause the necklace to tighten around the wearer's neck, and heat up. It could cause pain or death, depending on my wishes." I let that sink in for a few moments.

"How does this effect me?" Twilight asked. "I will not join you, even if you threaten to kill me."

"Who said anything about killing a princess? No, you see, I had five more of these made. I only have two with me."

After a few moments of tense silence, Twilight asked, "Where are the other four?"

"One is on each of your friends. They aren't here, and will probably be gone for a few days."

"What do you want from me?! Why can't you just let me and my friends go?!" Twilight screamed at me.

"Simple, I need you here. You would have spoken to Celestia or some other ponies and warn about the town. I couldn't allow that, so now... here we are. The choice is yours. You can continue to resist, or you can do exactly as I tell you. Your choice."

"Its not much of a choice, is it? I... I'll do what you say."

"Very good. Now, we will have a very special guest soon. This is what you are going to do...." I instructed Twilight on my plans of waht she was required to do when Shining Armor arrives. It took several hours, but I was able to get her to memorize the plan. With a final warning, I sent her off to clean up and become presentable.

After Twilight was clean and had stylized her mane, we went outside.

"Everypony, I have an announcement," I shouted to everypony within earshot. Immediately, the entire town came to me to hear what it was.

"We have a new friend," I told them, gesturing my hoof at Twilight Sparkle. Applause and cheers broke out. "Now let's get the rest of the decorations set up. We still have a party to get ready!" I told everypony after the applause had died down. Immediately, they went back to their jobs.

Shining Armor's Log Day 397

The force of 51 ponies met about two miles away from the village. The teams had confirmed Twily was in the village while I was traveling there. Apparently, she was either being treated as a prisoner or a respected guest.

"Alright, everypony listening? We will be charging the village in lightning formation," I commanded. "We will be fast, we will be ready. We do not know what village this is, but it appears to be full of ponies with the same cutie marks. This could be the work of some monster. We don't know. I will lead us in. Any questions?" There were none.

"Then let's get ready. We're leaving in five minutes," I said before turning to pack my stuff away.

The five minutes passed by much faster than I thought it would, and before six minutes had passed, 51 ponies from the Equestrian Royal Guard were charging onto the small village.

The townsponies fled into their houses to avoid being hit by the guards, except for six ponies. The most prominent and the only one I recognized was my sister, Twily.

"Twily!" I shouted as I galloped over to her. I would be lying if I said that we did not hug upon first contact.

"Hey, Shining. How are you?" she asked.

"I am good, Twilight, the real question is 'How are you?' You've been missing for weeks now!"

"I'm doing.... fine," she said, looking to the side slightly. "I've just been busy with all these... wonderful and... kind ponies." She gestured to the ponies behind her.

"Hello there, and welcome to our little village," the mare in front said. "I am Starlight Glimmer, the mayor of this town."

"Hello," I replied. "I am Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Guard."

"First a princess and now a captain? Things sure our becoming lively in this town," she said with a smile. Twilight fidgeted to the side. That is when I noticed that her cutie mark... was an equal sign.

"Twilight... what happened to your cutie mark...?" I asked in horrified shock.

"I h- decided to give it up... to have true friendship," she replied.

"True friendship? Twilight, you're not making any sense."

"I believe I can explain," Starlight Glimmer said. "In our town, we believe that cutie marks cause dissension and ruin friendships. Your sister's map sent her here to learn how to have true friendship."

"How does one even remove a cutie mark?" I asked, calming down some.

"It's through the cutie unmarking," one of the other ponies said.

"Cutie unmarking...?" I asked again. This was beginning to become too much for me.

"Yes, that is when I use the staff of sameness to remove a pony's cutie mark," Starlight answered. "It's a very simple and lovely process. Most ponies experience a large amount of happiness from being freed from their cutie marks."

"Uh huh... do you mind if I talk with my sister alone for a few minutes?" I asked.

"Actually," Twilight began to say, "I mind that. Whatever you tell me, you can tell these ponies. They are my.... friends."

"Sir," one of the guardsponies interrupted. "You have a letter from Princess Celestia... a private letter. It just arrived by courier."

"Surely it can wait? We are in the middle of something," I told him, annoyed.

"No, sir. It cannot wait." I shook my head.

"Listen, I'll be back soon, Twily," I said before turning to the mayor. "Do you mind if my men and I stay at a hotel or someplace around here?"

"I'm afraid we cannot allow that," the mayor replied. "Only ponies without a cutie mark can stay here."

"What?! You're joking, right?" I asked incredulously.

"I'm afraid not. Those are the rules of the town."

"Fine. I'll be back tomorrow then. It appears we have to remake our camp," I told them before riding off.

There's definitely something strange in that town, and I have to find out what... Something's wrong with Twilight. Why would she lie to me...

Author's Note

Wow... When I started writing this, I was planning on writing the uplifting tale of the Equalization movement, in all of it's glory and truth. Now, it seems like I'm writing a dictator's rise to power. I'm okay with this.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 9: Instruction

Shining Armor's Log Day 397 continued

I returned to camp in the worst way a commander could. I was furious. Princess Celestia had pulled me away from the town just before I could talk to Twilight. I could not think clearly and I needed to let out some anger.

I saw the courier was still waiting with the letter. A code 14 meant that it was an immediate danger, one that would require a large force to deal with. Upon noticing me, the courier saluted.

"Sir, a letter from Princess Celestia," she said. I took the letter from her and floated it over into my hooves.

"Thank you. Get some food and water, I might have a letter to send back," I told her curtly, before turning and walking over to a chair. I opened the letter and began to read.
Dear Shining Armor,

There have been reports of changelings near Manehattan. Your replacement has sent a small force of guards to investigate, and they have found that there is a changeling outpost in the vicinity of Manehattan. I know the search for Twilight is important, but I must also take care of the others under my protection. This letter is for the immediate return of 40 ponies to Manehattan to destroy the outpost. They will be returned after the outpost is dealt with.
Her Excellence, Ruler of the Realm, Raiser of the sun,

Princess Celestia

"Get me a pen and some paper," I commanded to anypony that was nearby. Within a minute I had everything I needed to send a response, but first I needed to follow my orders.

"Squads 1-14, you're to report to the Manehattan station," I ordered. "Apparently, the changelings have created an outpost near there. You'll get the rest of the briefing when you arrive." With a final salute, 42 ponies galloped off. How are they going to get the train to come back? I thought. No matter, they were good ponies, they could get to Manehattan with little issue. Shaking my head to clear my mind, I began to write the letter.
Dear Princess Celestia,

I have found Twilight, but something seems to be wrong. She lied to me when we spoke. She is in a small town at the moment, and the mayor seems to be in complete control. There is a major issue, though. Everypony has the same cutie marks in this town, even Twilight. I am worried greatly by this, and would appreciate your guidance in this matter. I will be meeting with Twilight tomorrow, and hopefully I will be able to get some answers. I have a bad feeling about this town. I need my force back as soon as the changelings are taken care of.
Captain of the Royal Guard, and you're faithful servant,

Shining Armor
P.S. Send Cadence my love. I can't waste paper to send her a letter, but tell her that I am alright and that I will return.

Twilight, I know something is wrong. Just hold on a little while longer, I will save you.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 397 continued

"Twilight, we must speak," I said as soon as the army was out of earshot. "We have some matters to discuss still."

I walked towards my cottage with Twilight following. The situation went mostly according to plan. Shining Armor was not fooled by Twilight's act, however. That could prove problematic later on.

"What do we need to talk about?" Twilight asked.

"Nothing too much, just the fact that you weren't trying hard enough," I scolded her. Before she could speak, however, I said, "But like I've always said, the past is in the past. We can only right our mistakes."

"I'm not sure I understand."

"Well, Shining Armor will ask you to talk to him in private. I will be blunt, I can't allow that. You have not earned my trust yet. So, this is what you're going to do. You will tell him that we are your friends, and that you keep nothing from us. You will not betray me or the town."

"I already told you, I won't do that," she claimed.

"Good. So, if he asks you to speak in private, I expect you to not allow that. I don't believe I have to tell you what will happen if you don't...?"

"No," Twilight responded while looking at the floor. I thought I saw a tear fall.

"Good. Now the next order of business. You will always have a pony with you. It will be either me or one of the ponies from the town council."

"Why can't you just me and my friends go?! We did nothing to harm you, and you force us to stay?!" She asked again.

"I am not keeping your friends here, Twilight," I said bluntly. "They have chosen to stay. I have not posted guards on them for the past week. They are staying of their own free will. They know this is where they belong. They are okay without their cutie marks. They are all better off without their special talents. Rarity is happy, Pinkie is happy, every one of your friends are happy. You are the only one that is not, because you continue to hold onto the idea that your cutie mark is a good thing."

Twilight couldn't handle that idea. She began to cry and laid down on the floor. I can never stand seeing another pony crying, so I tried to comfort her. Despite my best attempts at consoling her, she cried for... a very long time. I was forced to allow her cries to run their course, until she, finally, stopped crying.

After Twilight that... talk, I took her to the back bedroom.

"I am sorry, Twilight, but I am going to have to lock you in here. It's for the safety of the town," I told her. She said nothing in reply and just laid in the bed. I looked around the room briefly, making sure there was no way she could harm herself, and then locked it. It was a door that locked from the outside, for the more... troublesome guests. The lock was also enchanted, meaning a lot of magic would be required for a unicorn to pick it withmagic.

With that taken care of, I went back outside where many ponies were waiting to welcome our new friend.

"I am sorry everypony, but our new friend needs to sleep," I said to all of them. "She has had a tough day, and is going to have a harder one tomorrow. She needs our support and her privacy." Most ponies were saddened by this fact, but most agreed with me and went about their business.

I looked over to see the three main council members looking at me. I motioned them over before walking back into my house. A few minutes later, we were all seating by my table with some muffins to snack on.

"What do we need to talk about?" Fire Hammer asked.

"Twilight Sparkle," I stated simply.

"What about Twilight?" Double Diamond questioned. "She's one of us now."

"That may be true, but she is the leader of these new friends, and an alicorn as well. We need to be careful around her."

"Careful, how?" Forest Embers wanted to know.

"One of us must always be with her. She has agreed to this condition."

"Is that really such a good idea?" Fire Hammer asked skeptically.

"She might think it means we don't trust her," Double Diamond worried.

"It's fine. She understands her... situation. It is just temporary. Don't worry," I assured them. They all nodded in agreement.

After a few more minutes of pleasantries and gossip, they all left. Myself, I felt weary. I decided to take a little me time, and get some more sleep than usual. Tomorrow should be more eventful than today would be, I just have a feeling.

Author's Note

Criticism is always appreciated, though I may not respond to all of it.

Chapter 10: Guest

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 398

I woke up to the sound of knocking. I stumbled out of bed, sleep still filling my eyes. After getting to the door, I noticed that the visitors were already in my house. Looking to my right, I saw the council members waiting for me to join them. It appeared that they had already gotten breakfast at the bakery. They hadn't eaten any of their food yet, but were drinking some water.

"Good morning, Starlight," Double Diamond greeted me.

"Hello... what are you all doing here?" I inquired. I did not know why they were in my house. Most ponies never entered my house unless they wanted something.

"We're just here to speak with Twilight Sparkle," Forest Embers answered. "We just want to make sure she's doing okay under your... care."

"Yes, I suppose that is reasonable. She's in the back," I told them. "I'll go see if she's awake."

I walked to Twilight's temporary room and knocked. There was no answer, but I doubted there would be one for some time. Instead of leaving her be, as was my intention, something overtook me and forced me to open the door. Inside was Twilight, as quiet and still as a statue. Her eyes were empty.

"Twilight, are you okay?" I asked, worried. Sometimes, I knew, ponies go into shock after being brought out of the reeducation houses. At least, that was what happened with the old one.

Twilight said nothing in response. She had a far away look in her eyes, as if she were thinking some profound thoughts that nopony else would share. I went over to her and tried to put my hoof on her shoulder to jolt her back into reality. When my hoof touched her fur, however, she pushed it away.

"What do you want now?" she asked in a defeated tone.

"Some nice ponies are here to see you... they want to know how you are," I answered her honestly.

"I take it you want me to tell them lies? Tell them how much I LOVE it here? Tell them how much I believe in equality? Want me to leave out the facts about the necklaces? Am I right?!" She asked, getting angry at the end.

"Tell them whatever you wish concerning how you like this house. Tell them comforting half truths about your opinions. I don't care about those... The necklaces are a necessity though. You couldn't be trusted otherwise. I will apologize for using them, but that won't stop me from doing what I must to protect our town."

Twilight Sparkle went back to her gazing at nothing. After a few moments, she got up.

"Let's go. I wouldn't want to keep my new 'friends' waiting," she sarcastically said.

We walked back out to the common room. After some pleasantries, the council members started to ask their intended questions.

"So, do you like it here at Starlight's cottage?" Forest Embers asked.

"It's okay. I do want my own place, though," Twilight said.

"Let me be blunt," Fire Hammer started. "Can you stay in this house for about a week?"

I was as surprised as Twilight was at this question. "Why do I have to stay for a week?" Twilight asked.

"I'm afraid we won't be able to build your house until after the festival, and it will take a few days to build."

I admit, I probably should have thought of that, but there was just too much to keep up on. I decided to have the council handle the menial tasks like that so that I could focus on the much more important details of the town.

"Can I just stay at another friend's house until it is done?" Twilight asked hopefully.

"I suppose you could stay at one of our houses," Double Diamond said. "After all, we're all friends now. We don't want to break tradition more than we have to." I would have put an end to this talk, but I had no backing for it. Only tradition held that the new friends stayed at my house, where I could keep an eye on them. If anypony found out about the backroom, it would be dismantled immediately.

"Then I would prefer to stay here," Twilight said after half a minute of thought. I was absolutely shocked.

"Now the next issue," Forest Embers announced. "Her job. We don't have any more job openings available for somepony with her... unique skills."

"Don't worry about that," I assured them. "I have plans for a job for her. Until then, I will pay her with some of my own bits."

"Alright. With that done, I have to go about my own business," Fire Hammer said. "Good day."

After about 20 minutes of idle chat and socializing, the only ones left in the living room were Twilight and I. She had barely touched her muffins.

"Don't worry," I assured her, "it's an acquired taste." My guest said nothing in response.

"So, do you want to go anywhere today?" I asked Twilight. I usually let my guests come and leave whenever they wanted while they stayed with me, but this pony was... unique.

"Do you have a library here?" Twilight inquired.

"Yes... and no. We only have non-fiction here."

"Can we go there?" Twilight excitedly asked.

"We're already there," I informed her, pointing to a bookshelf in the back. Only 5 books lined the shelves.

"You only have five books here?" Twilight asked, dumfounded.

I laughed at this. "We have more, of course, but some fillies and colts are using them for reports. We have about 20 books here in our town. We don't get any merchants here, so its mostly what ponies had on them."

After a few minutes of silent thought, Twilight said, "Then I don't really want to go anywhere until my friends get back."

"That's your choice, but you really should meet some of your new friends. It'll be the first true friendship you'll have."

"No, thank you."

The rest of the day was spent lounging around the house, mostly. There was no life threatening emergency, nothing that needed my attention. Every few hours or so somepony would arrive to socialize, but those didn't last long. Twilight did not want to socialize, or so it seemed. I can only hope that her friends will be able to convince her to be more outgoing.

Author's Note

Sorry this update took so long. A lot of problems in time... and homework. But, hey, it's here. Let the enlightenment of everypony continue... eventually... I swear, I'll get to that point in the story some day.

Remember, Criticism is always welcomed.

Chapter 11: True Friendship

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 399

I awoke to the sound of galloping outside my window. After resigning myself to the fate of waking up, I got out of bed and peered outside the window through slightly closed eyes.

Outside the first group of messenger ponies had returned; the miners. They were followed by a wagon containing many different things we'd need for the festival. After getting myself prepared for the day, I went downstairs to Twilight's room.

I opened the door to find that she was already up, and had already gotten ready for the day. Her bed was made, her mane stylized, and some muffins had small bites out of them on her side table.

"Good morning, Twilight," I greeted her.

"Hello. What's happening outside?" she asked.

"Some ponies from the mines are back, including Fluttershy. Would you like to speak to her?"

"Yes. I'd like that a lot."

We walked out to see that some ponies were unpacking the wagon. While I was watching, Peachy Seashell grabbed a crate and accidentally pulled it wrong. The whole stack of crates began to fall.

"EVERYPONY OUT OF THE WAY!" I shouted before trying to grab some of the crates with my magic. I could not grab them all though, and not all ponies were lucky enough to be outside of the crash zone. Serenity Pop had her leg crushed by one of the crates. Someponies led her to the hospital and I snapped.

"WHAT was THATPeachy Seashell?! WHATwere YOU thinking?!" I shouted. Peachy Seashell shrunk under my admonishing. "You endangered all your friends. Why?!"

"I... I was distracted," came her weak response.

"Distracted?! By what?"

"B-b-by Amber Wishes. I w-w-was w-watching him."

"With no thought for how you might effect your friends... how thoughtless," I told her. She wilted beneath the gaze of everypony in the area. Well, nearly everypony. There were two exceptions; Twilight and Fluttershy.

"I-I'm sorry, everypony. I didn't mean to," she said, pleading with us. After a few seconds, I allowed my face to soften.

"It's okay. Everypony makes mistakes, and what are friends for than to forgive?" I told her and the other ponies. "But there is one pony who will need your help... Do you know what you should do?"

"Yes... Yes! I know! I can help Serenity Pop get better! I can help her run her distillery. Thank you for the advice, Starlight!" Peachy Seashell said loudly before galloping towards the hospital.

With that problem resolved, I returned my attention to my charge. I found her talking to Fluttershy near the back of the crowd.

"Welcome back," I said to Fluttershy. "How was the journey?"

"Oh, it was lovely. This part of Equestria has so many beautiful birds and animals. It was nice seeing them all," Fluttershy informed me before adjusting the necklace I had given her.

"You know, I just remembered, I need your necklace back," I commanded her. She blinked a few times before trying to unstrap the necklace. When she got it off she sighed as she lifted her head and shook her mane.

"Why are you taking it back?" Twilight asked with confusion.

"Because they don't need it anymore. It was so that they would be recognized, but everypony should know them by now. They no longer need it... isn't that right, Fluttershy?"

"Y-Yes, that's correct. No need for those necklaces anymore," she said with a weak smile. I smiled back, but when Fluttershy looked away, I gave Twilight a disappointed look.

"I suppose you would like to spend today with Fluttershy?" I asked Twilight.

"Yes, I would like that a lot," Twilight answered while casting a gaze at Fluttershy.

"Okay, Twilight. Can I just speak to you alone for a few seconds?" I asked while pointing a hoof towards my home.

"Sure... Fluttershy, I'll be right back. Just have to talk with her for a few minutes," Twilight assured her friend before accompanying me inside. I closed the door behind us before speaking.

"Twilight, why did you tell Fluttershy about the necklace?" I asked.

"Because it could have hurt her... I don't know what I'd do if... if..." she said before trailing off with tears in her eyes.

I sighed. It made sense, and I was going to collect the necklaces anyways, but the problem was knowing. Truth is important, but sometimes lies were required.

"Twilight, I am going to take the necklaces back from your friends. Their lives will no longer be in danger, but I just want to ask you one question."

"What's the question?" Twilight asked.

"Do you want to ruin the happiness your friends have here for your own views of what is right? Have you ever been wrong when some of your friends were right?" She winced slightly when I said the last part? "You don't have to answer, I just want you to think about that. You may go now."

Twilight turned and walked away slowly. Her head was drooped slightly and she seemed to be thinking, though it might have been acting. After a minute passed I opened the door again. Double Diamond was waiting outside.

"Did you set followers to watch them?" I asked.

"Just as you requested," he answered me with a smile and a nod.

"Good. Thank you for all the help, Double Diamond."

"Anytime," he said. He opened his mouth as if to say more, but seemed to decide against it.

After a few awkward moments, I walked past him.

"I have some... planning to do for the festival," I told him.

"Of course. If you need anything else, just ask," he responded.

The next six hours were spent overseeing the rest of the supply distributions. As soon as night began to fall, everypony returned to their houses, including myself.

On the opposite side of the street from my house stood a pony trying to hide in the shadows. As I opened the door, I found out why they were there. Fluttershy and Twilight were already waiting for me. Needless to say I was a bit surprised.

"Hello, Starlight," Fluttershy greeted me.

"H-Hello... what are you doing here?" I asked.

"We were just talking about how my life has been since I joined this village," Fluttershy answered for a still quiet Twilight.

"Oh, right... but, Fluttershy, it's already night time. Luna's moon has risen. You'll need to sleep soon if you want to wake up early tomorrow morning to help with the set up," I started.

"I guess we'll have to continue this conversation tomorrow," Twilight said interrupting me.

"Or you could stay here. I have a second spare bedroom, if you two want to continue talking," I finished.

"Are you sure that you don't mind?" Fluttershy asked.

"Not at all. Twilight is still nervous about the change over to the village life, so having a friend help her transition would be good for her, that is, if you don't mind helping her meet new ponies."

"I would love to help Twilight become less shy around other ponies."

"And, Twilight, I hope you don't mind this?"

"I think it is a wonderful idea," Twilight said with a small smile.

"Well then, if neither of you mind me being a poor house guest, I am going to bed. Good night."

"Good night," the other ponies said in unison.

Twilight's door was left unlocked that night, and I did not hear a single sob or a tear shed. She might be finally accepting our ideas.

Author's Note

Sorry for longer than my normal wait time between chapters, but Finals are coming up and I have to study... stupid Latin America history! But I digress, hope you all enjoy this new update.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 12: Loyalty

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 400

Stubbornness has been both a blessing and a curse for me. Despite having many ignorant ponies mock me and my beliefs about Equality, I created a community of true friendship. I suppose it is only fair that stubbornness will be something I have to overcome to help another pony see the truth.

It had been a long time since Rainbow Dash had been brought out to ask if she would join our town. I expected her to be more than happy to join us. I was very wrong.

It was just past 10:00 am when I entered the equalization house where Rainbow Dash was staying. Rainbow Dash was lying down, ignoring my entrance.

"What took you so long?" she asked bitterly.

"I'm afraid that we are preparing for a festival," I informed her. "We haven't had time to bring you out, and still don't."

"Then why are you here?" she inquired before looking at me for the first time since I arrived.

"I came to ask you personally if you'd like to join us. Most of the other ponies are busy right now."

"No," came the bold reply. Rainbow Dash rolled back over and appeared to be going back to sleep.

"I was hoping you'd realize the truth by now, but I suppose you need a guiding hand," I told her. I walked back to the door. Outside two ponies were waiting; Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy. I motioned them inside.

"You have some ponies that wanted to visit you," I said. Rainbow Dash turned over and saw her friends.

"Twi'... you joined them?" Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief.

"It's... complicated," Twilight answered. "I'll tell you about it some other time."

"So... what? Are you two supposed to convince me to join these crazy ponies and their ideas?"

"Rainbow Dash, why don't you join us?" Fluttershy asked. "Everypony here is so nice, they even apologized for trapping us. It's so peaceful, and I'm sure you will love it here."

"Fluttershy... this isn't you," Rainbow Dash said with conviction. "You aren't her."

"What do you mean?"

"You aren't her! You may have her mane, but you are not the Fluttershy that I knew from Cloudsdale!" Rainbow Dash shouted angrily. "You aren't my friend."

"Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy began but trailed off, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

"Leave me alone. I don't want you ruining the memories of a friend of mine," Rainbow Dash said before turning away from us.

Fluttershy couldn't keep her composure after that. She ran outside, tears running down her face.

"Would you like to go check on her?" I asked Twilight.

"Yes, she needs a friend to help her," Twilight answered before galloping out the door. I turned back to Rainbow Dash before leaving.

"You just made one of your closest friends cry," I said bluntly. "You will make it up to her, somehow."

Rainbow Dash made no response. I turned and followed Twilight to Fluttershy's home.

It took several hours of trying to make Fluttershy understand that it was just a stage in the Equalization process, and that Rainbow Dash would realize her mistakes to stop Fluttershy from crying any further. After another hour of idle talking, we heard wagons outside. Some ponies had placed bets on who would be arriving first, and the lumberjacks were the safe bet. Unfortunately for many, the farmers were the ones to arrive first. Outside were a chain of wagons laden with foodstuff.

In the lead were the two handpicked messengers. They appeared to be talking to a small family of ponies. Twilight, Fluttershy, and I were outside by the time the caravan came in.

"Howdy y'all," Applejack greeted us. "Looks like I have family here. They're in charge of the farming for the town."

"Oh?" I asked in surprise.

"Eeyup. We apples are in almost every town and city in Equestria." That could be extremely useful, having an opening into any community in Equestria.

"So, how was the harvest?" I inquired. Usually in this dry region, the harvest was enough to keep us alive plus a bit of extra.

"It was pretty good," Pippin Spring answered me. "With the extra help from Applejack, we were able to harvest all the fields much faster than last year."

"That's good to hear. I assume you gave Applejack a temporary job on the farm?"

"Of course I did. She's family, after all."

I looked back towards Twilight. She was speaking with Rarity and Applejack, who were still wearing their necklaces. I had to hurry to get those necklaces back. I trotted over to them, and waited for them to take notice of me. That did not take long.

"Oh, hello Starlight. How are you?" Rarity greeted me.

"I'm doing fine," I replied. "I just came over to welcome you back and to get those necklaces." Applejack gave me her necklace without a moments hesitation, but Rarity was more hesitant.

"Are you sure you need this back now? Can't I keep it for a few more hours?" she pleaded.

"I'm afraid I need it back right now, sorry."

"That's okay, darling. I just wanted," Rarity began to say before being cut off by a new voice.

"Starlight," it called, "you have a letter from Double Diamond."

I looked over to the new pony. It was Party Favor, with the letter in hand.
Dear Starlight Glimmer,

There is a problem with one of the crates of food. The council is trying to handle it without you, but we need your assistance. Party Favor has been instructed to be your substitute in watching over Twilight. We are out in the fields to the west of the village.
Your friend and supporter,

Double Diamond

"It appears I have to be leaving now. I'm sorry for leaving abruptly, but this could be important," I said before going to Double Diamond.

I found him by the rest of the council, which was overseeing and accounting for the food the farmers brought in. Before I could get close, Double Diamond noticed me.

"Starlight! Did you come here to help us oversee the food unloading?" He shouted to me.

"W-what? You call---" I began before getting cut off.

"I'm glad you decided to come. Here, let me show you where we are," Double Diamond said as he tried to lead me towards some boxes on the far edge of the area, where no ponies were.

Once we were out of earshot of the other ponies, I asked, "What do you need Double Diamond?"

"I found out something... concerning. The council is wanting to destroy the reeducation houses and allow anypony that wants to leave the opportunity to."

"That goes against everything this town has ever done. Where did they get these ideas?"

"I don't know. I've been trying to talk them out of it, but I think they need to talk to you about it... or you talk to them."

"Thank you for this information Double Diamond."

"Of course. Anything I can do to help keep our town perfect, and make your life easier."

After a few minutes of talking with the other council members about the festival, I returned to my charges. I found them helping to unload boxes and helping in setting up for the party. By sunset, everything was in order. After saying good night, Twilight and I returned to my house.

"So, Twilight, how are you liking our town now?" I asked.

"It's... different than the first visit," was all she said. After a quick dinner, we both went to bed in our respective rooms.

Letter to Shining Armor

To Captain Shining Armor

The Changeling outpost was eradicated with minimal casualties. None of your forces were seriously injured, but not all could leave immediately on the journey. I will be sending you a replacement force of 40 guards. They should be there within three days, depending on the weather.
Captain of the Manehattan Guard

Zephyr Shield

Chapter 13: Conflicts

Starlight's Diary Day 402

The morning began with somepony knocking on my front door. Outside was still dark, with the moon's fading light painting the landscape in a blue tint. At my door stood Applejack. She had her fore hooves crossed and appeared to have been waiting for some time.

"Hello, Applejack," I started.

"Howdy," she replied. "I just need ta' ask ya' a few questions before the festival started."

"Oh... of course, please, come inside," I told her as I opened the door further.

After sitting down, and getting a small breakfast made, I joined Applejack at my table.

"What did you need to ask me about?"

"I was just wonderin' if I had to wear my hair in the way most ponies around here do," Applejack confided in me.

"Well, only on certain occasions," I said weakly.

"Such as?"

"Like when we do run-throughs of our song, during a festival, or when a very important pony comes through town," I supplied.

"So why does everypony wear their manes like they do?"

"It's probably just easier that way. Not everypony wants to change their hair once a week or so."

"Well, I reckon I best be goin'," Applejack said suddenly as she stood up. "Thank ya' for
breakfast."

"It was my pleasure," I said before leading her outside. After looking outside and seeing that the moon was still about 10 inches from the horizon, I went back to bed.

After several hours of sleep, I awoke to sunlight streaming in through my windows. I looked outside my window to see that some wind was going through the village. It wasn't a strong wind, more of a pleasant breeze. Even if today had been hot, the wind would have been nice. In reality, the day was perfect for what was planned.

I went downstairs once more to make a bit more breakfast for Twilight. It was a simple meal, as all good meals are, which consisted of some bread, a bit of fruit, and some water.

As I knocked on Twilight's door, I realized I had never told her what to do if her brother ever
returned. I had planned on her being ready to see the truth, but I feared, and still do, that she is
still clouding her own sight of truth. My fears were assuaged a bit by seeing her awake and ready
to leave at a moment's notice.

"Good morning, Twilight. I brought you some food," I said as I passed the food over.

"Good morning." Twilight looked at the food for all of two seconds before taking it in her own magic and eating it with a sloppiness I would have thought impossible for a unicorn to have.

"Twilight, I have some great news for you," I said after she had eaten.

"What is it?"

"I give you full access to wander the village, go wherever you want whenever you want... just not outside the city limits."

"Oh... thank you," Twilight said, but added after some hesitation, "Starlight."

After a few more minutes of conversation, I allowed Twilight to leave to go talk with some friends. After a few seconds, another pony casually followed her, at a safe distance. With a smile and a nod, I looked back over the group of ponies walking around the courtyard until I noticed Night Glider.

She was flying a few dozen feet above the village and was handling the moving of some clouds to the northern part of the village.
Needless to say, it was not a very important task. "Night Glider, can I speak to you?" I called up to her.

"Of course," she replied as she descended.

"Please, come in," I said as I motioned inside.

"What is it that you need?," Night Glider asked me. Straight forward, something that I quite enjoy in anypony.

"I need you to go find Fire Hammer, Forest Embers, and Lightning Dreams. Tell Fire Hammer to meet me at 9:00, Forest Embers at 10:00, and Lightning Dreams at 11:00," I ordered her.

"Of course. Anything else?" she asked expectantly.

"No, that is all," I finished before opening the door for her and starting to piece together a plan. I needed to regain the support of the ponies, and if the council would be making decisions for them, that meant making the council see my way.

Fire Hammer arrived promptly when I hoped he would, sweat covering his body.

"What do you need, Starlight?" he asked bluntly, as always.

"I just wanted to talk about a rumor I had heard from some ponies," I informed him.

"What rumor would that be?"

"That the council is trying to overrule a decision I had made concerning new friends that have yet to see the light." Even my own voice sounded cold to me.

Fire Hammer looked around, his eyes darting slightly to the left and right. "Just rumors, I can assure you, Starlight. The council would never try to do something like that."

"Right, of course. Simply rumors," I said as I began to walk around him. "I am sure the council would never wish to try and stop the enlightenment of new friends, that would be ridiculous. An act of fools."

Fire Hammer gulped loudly, and some new sweat was forming. "Of course it would be. I can assure you, that would never happen, Starlight."

"Yes, clearly it was just a rumor. Nothing to pay any mind to, right?"

"Of course... will that be all?" He asked with his voice quivering slightly.

"No, that will be all. Will I see you tomorrow for the festivities?"

"Of course... goodbye," he finished and practically ran out the door.

I regretted threatening a friend, but it was the only way to assure his cooperation. I looked at the clock. It had hardly taken 15 minutes to convince him. I spent the next 40 minutes reading through one of the books in my library, but was more than prepared by the time Forest Embers knocked on my door.

Forest Embers was a much harder pony to pin down. She was always quietly opposed to the equalization process. She was probably the one spearheading the proposition, but that didn't mean she was certain in her belief. Her opinions were swayed very easily if she was shown the truth, even if I did have to practically feed it down her throat. Today was no different.

"Good morning, Forest Embers. How are you?" I greeted her.

"I am doing fine, thanks for asking. How about you?"

"Good, thank you. Do you know why I asked you to come to this meeting?"

"I... have suspicions, but no certainties," Forest Embers said with a smile still on her face.

"Well, I heard there was a proposition about getting rid of the equalization process," I told her seriously.

"Yes, there are talks over that," she replied. Her wings moved slightly, as if she were scared, but that makes no sense.

"Forest Embers, do you remember how we met?"

"Of course I do, Starlight," she answered. "I was sleeping in a rocky outcropping after leaving Canterlot looking for... friendship."

"Yes. Tell me, what made you different than most of the ponies in Canterlot?"

"I was from a lesser known family, and could barely stay in Canterlot for what little schooling there was for nonunicorn ponies."

"Correct," I said. I paused for a few seconds, then asked, "Would any of those Canterlot ponies freely give up their cutie marks and put themselves on the same level as those who they believe are below them?"

"I-I suppose that they would not," Forest Embers said while trailing off.

"That is why the equalization process is needed. It shows the truth to ponies who refuse to listen, making them better," I said with confidence. "Do you get it now?"

"Yes... I think I do, Starlight," she said before bowing her head. "I am sorry for trying to get rid of the equalization process."

"It's okay, Forest. You simply needed it explained, by a friend."

"Thank you, Starlight. I appreciate you making it clear to me."

"It was no trouble. We are friends, we help each other," I finished with a smile. After a few more minutes of gossip, Forest Embers left. I looked at the clock before sighing. That chat had taken up the better part of 30 minutes. All that was left was Lightning Dreams. She was the easiest, since she actually agreed with my opinion on the matter. That talk took less than five minutes and would be a waste of ink and paper to write down.

Once Lightning Dreams left, I heard another knock on the door. Outside was Double Diamond with some good news.

"There are some delivery ponies here, Starlight. They have those apples we ordered a week ago," he informed me.

"That is good news! Where are they dropping off the apples?"

"Just outside the town, the southern side I believe."

"Thank you, Double Diamond," I said before galloping off to the delivery ponies. They had every crate of apples ready, all I had to do was pay the rest of the fee. It was quite a few bits, but it was worth it.

After delegating some ponies to unloading the apples and taking them to the warehouses, I went about the normal menial tasks that I had to do as the mayor of this town. First was checking in with the pony following Twilight, but she had nothing to report. It appears that Twilight truly has accepted our beliefs. Tonight, I shall test it. Her room's door has been left open, but there is a magical trigger on the doors leading outside. If she tries to run, I will know about it tonight.

Chapter 14: Outsiders

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 403

Today was the day to celebrate the founding of our town and the friendship all of us share. Unfortunately, it was not a very peaceful day, which friendship should cause. All of the problems began at 10:12, when everypony was celebrating.

There was no music filling the town, nor any professional entertainment. After all, what entertainment could anypony offer that was better than the friends that surrounded you? The bakers had prepared a variety of food, from bread to some light soup. There was even a salad or two. Most ponies were enjoying themselves, but there were a few exceptions. Party Favor was rushing around the tables, keeping them laden with food. Our five newest friends were mostly separated and were making new friends.

I had just left Twilight to socialize when Fire Embers came rushing over to me.

"Starlight, it's just as you predicted," she called towards me. "I was just told by some pegasi that Shining Armor's small army is heading this way."

"Good. How long until they get here?" I asked her.

"About an hour or so."

"Good, then I only have one thing left for you to do," I told her with a smile.

"What is that?" she asked, looking a bit glum that she couldn't socialize yet.

"Go enjoy the festivities. You earned it." I winked at her before walking away.

"Oh... okay. Thank you, Starlight," she replied after a few seconds.

I began walking towards the brewery when I nearly collided with a young orange pegasus. She glanced back and looked almost scared.

"Starlight," she spoke in a hushed tone, "I need to talk to you."

"Then come along. We can walk and talk," I assured her as I began to turn away.

"No!" She nearly shouted. Her eyes widened, "I mean, uh, not here. It's a bit... private."

"Okay," I said while giving her a questioning look. "We can talk while I check on the special cider."

It took us a few minutes to get to the brewery, where the cider was made and stored. It was a slightly larger building than the others, but filled with the many different types of machines to make different beverages. From the apples that we had imported, I had requested that the breweries produce 11 barrels, while the bakeries used them to make a few different desserts.

"What did you need to talk about?" I asked while looking through the cider barrels.

"It's... it'sSugarBelle! ShesplanningontellingShiningArmoraboutRainbowDashandtheequalizationprocess," the young mare said in a rush.

I could only blinked at her. "Can you say that again, a bit slower this time?" I requested.

"Sugar Belle has been talking to some friends, and they are thinking about telling the guardsponies about the equalization process and Rainbow Dash," the pegasus said at a much more reasonable speed.

I was shocked. I had assumed today would be a relatively easy day, and then this problem appeared. I thought about it a few more moments, trying to find a way out of this situation.

"Okay, here is what you are going to do..." I told the pegasus my plan. She was to go to Party Favor and Double Diamond and give them the list of the ponies who had different ideas and a small letter I wrote before sending her off. The letter told Double Diamond my plan for him, which was to get a few ponies together to distract the disloyal friends when Shining Armor arrived.

Before she left, however, I had another question to ask. "What is your name, again? It seems to have slipped my mind."

"Lightning Dust," she answered before flying away. I looked back amongst the barrels, finding the one that I had specially made. It had taken up a fourth of the apples delegated to the brewery, but the cider inside would be very strong, with an even stronger flavor. I put it to the side of the warehouse, in a special spot so no pony would accidentally use it.

I returned to the party after this. I was talking with Double Diamond when I noticed a cloud of dust coming. A chill went across my spine as I watched them approach, but I had a job to do.

"We have guests everypony!" I shouted in a tone I hoped some would find cheerful. The instant I spoke, everypony looked towards the dust cloud and put on their big, happy smiles. Within a few minutes our unexpected guests had arrived; the Guard, with Shining Armor leading them. He did not appear to be sweating, and his muscles were tensed. Most of the ponies behind him were breathing slightly heavy, but didn't appear to be unprepared. They all held their weapons at a pose that would be easy for them to defend themselves, should they be attacked.

"Welcome back, to our little village," I said with the biggest smile I could muster. Shining Armor just looked at me before completely ignoring what I had just said.

"Twilight, you here?" he shouted to the crowd of ponies. Twilight stepped out from among the other ponies.

"I'm here, Shining," she replied while going over to him. They hugged briefly before getting back to a reasonable distance.

"I'm back like I said I would be. Sorry it took so long," Shining Armor apologized.

"It's okay."

Shining Armor looked around, as if seeing the village for the first time since he arrived.

"What's happening here?" he asked while looking at the baked goods.

"Oh, were having a little bit of a festival in honor of the founding of the town and the achievement of true friendship," I answered for Twilight.

Shining Armor looked back at me with distaste painted on his face. Apparently I had not made him happy when I refused to let him rest in our town.

He turned back to his sister. "Why are you still here? Don't you have to be back in Ponyville?"

"I have... decided to stay for a bit," Twilight responded. "I still have a lot to learn about friendship, and I believe these ponies can teach me."

Shining Armor seemed taken aback by her statement. "But what about your cutie mark? Your individuality? Your---"

"We can talk about that later," she assured him. "But you kind of interrupted a party, and I am sure we don't need to make a scene about this."

Shining Armor looked around at the entire town watching him and his soldiers.

"You're right," he simply said. "At ease men. Go, enjoy yourselves.... if that's okay with you, Starlight." The last words dripped venom.

"Of course," I replied with a face that I hoped resembled a smile. I was angry, to put it bluntly. I was nearing the end of my patience, so at that moment, I decided to leave him and Twilight alone.

The rest of the party was quite relaxing. The guardsponies, after being given permission to store their armor in one of the warehouses, became much more relaxed and started to enjoy themselves. Although I don't condone it, I did see a few mares leave with some of the guards towards their homes. I could tell by their walk that both parties were more than slightly drunk.

At around 11:50, I decided to go give Shining Armor my apology gift. However, on my way to the room he was in, I heard a slight argument between the captain and one of his guards.

"You can't just leave. You're a good soldier, and a friend," Shining Armor said to another pony in the room. "Are you really going to throw it all away?"

"I am sorry, sir, but I don't want to be part of the guard anymore," said the other stallion.

"Why not?"

"It's... It's because my skills are useless! In the last four crises, the guard has only been effectively used in one of them. We were useless when Nightmare Moon came back, couldn't stop the changelings, couldn't find the princesses, or stop Tirek from draining all of our magic! My cutie mark says I am good at fighting and protecting but... what if it's wrong? It hasn't once been right!"

"Of course it's been right! What about you catching those thieves a few months ago?"

"That was one instance. What is the point of having a cutie mark that says my only skill is fighting? I can still be a guard here, in this town. All I have to do is have them remove my cutie mark." I smiled at this. We would be getting a new friend even if my plan didn't work.

Finally realizing that I would have to explain why I was outside listening to them if I stayed, I walked away for a few minutes. At around 11:55, I returned to Shining Armor's temporary room.

"Hello?" Shining Armor asked as he opened the door. "Oh, it's you. What do you want?"

I took a deep breath before responding. "I am just here to give you an apology gift for the other day." His face softened a little as he opened the door wider. I floated a small box over into his room and onto the floor.

He opened it with his magic. Inside was some paper, a quill, and some ink taken from a squid near Manehattan. He looked at me questioningly.

"I heard you needed more paper from one of your soldiers," I explained to him. "They said you wrote a lot to the Princess explaining the situation, and needed more paper."

He looked at me for a few seconds before lifting the package up with his magic. "Thank you for the gift. Anything else?"

"You're welcome. And I have to be going now. Some ponies are getting a bit... rowdy." I said my goodbyes and went back to my house.

On my desk, a quill is upright, scribbling away onto a piece of paper. It is linked to Shining Armor's quill, so whatever he writes I should see. Only time will tell if my plan is correct.

Author's Note

Sorry it took so long, my editor went on a small trip for the weekend the day I got done writing this chapter.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

P.S. I still need some sort of picture for the cover of this story. If anyone would be so kind as to offer some, I'd appreciate it.

Chapter 15: Step Two

Intercepted Letter

I am worried about this village. Everypony has strange smiles and stranger ideas on what a cutie mark is. Some of my stallions are speaking about staying here and forfeiting their cutie marks. I would like to request permission to search the entire town for anything suspicious. I have seen Twilight and most of her friends, and they all seem different. They all accepted this town's ideas, yet I worry about the one that is not present: Rainbow Dash. I have yet to see her, and I doubt she would accept this town. Everypony dodged the question, which only worries me further. I will do what I can without violating anypony's rights.

Awaiting orders,

Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 404

Even though I was not necessarily needed for the second day of the festival to begin, it is always important to show up so everypony knows who is in charge. I also had many things to prepare before anypony was awake. As such, I awoke two hours before dawn to prepare some ponies to quietly leave the town. The second day of the festival could not be interrupted, and I needed time to talk to a few troublesome friends.

I was forced to walk in the cold light of the moon to get to Storm Pedal's house. Some of Shining Armor's stallions were still walking around, so I had to be very careful. I am near certain that nopony saw me before or after I knocked on Storm Pedal's door. After a few minutes of waiting, she opened the door to let me in. Storm Pedal was part of the wood collecting group, though she did not actually collect wood or chop trees. It was her job to look for animals that might be living in that part of the forest, so she knew how to move quietly and stealthily through an area. She was the perfect mare for the job.

"H-hello, Starlight," she greeted me while opening the door. Her eyes were still filled with sleep and her hair was in slight disarray.

"Hello. Mind if I come in?" I asked as I trotted into her house.

"Um... sure," was the timid reply.

"Now, I hate to make my visit mostly about business, but we have a slight... problem," I told Storm Pedal.

"P-problem? W-w-what problem?" She asked. She seemed scared, and was shaking slightly.

"Prior to the festival some ponies wanted to collect some extra wood, to help out their friends. The only problem is that they chopped trees in an undesignated area." I let that sink in.

Storm's response was just as I had hoped. "WHAT?!" she shouted before remembering what time it was and lowering her voice. "They would dare to chop trees if it meant that some animals might be hurt?"

"I know, its horrible," I agreed. "However, I cannot let this go without having somepony to look into it. That is where you come in."

"So... you want me to go and see if everything is okay in the area?"

"Exactly... but I must ask for one favor. If anypony asks you when you had left, tell them you left a few days ago, at request of a friend."

"B-but why? Why would I lie?" she asked in horror.

"For a friend. These friends are very, very sorry for what they have done. Their guilt is their punishment, and I'd rather not have all of us, their friends, mad at them."

"Oh... I see. So I am lying to help a friend. I get it now! You can count on me, Starlight! Where do I have to go?"

I gave her a map which showed where to go. It was only about a day there and back, but it should suffice for what she had to do. I repeated this process with two other ponies, though for different reasons. In the end, one pony was going to the forest, one was going towards the train station, and the last was going off into the wilderness with directions designed to get him lost. By the time I was done, it was almost sunrise. I hurried back to my house before anypony else saw me.

Inside, I found Twilight was already up and was reading one of the books from my library.

"Good morning, Twilight," I greeted as I walked in.

"Good morning," she replied without looking up from her book.

"Twilight, I've been meaning to ask you... how good are you at public speaking?"

She finally looked away from her book. "I suppose as good as anypony else, now."

"That's... not entirely true," I admitted to her. "Anypony can be good at public speaking, but the one thing most ponies lack is confidence. Have you spoken in public before?"

"Well... a few times, yes. I need plenty of note cards, though."

"Good... good," I turned away. I went upstairs to find that the quill had rewritten a letter that Shining Armor had written to... who I assume is Princess Celestia. After reading through it, I got into one of my moods. Unfortunately, I'll have to replace the guest chair soon. I need to plan someway to get Shining Armor's suspicions off, and today would make a good distraction for him. After hiding the letter, I returned downstairs to get breakfast.

I left the house an hour after the sun had risen into the sky. The day was going to be a warm one, which was nice. I looked for Shining Armor and found him practicing with his soldiers. I assume it was to intimidate some ponies in the town, of which I find appalling. I waited a short time after he had finished to approach him with my problem.

"Shining Armor, I need your help," I said in a low tone as I galloped over to him.

"Huh? What is it?" he asked with curiosity filling his voice.

"Some ponies have gone missing," I said with a quiver at the end, hoping I sounded convincing.

"WHAT?!" he nearly shouted before turning to the guardsponies that were taking off their armor. "Put that armor back on! I need to give you all a new assignment!"

I heard groans from the collection of stallions in the area. I began to tune them out, knowing that they would spend all day searching for the "lost" ponies, leaving me freedom to act today.

After a an hour of "helping" the guardsponies look for the missing ponies, I excused myself, saying I had to keep the festival going. I did, however, wait until all the guardsponies were out of the village before actually staring day two of the festival.

Day two was very different from day one. Day one focused on general discussion and socializing. Day two, on the other hand, was based around building trust and strengthening friendships through exercises. Ponies were split into pairs, and they switched partners every thirty minutes. Most ponies picked their partners for most of the exercises, but the five new friends were assigned to other ponies that they had probably not met.

My first partner was Sugar Belle, though that was no coincidence. I needed to have a little talk with her while we did some basic trust strengthening exercises. After some general discussion, I decided to push my luck slightly.

We were doing a game where one of us, myself, was blindfolded. Sugar Belle, as my friend, had to guide me through the town without having me bump into anypony or anything.

"I am so glad friends can trust each other, aren't you?" I asked Sugar Belle.

"Yes... I am so glad about that," was her delayed response.

"I mean, really, other ponies never get to experience true friendship because of their cutie marks. It is really sad, isn't it?"

"Um... yes, sad. Truly."

"And we can all trust each other, without any fear of betrayal to strangers... well, except for Party Favor. But he confessed, so it is all okay."

"St--Starlight. I... I was thinking about telling Shining Armor about Rainbow Dash!" Sugar Belle finally confessed.

I gasped in mock surprise. "You were... going to betray us? All that we stand for?"

"I'm sorry, Starlight, but I am worried about her. I am so sorry for nearly telling him." She spoke with conviction. I could hear tears hitting the ground.

"Sugar Belle... You didn't tell him, right?" I asked reproachfully.

"No... No, I didn't tell him. I was planning on doing it today."

"Well... you didn't tell him, and you confessed. I don't think we need to tell anypony else about this, right?"

"Y-yes! Thank you Starlight!" she said before giving me a hug.

"Of course... but is anypony else thinking about doing this, Sugar Belle?" I asked.

"Yes, there are a few other ponies that agreed with me," she informed me. "I... I need to tell them not to do it!"

"I'll leave that to you, then. I hope you can convince them, otherwise I might have to explain matters... personally."

"Thank you, Starlight! Thank you!" she said with emotion filling her voice.

"However, there is one final thing you have to do. You must confess your thoughts tomorrow, during the ceremony," I commanded her. She paled at my order, knowing that our friends would be horrified at her even thinking about betraying everypony.

By the time our conversation was done, we had finished the exercise. I changed partners a few more times before finally getting a more interesting partner.

"Hello, Starlight," Rarity greeted me. "It says here that you are my next partner."

"Yes, I thought you and I could talk for a while about how you are adjusting to our town. Is that okay with you?"

"Of course," she responded with a happy smile.

We ended up doing some falling and throwing exercises. This particular group of exercises required two unicorns. It consisted of one pony throwing and stopping an object from hitting the other pony. This could be anything from an orange to a bowling ball. From my conversation with Rarity, it appears that her move in is going quite well. She seems to be fitting into our manufacturing department very well. I was even told about a few new outfits she had designed, with some help from other ponies, of course.

Sadly, the time was up before I could learn anymore. There was only enough time for a few more partners, so I had to choose the ones I thought needed to be talked with. The first was my ally and confidant; Double Diamond.

"Hello, Starlight," he greeted me as I approached.

"Hello, Double Diamond. I would like to speak with you, mind if I join you on these exercises?"

"Please do. I always have time for you," he said earnestly.

We took a much quieter activity. The activity forced the two ponies to be tied together by their hooves. It was a walk around town learning how to work together and rely on each other.

"So, anything I should be concerned about?" I asked him after we had stumbled away from the crowds.

"Nothing yet. It appears that you have taken care of those problems I told you about. Also, I have four groups of ponies patrolling, making sure nothing bad happens."

"Very good. Did you ever find more of those herbs I asked you to?" I need those herbs for the surprise for Shining Armor.

"I have. Do you want me to send them to you after the festival tomorrow?"

"Yes. It is very important I get them. Have Lightning Dust give them to me. The less ponies that know about the herbs, the better."

"Of course." We spent the remaining time idly talking. He has several good ideas on how to make the other ponies feel more secure in my leadership. I'll have to make use of those later. Once again, the time ran out much sooner than I'd hope for.

I spent my remaining turns with a few other ponies that support me. I need to make sure they are certain of who is in charge, and who their loyalties belong to.

With that the second end of the festival was coming to an end and I needed to make a speech. Everypony was gathered around the village center. There was a small stage and podium standing up front. It would be used more tomorrow, but for today it was only for me. I approached the podium. Once on the stage, my mind began to quiet. I was in my natural element here.

"Hello, friends. The second day of the festival is ending, and I see something has changed inside each and everypony here. I can see new friendships made and others strengthened. I can see it in many ponies' eyes here. Before coming here most of you were saddened and lied to by your cutie mark." Some ponies murmured in response, all of them agreeing. "Now that you're here, though, you have obtained true friendship. True friendship is what we seek in our equality, and we all have it." Everypony clapped, some even went as far as to cheer at my proclamation of the truth. "Please, do not forget this day. This day is a representation of our friendships. Without cutie marks, we have finally obtained happiness."

When I finished speaking, I raised my hoof into the air and shouted, "Equality for everypony!"

Cheers erupted around the town. The noise it made was deafening. I looked out across the dusty plains around the town. I wonder how Shining Armor's search is going.

Author's Note

Apologies for the even longer gap between chapters. This was a bit of a pain to write, mainly because of Shining Armor, but I digress. Hope you enjoyed it, there will be more to come.

Remember, Criticism is always appreciated.

Chapter 16: Confessions

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 405

The second to last day of the festival arrived sooner than I would have expected. I woke up later than usual, and found the Twilight already up and seated at the table.

"Good morning, Twilight," I greeted her. "How are you?"

"Good. I picked up some muffins from Sugar Belle," she said, gesturing at the table which had three plates: one filled with muffins, one containing crumbs, and the last was mine.

"Thank you," I told her as I sat to eat breakfast. "By the way, Twilight... I will need your help later today, after the ceremony."

"O-okay, what time will that be?"

"I don't know. I'll come and get you when I need you, though."

"What do you need my help with?" Twilight asked. She was looking intently at me, as if trying to read my mind.

I smiled. "You will see, but don't worry, it's just a little assistance I need."

The rest of breakfast was quiet, with only a few words being exchanged. After we were done, I bid Twilight a farewell and walked outside. There was one pony waiting outside; Applejack.

"Good morning, Applejack," I greeted her.

"Howdy, Starlight," she replied. "Hey, where did ya get those apples to make the cider?"

"It was someplace called Sweet Apple Acres. Why do you ask?"

"That's why they're so familiar!" she cried out. "I live... lived there." I could see a deep sadness in her eyes.

"Oh... Do you want to go back there, Applejack?" I asked, concerned.

She didn't say anything for a few seconds. "Yup, I do," she said simply.

I thought about revealing something to her, but decided against it. "Talk to me tomorrow, okay?"

"Huh? Uh... okay, sure."

After that, and seeing to some other ponies' needs, it was about 11:37 when I was finished with all my errands.

The heat of the day was already bearing down on everypony by the stage. It was hot, sweaty, and nearly unbearable. Luckily, a few more barrels of cider had been brought out, and many ponies were drinking to stay cool.

I strode up to the lectern on stage, the eyes of everypony slowly turning away from conversation and up towards me. After I had most of the crowd's attention, I announced, "Day three is now starting!" Everypony cheered and stomped their hooves at my words.

Day three was the day of secrets, but not keeping them. No, rather, day three was for the exposing of secrets, to share them with your friends. This would strengthen bonds and possibly explain mysteries that some ponies had, such as playing a prank on somepony and not admitting it before the festival.

Most of the declarations of guilt were unimportant. Trivial things that I won't bother wasting the ink on. However, there were a few that stood out. The first was Sugar Belle and a few others confessing as a group. It had been an hour since we had started when four fillies and two stallions got up onto the stage.

Sugar Belle took the initiative and spoke first. "We were making plans on betraying the town, and tell outside ponies about us and our secrets. I am so sorry, everpony!" This brought a collective gasp from the crowd. Everypony, but I, was shocked at her confession. Murmurs started throughout the crowd, and I knew that Sugar Belle had lost a lot of respect from the other ponies. All according to plan.

The remaining ponies on stage spoke as well, though their speeches were met with much more moderate responses. Before anypony else could get onto the stage, I noticed some ponies trotting towards the town.

"Everypony, let's take a small break," I commanded the crowd before they could start applauding. "We can hear all the other friends' admittances later." With that, most ponies broke up into their small groups. I am not certain, but I suspect many were talking about Sugar Belle.

I waited until the newcomers were closer before making my way towards them. It was one of the groups of guardsponies that went out in search of our lost citizens. As soon as they got closer, I could see it was Storm Pedal that they had returned with. As soon as I saw who it was, I rushed to greet her.

After pleasantries, and putting on a good face to show the guardsponies, I turned my attention to said stallions.

"Thank you for bringing her back...?"

"Oh, Crimson Moon. And it was no trouble at all," Crimson Moon responded. "Hey, mind if I talk to you later today?"

"Of course. You can meet me at my cottage at around 5:00, if that is okay with you?"

"Yes, that would be fine. Thank you," he finished before walking very quickly away with a few of his comrades.

After making sure that Crimson Moon and his friends were going away from the village, I returned to the crowd.

"Okay, everypony. We can continue once more!" I told the crowd. Most of the ponies quieted and looked back up to the stage, to see who would go up next. The pony that chose to brave that stage was a surprise. It was Applejack.

"Howdy y'all... uh..." she cleared her throat before continuing, "I would just like to confess somethin'... I tried to get word to my family when I first became friends with y'all. I tried to tell them... to send Celestia and Luna," Applejack paused as if struggling something. "To... burn this place to the ground and use it as a refuse dump."

To say that the crowd was shocked was akin to saying a filly is a full grown mare. I saw more than one jaw drop, mainly from her own family. However, I saw something else in their eyes. Was it, perhaps, pride? But that wouldn't make sense. I decided to make her risk worth it and began the applause myself. After seeing me appreciate her honesty, everypony joined me in giving that confession what it was worth. I could tell that Applejack was grateful, her eyes spoke it all. It was almost too easy to read what she was thinking.

A few more ponies went up, but none of them were interesting. Then Pinkie Pie approached the stage.

"Okay, so, I kinda gave out two dozen muffins to Shining Armor and the guardsponies for free and noted them as being used for the festivities."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. It was so unimportant it makes me wonder if I should, perhaps, have regulated what ponies were allowed to confess to. Oh well, I'll have to plan that for next time.

The next pony up to the stage was Twilight Sparkle. She breathed in out and briefly before speaking.

"I lied to everypony in the beginning. I didn't accept what true friendship was when you accepted me into your--- our community. I know it now, and will try to be a better pony than I was." She looked out to the crowd with a determined expression on her face.

Nearly everypony applauded her confession. That was definitely a step in the right direction to make more friends. ~~She seems to finally accept the truth.~~

After the few remaining confessions, I went onto the stage.

"Well everypony, I believe this has been very eventful and emotional day for all of us," I told the crowd. "We have had a very eventful start to our town, and I would like to announce something before everypony here. I will not be running for reelection as mayor." At this information, everypony began to murmur in shock.

"Starlight isn't running for mayor?"

"Who is going to become mayor now?"

"Why isn't she going to be mayor?"

I slammed a hoof against the lectern to get the audience's attention.

"Everypony," I began, "I would like to be the first to nominate a pony as mayor. Double Diamond, would you kindly accept my nomination?" Double Diamond looked at me in shock for a few seconds.

"Yes, I will accept your nomination, Starlight," he answered after recovering.

"Thank you, Double Diamond. If anypony else would like to nominate somepony else, now is the time. Voting is in four days." There were no other nominations. "Then with that, I will excuse everypony to the relax for the rest of the day."

I walked off stage only to be met with a very distressed Double Diamond.

"Why? Why did you give me your job?" he asked me. His eyes were filled with horror at the prospects of his new job, and I could tell he was not looking forward to it. He also looked quite pale.

"Because, I need somepony I can trust and you have been helping me with running this town. You probably know as much as I do about it, so it only makes sense you should be the new mayor." Double Diamond blushed at my compliment.

"N-no, I d-don't think I was really that much help... I mean, really, you do so much, i just did the small things."

"Double Diamond, I trust you to do this. Please, accept it. You have done a lot of good for this town. You deserve this," I told him with a comforting smile. He looked a bit less pale than before, but it would take some time for him to adjust to his new position.

"But... what will you do now?" he asked, concern filling his eyes.

"I will tell everypony that at the end of this festival. I will still get the funding of our treasury, right?"

"Of course. I would never take that from you. It is yours, should you need it."

"Thank you... Now, if you don't need me, I have an appointment with some of the guardsponies."

"Okay. Shall I see you later, Starlight?" he asked hopefully.

"That'd be nice," I said before turning and walking away. It was about 4:30, so I had a few minutes before I had to meet with Crimson Moon. At 4:50, I made my way over to where he was staying. He seemed to have been standing there a while, by the way he was looking off into space as if his thoughts were somewhere else entirely.

"Ahem," I cleared my throat when I came close. That seemed to bring him out of his thoughts. He looked at me and grimaced.

"Sorry about that, I was lost in thought," he said, trying to explain himself.

"No, no, It's okay. I am a few minutes early anyways," I said. It seemed to relax him. "So, what did you wish to talk about?"

"Well... Uh... how do I say this...? What would it take to become part of this town?"

"Well, you'd have to go through with the cutie unmarking. Then we'd build you a house and you'd have to get a job. I assume you'll be a guard here...?"

"Probably. It is what I'm trained for," he sighed, in sadness, perhaps. "How does it feel, the cutie unmarking. And after it?"

"The cutie unmarking will strip you of your cutiemark. It will be as easy as pulling something off. But the more you, yourself, help it, the easier and faster it is," I informed him. He shifted around slightly and looked relieved at this revelation. "Afterwards, you will have true friendship. I can't exactly describe what equality is like, but you will be better for it."

"And what happens to my cutie mark?"

"I'm afraid I can't say. It's a secret, for now. If you choose to have it removed, I can assure you that you'll be able to visit your cutie mark whenever." Crimson Moon stood silently for a few seconds. He seemed to be debating something to himself. After a few seconds, he looked back towards me.

"Thank you for this information. I'll.... I'll talk to you some other time."

"Of course. Have a good night, Crimson Moon."

I looked at the clock, and saw that it was only 5:19. Shaking my head slightly, I decided to go find Double Diamond. He was with Party Favor when I finally found him.

"Hello, Double Diamond. Might I speak with you for a minute?"

"Sure," he replied before bidding a good night to Party Favor.

"Do you have the herbs on you?" I asked once we were out of earshot.

"Yes, I do. Do you still want them?" I nodded. "Okay, here," Double Diamond said as he gave me a small bag.

"How are those friends watching Twilight doing? Have they found anything out?" I asked after hiding the bag.

"Nothing. They say she's being a model citizen," he told me. ~~She~~ is ~~recognizing the truth.~~

"Thank you. Now, I apologize for excusing myself so quickly, but I have business to take care of. Good night."

I went back to the warehouse, and noted that there was only enough cider for one more day, plus the one I had put to the side. Perfect. I dumped the contents of the bag into the special barrel. It bubbled slightly, but didn't appear to ruin the cider at all.

I turned back, locking the warehouse behind myself as I exited. I found Twilight Sparkle talking with some of the less active members of the town.

"Twilight," I said as I approached. "It's time for that help I told you I needed from you."

"Oh, okay," she replied. After giving a farewell to her companions, she followed me back to my house.

"Why did you give up being mayor?" Twilight asked as we were walking.

"Because I have to do something else," I answered her, honestly. "You said you have a castle, and many ponies visit you, right?"

"Y-yes, that's correct... Why do you ask?" Twilight replied. She looked at me nervously.

"I think it's time to reveal our ideas to the world. True friendship must be spread, and I think its starting point should be the home of the Princess of Friendship," I said, a fire burning in my eyes. "You are okay with that, right?"

"Um... yeah... sure," she noncommittally promised."

"You will make the speech to introduce me, so we need to start writing it today."

We spent the next four hours writing the speech before tiredness made our efforts minimal and more hurt than help. My only hope is that it will take Shining Armo

I was wrong. She has not been improving, she's been plotting. While I was writing this, I felt a tugging on the ward I had set up. I assumed it was nothing, but then it snapped. I immediately bolted upright and rushed downstairs. The room where Twilight was staying was open. The bed was vacant. After muttering a curse, I galloped out the back door. In the cold darkness outside, I could see a silhouette of a pony going away from my house. I gave chase immediately.

The other pony turned their head as I was approaching. I could tell the pony was a unicorn, but there was little light coming from the moon. The mysterious figure began to gallop towards the edge of the village. It did not get far before I grabbed it with my magic. I am ashamed to say that adrenaline and anger were both enhancing my senses and dulling my mind. As soon as I had captured her in my magic, I levitated her back to my house.

In the light of my house, I could see that it was, indeed, Twilight Sparkle who I had captured. My anger, maybe rage, only grew from there. I took her to the back room, her old room, before I released her. I quickly put up a bubble of silence to block out any noise I would make.

"How dare you?!" I shouted at the frightened pony before me. I could not keep my anger in check. I sent a magical blast at her, hitting her in the chest. She cried out in pain as she hit the wall.

"After all that we have done, after all that I have done to create harmony in this village, and you try to destroy it?!" I attacked her again, producing more cries of pain. By then, my anger was in complete control. "You're friends accepted our ideals, and I thought you had seen the truth... but you instead lied to all your friends, and tried to ruin our happiness!"

"This isn't happiness," Twilight cried out in between sobs. "This is cruel---"

"You have no right to speak! You lied to everypony in town for your own selfish ambition!" Twilight continued to cry in pain as I sent yet another blast at her, this time pinning her to the wall.

"You had been given freedom and privileges that you didn't deserve. From now on, you will always be with me or in this house. If I even have one suspicion that you are trying to escape or undermine me, then I will deal with you again."

With that, I finally let her down. She was still crying, but I was apathetic about her. I turned and locked the door behind me. She doesn't deserve the right of civility. I am, even now, upset by how I handled the situation. But what is done cannot be undone, so I must continue onward. For the better future.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait, but inspiration was fleeting.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 18: Laws and Customs

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 407

This morning I was awoken with a shake which was far from gentle. My vision impaired by sleep and fatigue, I could only see the form of my assailant. In a moment of panic and instinct, I used my magic to pin my attacker against the wall. Adrenaline flowed into me as I jumped from my bed, and all my fatigue disappeared.

"Starlight!" the pony said. "It's me!" With my vision restored, I saw that the pony shaking me was, in fact, Cinnamon. She was looking at me with wide eyes and an open mouth. I let my spell dissipate before rushing over to her.

"Cinnamon, I am so sorry," I told her.

"S-S-Starlight," Cinnamon said. Her voice was shaking as she tried to speak, and I could hear the fear in it. "A-a-are you okay?"

I sighed heavily. "Yes. I am alright, just... stressed."

"But why did you attack me?" Her eyes briefly darted to my cutie mark, which was still an equal sign from last night's makeup.

"I don't know why, but will you please forgive me?"

"O-of course!" she exclaimed. "I-I understand that you're stressed, no problem. I promise."

After a few moments, my curiosity got the better of me. "Cinnamon," I started, "why did you wake me up?"

"It's Twilight," she informed me.

"What's wrong with her?" I asked. If something happened to her, all my plans would be ruined.

"She is beginning to freak out. She's been shouting at me through the door, and was beginning to buck the door before I left."

"Let's hurry then." I expertly applied a fresh coat of makeup before rushing towards Cinnamon's house. As I opened the door, I heard the voice of a certain alicorn crying to be let out.

"Cinnamon, you must stay out here. Do not listen in," I commanded her. "This will probably take some time."

"O-of course," she replied. "I have some errands to run anyways. I'll just come back later." Cinnamon left her own house in record time.

Taking a deep breath, I walked into the room and put up a bubble of silence. Twilight was watching the door intently. As soon as she saw me, the shouting stopped. She seemed to have healed nicely from her injuries, and looked to be nearly entirely healthy.

"Good morning, Twilight," I greeted her with a smile. "I heard you were being troublesome?

"I want out," she demanded.

I paused for a second. "You know why I can't let you out. Not until I do some... unfinished business."

Twilight's shoulders slumped slightly, but quickly righted themselves. "Do you really think this is right, forcing ponies to accept your detrimental ideas?"

"Detrimental? No, they aren't detrimental. But you won't see that, will you?" I mused aloud. Snapping back to reality, I addressed her again. "Twilight, you will stop this foolishness, now."

"Or else what?" she asked. "You've already taken everything from m---"

For the second time that day, I had a young mare pinned against the wall. Twilight showed less fear than Cinnamon had, but I know that was just a front.

"What can I do?" I slowly approached Twilight, my face in a sneer. "I will do everything I can do make ponies see the truth, something you seem unable to take!" I was in front of her now. I forced her down onto her knees, and looked down at her. "You will do as I say or else I will do what I have to." I let the spell go, and turned around. I was about to close the door when I turned back and gave her a final command. "I hope I won't hear of you being troublesome again."

With that, I left. My bubble of silence popped before I got out of the house. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guardspony attempting to remain inconspicuous while watching me. With a grimace, I returned home to get ready for the day. After another hour, I was ready.

I walked out and found Double Diamond talking with some ponies and holding a bag. He saw me walk out of the house and gave me a nod. I returned inside, and waited. After five minutes, Double Diamond knocked on my door. After letting him inside, I went straight to business.

"How did your research go?" I asked.

"It went well," he answered. "I think I may have found a way to... handle, Rainbow. Until she is one of us, of course."

"Of course. What have you come up with?"

"If we can convict her of a crime, it will provide the reason we need to keep her here in one of the prison houses."

"That won't work. We can't have investigators here, everypony else won't see that the reeducation houses are needed."

Double Diamond smiled, as if he expected my idea. "However, it won't go to court if she pleads guilty or not contested."

"That would still merit an investigation. We can't allow any outside pony to look into this."

"Then there's only one solution left, we have to use a very... strange rule."

"What rule is that?" I still have no idea why he didn't just start with this. Double Diamond reached for the book he had brought and opened it to bookmarked page.

"'If a Princess is on hand, and there are more than three witnesses to a crime, then the Princess can take the role of Judge. An investigation is not needed, only the witnesses should speak to the Princess alone, so that the testimony can be known. After each witness has spoken, the Princess will decide the fate of the accused.'"

I looked at him, a smile now on my face. "That is perfect. I'll have to think of something." My mind flashed full of plans, but none seemed appropriate. This problem will need a special touch, perhaps from a few friends.

"Will that be all?" Double Diamond asked. "If not, I have four new stallions to see and instruct." He grimaced at the thought. Teaching new friends was a good way to get close to them, but it was tedious.

"Thank you, Double Diamond. Good luck with those four stallions." I waved a hoof goodbye as he left. I planned for an hour before I returned outside. It was about time for a certain white stallion to leave.

I was almost to Shining Armor's room when he walked out carrying a pack. He gave me a look of annoyance.

"Hello, Starlight," he said dryly. "No need to remind me, we're already packing up."

"That's not what I'm here for," I replied with a forced smile. "I'm actually here to lead you to your thank you reward."

"That really isn't needed." He tried to step around me, but I quickly backed up into his path again.

"It really is the least we could do to thank you and your stallions for bringing three ponies back safely."

"You know, I find it odd how three ponies go missing all on the same day. What are the odds of that, right?" He looked at me, as if challenging me to admit my guilt.

"It was a very busy time with the festival." I shrugged. "These things happen, I guess."

Shining Armor stared at me a moment longer. "Fine, take me to what you want to give me." He motioned to a few guardsponies behind him. They all nodded in reply and I felt as if a cannon ball had dropped through my stomach.

I quickly led him to the warehouse where the surprise for him was. He was unimpressed.

"Cider. The gift you want to give us is cider?" he asked, clearly confused.

"Of course. It is the last barrel, and is the most concentrated," I replied with another forced smile. "I thought you would enjoy it."

Shining Armor walked over to the barrel. Using his magic, he opened the top and peered inside as if searching for something. Finding nothing, he replaced the lid and turned to me.

"Thank you," he said stiffly. "I'm sure my stallions will enjoy this." He began to levitate the barrel as he turned to leave.

"You don't like cider?" I asked.

He just shrugged, and said nothing further. Walking him back took a much shorter time than expected. It appears that Shining Armor's magic is strong.

I broke off from him when he was nearing the guardsponies. I saw Double Diamond walking with four stallions, who all held books. Smiling at his success with them, I returned to my house to plan. I have a few plans ready, but I cannot put them to paper yet.

After the hour of thinking, I needed to do something easy, like giving some good news to some new friends. I sent a group of fillies to bring me Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. They arrived very quickly.

As they entered my humble home, I began.

"You all lived in Ponyville, right?"

"Of course, darling," Rarity answered with a smile.

"As you may know, there is a rule against leaving the town." I saw some heads nod. "Well, that rule will soon be abolished, and I would like to offer the chance for each of you to return to Ponyville when Twilight and I go there." Everypony smiled, even Applejack who already knew.

"That is going to be super duper mega times great!" Pinkie nearly shouted with a smile.

"So, I assume you will all be coming along?" I smiled, already knowing the answer.

"Of course," they all said as one.

After some tedious small talk, I bid them a good afternoon. From a brief look outward, I saw that the military had left our town. Checking upstairs, I found my enchanted quill broken in two. All the work put into that quill is now gone, wasted. I had hoped it would last longer.

Seeing the sun slowly approaching dusk, I decided to use the fading light to visit Twilight one more time. After grabbing a few books from the shelves, I departed. Cinnamon had returned from her errands, and was smiling when I arrived.

"Starlight," she greeted me at the door, "I don't know what you said or did, but Twilight is being a model patient. At this rate, I should be able to, safely, let her out in a few days."

"That's good to hear," I replied with a tight smile. "Mind if I go in and visit her?"

"Of course! Go on ahead. I... I have to go talk to... uh... Sugar Belle about some muffins." With those final words, she trotted out her door. Smiling, I opened the door leading to Twilight's current residence. Inside, the Alicorn princess was lying down, looking absolutely bored.

"Good evening, Twilight," I greeted her. "I hear you've been a very good patient, so I brought you these." I levitated over the books I had brought. They were mostly history, but also one of my personal books. It was titled Das Equality.

Twilight glared at me for a moment before reaching out to grab the books. I quickly pulled them back.

"Twilight, have some manners at least," I admonished. "When a friend gives you a gift, you say, 'Thank you.'"

Twilight's eyes continued glaring, but after a few seconds they darted to the levitating books. Reaching out again for the books, she said in a whisper, "Thank you." It sounded more hateful and angry than a proper degree of gratitude, but I let it slide. Progress is progress, after all.

"I'll leave you to your books now. Have a good night." I walked out the door and locked it behind me. From inside, I could hear pages being flipped. What she will find in Das Equality will truly be enlightening.

Author's Note

Apologies for this being unedited. My editor is temporarily unavailable, and I really didn't want to break my promise to update once a week. So, here it is unedited (It might be pulled back down if there is a MAJOR flaw in it I didn't catch.)

Chapter 19: Transportation

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 408

Finally. My plan has succeeded, to a degree, and I can now put it into words. It started just after midnight.

One hour past midnight, I left my home. Outside, waiting for me, were two stallions. They were both cloaked and with the moon being blocked by clouds, I couldn't see their faces. However, I knew it was Party Favor and Double Diamond.

"You two brought everything?" I asked softly.

The two stallions produced rope, a sack, and some spare cloth. Behind them both was a small crate. One of them, I assume Double Diamond, tossed me a cloak, which I promptly put on. After having hidden myself, I nodded and the three of us went to the reeducation hut where Rainbow Dash was being held.

Outside the house were two ponies who were watching over Rainbow Dash. They seemed to be playing a game of cards. When we approached, they both got up and came to meet us.

"Hello, Starlight," the first one greeted. The voice was of a mare, and I soon realized it was Firefly Singer.

"Hello, Firefly," I responded. "Can you and..." I looked at the other pony but couldn't recognize who it was. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell who you are." I pointed at the pony cloaked in shadows.

"Oh, sorry about that," the stallion said. "I'm Nimble Vision."

For a moment, I was at a complete loss. I rarely forgot a friend's name, but Nimble Vision didn't register at all. I stared at him a moment longer until I realized that he must be part of our newest friends, the ones from the army.

"That's right," I exclaimed. "My apologies Nimble, I hadn't recognized you without your armor, but what are you doing here at this time of night?"

"That's okay," he assured me. He scratched the back of his head as he continued. "As to what brought me here, well, you can blame Firefly for that. Let's just say that I lost a small bet with her and now I'm stuck staying up with her tonight. Anyway, what can we help you with?"

A new friend here on a night where I needed secrecy, and a guardspony no less. This made my job a million times harder.

"We just need to clear out some things from that storage shed, and we'd rather not wake anypony. Firefly and Nimble Vision, can you make sure that nopony wakes up from our noise?" I thought for a moment then added, "And, Nimble, can you help us carry some things out once we're done?"

"I suppose we could do that, right Nimble?" Firefly smiled.

"I guess," Nimble agreed less readily. Turning back to Double Diamond and Party Favor, I motioned towards the house again. Once we were out of immediate earshot, Double Diamond grew concerned.

"Are you sure this is the wisest plan?" Double Diamond questioned in a hushed tone. I carefully and quietly slid the key into the door, unlocking it. "She might be close to enlightenment, but bringing her out of the temporary homes might destroy all our progress."

"I know that, but we must do it. Get ready. I don't want to give her the chance to scream out while the door is open." I pressed a hoof against the door and looked back at my current assistants. Party Favor and Double Diamond nodded in unison. Breathing out, I pushed open the door.

Inside, Rainbow was still on her bed. Her food was off to the side, not a single bit eaten. Making a mental note for later, I rushed forward and captured Rainbow in a containment spell. Immediately, her body shook in shock. Immediately after, she began to resist my attempts at keeping her still, but my magic was strong enough to overpower her.

While I held her down, Double Diamond ran forward and shoved the cloth into Rainbow's nose. Rainbow tried to resist, but she still needed to breathe and, once she did, she fell unconscious once again. Motioning for the crate to be brought in, I tied Rainbow up with some rope. I looked into the crate and saw that the sides were all padded, as well as sound proof. With ease, I placed Rainbow in the box.

"Take this crate outside, I'll be out in a minute," I commanded Party Favor. "Double Diamond, please stay." A minute after Party Favor had gone outside, I turned back to Double Diamond.

"Why do I see her food untouched, Double Diamond?" I asked evenly.

"She refused to eat it this morning," Double Diamond answered. "She demanded to see Twilight, alone."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I could feel my voice rising slightly. I took a deep breathe, trying to control my emotions.

"I... I was trying to take care of it." He looked directly at me before giving his reasoning. "You want me to be the mayor of our town. I wanted to try and handle this on my own, to see if I was..." He trailed off and looked down.

"To see if you were what?" I moved closer to him and put my hoof around his shoulder.

"To see if I am worthy to be the mayor," he ended. I was shocked into silence. Double Diamond is my closest ally and confidant. Seeing him being unsure of himself is unnatural.

"Double Diamond, do you think I would pick you if you weren't ready?" He looked up at me, confusion fogging his eyes.

"W-what?"

"Do you think I would pick you as mayor if I didn't know you could do it?" I asked again. I could see him thinking in response.

"No. I don't think you would."

"Then if you don't have trust in yourself, have trust in me and your friends," I told him with a smile. "If you lack the confidence, know that we support you. If you ever need help, you can ask." To punctuate this point further, I embraced him. ~~I could feel the beating in his chest, and the warmth of his body through the cloak. A strange feeling stirred from my chest as I~~ We stood there for a minute before I stopped.

"Well... we have a job to do," I reminded him. "Come on." We both walked outside, where Party Favor was talking to Nimble Vision and Firefly.

"Starlight, you never told us where you wanted this," Party Favor informed me as I approached.

"This crate of miscellaneous materials is meant to go with the next shipment to the mining area," I told him. "Do you know where those go?"

"I'm afraid I don't, actually," Party Favor said sheepishly.

"I do," Double Diamond interjected. "Come on Party Favor and Nimble, this way." As the three stallions left, I turned to Firefly.

"Did anything happen during your watch?" I asked.

"Nothing at all," Firefly answered.

"Good. If anything does happen, I'll be asleep," I finished while stifling a yawn. Waving good bye, I returned to my home for some much needed sleep.

Needless to say, I got up later than I had intended. I woke up at 9:30am and had to rush to make sure I was ready to oversee the preparations for the ponies that were leaving back to their stations.

When I arrived, most of the work was already done. The council has its uses, one of them being overseeing the menial tasks. I should have allowed them to form a council years ago.

"Good morning, everypony," I said as I approached the group.

"Good morning, Starlight," Forest Embers said.

"How are the preparations coming along?" I inquired. Looking at the stacks of crates already in the cart, I knew it wasn't going to take much longer.

"They're getting done, though a little slower than on schedule," Fire Hammer said while fidgeting. He was holding a clipboard and staring intently at one of the wagons. Seeing him in this state, I couldn't resist a smile.

"You'd rather be helping, right?"

"Celestia, yes!" He rested his head on top of the crates and closed his eyes. "I'd rather work and get us back on schedule than sit here counting up the crates."

"How about I take over for you?" I suggested. I grabbed his clipboard with my magic and gave it a slight pull. "You can go help, and I'll finish this wagon up."

Instantly, his demeanor changed. Practically forcing the clipboard on me, he galloped towards the crates and immediately starting lifting one. With a slight laugh, I turned back to the crates. In this wagon was the special crate that we had packed last night. On the side of it was a small warning: "Fragile. Do not break. This side up." I checked the crate and saw that none of the padding had slipped out. There was nothing to distinguish it from any other crate, besides the aforementioned warning.

I heard hoof steps behind me and turned to see Double Diamond walking towards me. Rather than turn, I focused back on the crates and waited for him to come closer.

"Hello, Starlight," he said as he came closer. He looked over the crates, appearing busy.

"Hello, Double Diamond."

"I just wanted to tell you that I told Nimble Vision that mementos and dishes were in the crate, in case anypony else asks." He opened one of the crates and looked in and, seeing that everything was right, closed it again.

"Good choice. Well done." I thought a few moments longer before continuing. "Did you put any food in the crate?" Double Diamond winced, remembering his past failures.

"Yes, I put some on top of the special item, just in case. It should last until the end of the journey."

"That's good." I levitated the clipboard on top of one of the crates in the back. "Well, that's this crate done. Can you take over for me here?"

"Of course." He picked up the clipboard and began to double check what I had done before I was even five feet away. With a smile, I went to go see a certain mare who needed help.

"Hello, Starlight," Cinnamon greeted as she opened the door. "How are you today?"

"Good, thank you." I stepped into her house and waited for her to close the door. "I came to speak with Twilight again."

"Of course... though, Starlight, I've been watching her for a while. She hasn't shown any tendencies for self harm." I looked at Cinnamon and saw uncertainty in her eyes.

"Cinnamon, that's good news," I exclaimed with a smile. She looked at me and raised one eyebrow. "If that's the case, it means that she probably did fall on accident and she is fine."

"I... I suppose that's true," she conceded.

"Thank you for your help in watching over her." I looked at her expectantly, but she didn't get the hint. "In fact, can you go buy us half a dozen of Sugar Belle's best muffins?" I floated over some bits to her.

"Oh, right. Of course I can." She looked at the money, completely baffled. "Anything else?"

"No, that will be all. Thank you." I waited until she left to return my gaze to where Twilight was.

Taking a deep breath, I walked in. Twilight was laying down with a book in front of her. It appeared to be one of the history books, though I did notice Das Equality was opened, though placed to the side.

"Good morning, Twilight," I greeted as I walked in, firmly closing the door behind me. Twilight rose her head from the page and, upon seeing me, placed the book down, though bookmarked.

"Hello, Starlight," she said evenly. After a few moments she looked back at the books briefly.

"How are you feeling?" Twilight gave me a very flat look.

"I'm trapped in a small, padded room. I haven't gotten much food, and I haven't seen anypony other than you in days. I haven't even talked to anypony other than you in days!"

"I see. You are bored, with nothing to do other than read and think, right?"

"That's one of my problems, yes."

"Perhaps I can help in some way. How about a discussion?" I sat down across from her, my back to the door.

Eventually, her curiosity won out and she asked, "Discussion about what?"

"Have you read Das Equality yet?" I levitated the book from where it was currently resting to between us.

"Yes I have, though I find many faults in it."

"I see. Shall we talk about what you've read then?"

"The pony writing this seems to be basing everything off of the assumption that cutie mark, and in turn individuality, are a problem. They use this as supporting evidence for many of their claims. Everything wrong with the world is blamed upon special talents and the supposed inequality of someponies having more power than others. It is completely ridiculous!" I thought for a few moments before responding.

"Well, that's where your ignorance and bias is showing," I replied.

"How do you figure that?"

"Well, you claim that this is against individuality. It is not against individuality, it supports that frequently." I grabbed the book and quickly turned to a page I memorized. "Page 75, 'A pony's cutie mark, then, is not their person, but, rather, a boon given to them to surpass their peers.'"

"I read that, but that is making the argument that the cutie mark isn't tied to the pony's personality, even though cutie marks are directly tied to personality."

"I agree that personality and cutie marks are similar, yet who is to say that cutie marks don't change the personality, even before they appear?"

Our discussion lasted an hour where we fought over many small facts and philosophies. We did, however, have a break once Cinnamon brought back the muffins, which tasted exceptionally good. In the end, I don't believe Twilight was convinced, but all it takes is time. Unfortunately, time is the finite resource.

I decided to check back on the supplies after my visit. Most of the supplies were loaded before I turned away to attend other business.

While I was on my way back to my house, I saw something concerning. There were two guardsponies talking, but they were both wearing their armor. I couldn't see whether or not they were equalized, though I could recognize Crimson Moon as one of them.

Before I could approach them, Crimson Moon spotted me. He waved goodbye and saluted whoever he was talking to and trotted over to me, a book in hand.

"Hello, Starlight," he greeted. "I had some questions about a certain aspect of the equalization process." He stood between me and the other guardspony. I tried to look past him, but I couldn't get a good look. The other guardspony was walking away.

"Sure, what do you need answered?" I asked as I began to walk around him.

"It's about what comes after. Can the equalization be forced upon somepony?" This question caught me off guard.

"What?" I managed to get out after a few seconds gasping for air.

"Well, I saw what you did during the equalization process. I couldn't move so... is it possible to force it upon a pony?"

"I've never tested it for that use, though I suppose it is possible that it is a possibility," I confided. Unfortunately, this distraction was enough to let the other guardspony get out of sight. Sighing, I turned back to Crimson. "Do you have any other questions?"

"No, it was mainly that one. Thank you, Starlight." With that, he waved goodbye and went on his way. Scowling, I turned around and went to find Double Diamond. In the end, I found him at the wagons, doing a last check.

"Hello, Starlight. Did you need something?" He turned to face me as he spoke.

"No, simply to say that I will be leaving for some hours." He tilted his head slightly.

"Okay. And who would be in charge...?"

"Until I get back, you are in charge... as always," I told Double Diamond before leaving. I had to go out to the caves in the mountains. Once up there, I went to the tunnels in Mount Celkina.

The cave was dark, but I was able to light it up with my horn. After going down through a few tunnels, I found my own little cache. It was a small wooden crate in the middle of a crossroads for the tunnels.

The crate was worn, and some of the wood was rotting. I'll have to fix it later. Levitating the top of the crate away, I peered inside.

The crate was full of emergency supplies. There were a few bags of bits, a small sack of foodstuff, and some clothes. Moving all of these aside, I reached into the crate, opening the fake bottom I had in it. At the bottom was a spell book for basic illusions. I hope it'll be enough.

Closing the crate and putting everything away, I returned back to the village with the book hidden in a small bag. I returned home without incident. I found the spell I needed. Tomorrow, Shining Armor won't find anything.

Author's Note

Apologies for the length of time between this chapter and the last. Hope you enjoy it, even if it is unedited. Hopefully my editor will get through some of the past chapters fast enough to edit this one real quick.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 20: Illusions

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 409

I'll need to write this fast. Too much to do in such a little amount of time.

I really need to stop staying up at night. I spent hours looking through the spell book, looking for a simple illusion spell. It was only after the fourth hour of searching that I found the spell. It was labelled under "W". The next thing I can remember after finding it is waking up in my bed.

I looked at the clock, only to see that it was already 9:30. Scrambling out of bed, I applied my makeup rapidly and galloped downstairs. There was plenty to do today, and not much time to do it. Outside, I found Double Diamond talking with Crimson Moon. It seemed Crimson Moon was asking some touchy subjects.

"...way we would permit that," Double Diamond said. "We are all friends here, and friends do not hurt each other."

"That doesn't answer my question about ponies who don't accept equality," Crimson pointed out. "What about them?"

"Much like an ignorant friend, we must try to help them see the truth. They just need to realize..." Double Diamond trailed off, turning to me. "Good morning, Starlight."

"Good morning, Starlight Glimmer," Crimson Moon greeted as well.

"Good morning, Double Diamond and Crimson," I replied. "How is the studying going?"

"It's going well," Double Diamond answered. "Crimson is showing a surprising amount of insight into the subject. He has multiple questions each day, though most of them are very philosophical." I looked at Crimson again. He didn't appear to be nervous.

"That's good to hear." I made a mental note to talk to Crimson later. "I would love to stay and chat, but I must be going." I waved goodbye to them both as I walked towards the bakery. The bakery wasn't crowded, but Pinkie Pie was baking plenty of muffins.

"Good morning, Pinkie Pie," I greeted as I approached.

"Hello, Starlight," Pinkie greeted back. "It feels like I haven't seen you in months."

"These have been a few long weeks." I ordered some muffins for the road. While I was waiting, I realized I had forgotten the spell book in my house. After paying for the muffins, I returned to grab the book. However, neither Double Diamond nor Crimson were outside my house. Instead, in their place was Nimble Vision. He appeared to be reading and writing in a book.

Ignoring him for the time being, I went inside and grabbed the spell book. Before returning outside, I looked outside my window and saw Nimble was suddenly a small distance away, on one of the benches.

Opening the door, I saw Nimble's eyes shift, slightly. Instead of heading directly to Cinnamon's house, I took a long way there. I kept feeling like I was being followed, and turns out I was. However, it was Violet Glow who was following me, not Nimble.

"Starlight, it happened," she said while stopping right in front of me. She was breathing heavily, probably from following me.

"What happened?" I asked, slightly annoyed at playing the preposition game.

"Azure Moon earned her cutie mark!" I stood stunned for a few moments. This wasn't the first time a filly had earned her cutie mark, but Azure Moon was very young to be receiving hers.

"How did she get it?" I demanded.

"Last night, she was playing with some other foals near the cliffs. We told her not to go out there, but she didn't listen. Suddenly, some boulders began to fall down... Apparently, she grabbed all the other foals and levitated them out of the way of the boulder."

"How many were saved?" I asked after a few moments of thought.

"15 foals were playing near the cliffs, at the time," Violet answered. 15 ponies saved by a single filly.

"That means she has a magic based cutie mark," I stated. I had to resist the urge to look back at my own concealed cutie mark.

"Yes, a half moon, with a shining star on the missing half," Violet explained. "When are you going to perform the cutie unmarking?"

"Probably in a few days," I responded. "It takes time for---"

"Starlight, please," Violet interrupted, "Moonie is laying on her bed crying right now. Can't we do it any sooner?" I looked into Violet's eyes again and saw the determination of a mother.

"Violet... I'll see what I can do. At most, it will be three days."

"Okay, Starlight. Please, try to make it sooner," she pleaded. Nodding, I turned and continued my way to Cinnamon's house.

Cinnamon was not home when I arrived. Bringing the muffins with me, I entered the room where Twilight was being kept. She was staring off into nothingness, clearly deep in thought. Even my entrance into the room did not disturb her out of her thoughts. I coughed politely, which finally got her attention.

"Good morning, Twilight." I gave her my best smile.

"Hello," she replied tersely.

"I brought you some muffins," I told her as I held out the bag. At first, she looked at the bag with suspicion, but after a few seconds she took them.

"Thank you," she said before biting into one of the muffins. I could tell by her grimace that she had not yet grown accustomed to the texture of the muffins. I let her eat in peace for a few minutes before continuing.

"Are you ready for another discussion?" I asked politely.

"Another one about equality?" Twilight retorted. "What more is there to talk about?"

"No, I believe that a different topic would be nice. How about some of the current magical theories?"

We spent the next hour or so talking advanced magical field theory. This was mostly diversionary, though we did touch upon equality near the end. After my time had run out, I got up and began to walk out. However, Twilight had one more question.

"Do you really think that you're doing is right, Starlight?" she asked scornfully. "Do you honestly believe you can equalize Equestria? What about you, in this new world? Aren't you your own antithesis?"

I didn't answer her question. I closed the door behind me, locking it once again. I pulled out the spell book and found the simple illusion I had searched for last night. Casting it upon the door, it looked like any other wall of the house. Without a detection spell, most ponies wouldn't even notice it. Smiling at my handiwork, I went outside.

I spent the next five hours making pleasantries and socializing, making sure everypony was still of the right mindset. It was around 4:00pm when I saw some guardsponies coming into town. Each of them looked ready for trouble, and Shining Armor was leading them.

"Welcome back," I greeted them. "Do you need something?" Shining Armor stepped forward and pulled out a single scroll.

"Princess Celestia," he began, "has given us permission to conduct an extensive investigation on this town, in search of somepony who slipped a sleeping drug into the cider that was given to us as a gift." He paused and looked directly at me. "We will be searching every house, every room, every hiding place until we find what we are looking for."

"Somepony... disturbed the cider I gave you?" I asked in false confusion. "I promise, you shall have our full support in finding this pony who has betrayed our trust."

"Thank you, but only compliance will be needed." Shining Armor turned to the rest of his stallions. "Fan out. Search every part of this town."

I kept up the charade and told everypony to cooperate with the guardsponies. They took control of the old reeducation building, since it was one of the vacant buildings, and are using it as a headquarters. Unfortunately, I no longer have the ability to ask them to leave.

After doing a thorough investigation of the warehouse, the guardsponies split up. I am certain some of them are searching the other houses for any evidence for other allegations. After two hours, I was called into an interrogation.

"Starlight, do you believe that your town is fair?" the interrogator asked.

"Yes, it is fair."

"Then tell me, did you ever go to the warehouse where the ale was?"

"I did on a few occasions, yes," I answered honestly. The stallion wrote something down on a scroll.

"And did you ever notice anypony near the barrels?"

"Not to my knowledge, no."

"Did you ever visit the warehouse with anypony else?"

"One time I did go with a mare named Lightning Dust," I replied. He wrote her name down before looking back at me.

"Did you put anything extra in the cider?"

"No! I would never do that!" I said, lying through my teeth.

"Now, would you please explain the use of the houses with the sound systems in them?" The interrogator stared at me, as if looking into my soul.

"W-what do you mean?" The houses have nothing to do with the incident. Why were they investigating them?

"We found several houses, including this one, where a sound system is set up to play prerecorded messages. What is their purpose?"

"They're our form of punishment, for anypony that breaks the law." He paused again to write down more information.

"Thank you, Starlight. That will be all for now. You may go." As I turned to leave, I saw him write down more information on his scroll.

I returned home to find two guardsponies investigating. They were rifling through my wardrobe and one of them was reading my first journal.

"Excuse me, what are you doing?" I demanded as I walked in. They both turned to me calmly.

"We are searching for any evidence relating to the crime," the taller stallion responded.

"And you think going through my diary is going to give you evidence for a crime that happened a few days or weeks ago?"

The two stallions looked at each other, but both remained calm. "No, I suppose that wouldn't provide evidence for this crime. Come on, Arctic." With that, they left.

After a few minutes of thinking, I went to Double Diamond's cottage. He answered the door immediately.

"Starlight? Why are you here so late?" he asked in confusion.

"Double Diamond, listen, I am going to be gone for some time," I told him as I pushed him inside and closed the door behind me. "I have to. You're in charge until I get back."

"What? You're not making sense."

"I will be gone tomorrow morning. Hopefully that will draw the guardsponies away. I need you to lead the town while I'm gone. Don't let our friends scatter."

"O-of course but... when will you be back?" I couldn't speak for a few seconds, I got choked up.

"Twilight is inside Cinnamon's house, in a back room," I told him, diverting the question. "It's hidden behind an illusion wall. As soon as Shining Armor is gone, bring her out. Don't let her escape... convince her of the truth." Double Diamond stared at me, confusion marking his face. He attempted to speak a few times, but nothing came out.

"Good bye, Double Diamond," I said before walking towards the door.

"Nothing is going to happen to you, Starlight." He abruptly stepped in front of me, blocking the door. I couldn't help but smile.

"If something happens to me, I'll try to make sure somepony sends you word of what happened to me."

"Starlight..." he trailed off.

"Thank you, for all your help over these years, Double Diamond," I concluded. I brushed past him and walked out the door, leaving Double Diamond staring after me.

I have made preparations and my provisions are in a bag. Tomorrow, I leave through the secret passageway. May it be enough.

Author's Note

A month and a day for a chapter. Not exactly what I would have preferred, but still, at least another chapter is out. Sorry for the delay, writer's block has been getting at me. I have, however, gotten over it and have the next few chapters outlined. Hopefully those will be out before the end of the month.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 21: Escape

Having an abundance of free time, its time I put these last few days into writing. I did not expect things to end this way; I expected triumph, not this. It doesn't matter much what I want, though. Our goal remains the same, and is greater than any one pony. Maybe my experience will help the next leader.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 410

It was around 3:00am when I felt something break in the distance. Rushing out of bed, I reached out and my worst fear was realized: the illusion had been broken. Immediately I heard guardsponies shouting. Looking out my window, I noticed they were all rushing to Cinnamon's house. I gripped my bed in my magic and threw it to one side and rushed downstairs. I followed to the natural cave to the opening a small distance from the town where a cart was waiting for me.

Making a mental note on how much food, money, and clothing I had in the cart, I took off at a gallop away from my village. I could still hear the shouting from the village, though it was distant. My legs burned as I ran and my mind raced. Every part of my plan had to be perfect... at least, what I thought was perfect.

After a few minutes, I was crossing a chasm with a single thin path leading across it. I took a momentary pause to see if anypony was following me and saw that there were some guardsponies chasing after me, with pegasi making the bulk of the force. Panicking, I blew up the bridge before continuing my mad dash for the caves.

Unfortunately, the guardsponies were remarkably faster than me. I should have expected it, but living with ponies who were all equal... I misjudged them. Running around another bend, I noticed several pegasi were getting a bit close for comfort. I cast my eyes around, looking for anything to use to stop them, but I found nothing.

I couldn't hold my fear back. I lashed out with my magic and knocked two pegasi back, but one was still closing on me.

"Stop!" he shouted. "You are under arrest. Come quietly. Don't make this more difficult on yourself!" I ignored him, instead opting to blast him with my magic as well.

I looked forward and saw the caves, my one chance at salvation. I was almost there, almost in the cave when a purple barrier formed at the mouth of the cave.

"Starlight Glimmer, you have nowhere left to run," came a confident voice behind me. "Surrender yourself to Princess Celestia's law."

I turned around while removing the cart. Standing there was Shining Armor, his silhouette forming against a purple shield behind him.

"You created a bubble shield around us?" I asked incredulously. He may have trapped me in here, but he also trapped himself. It was a dangerous move, or so I thought.

"Yes, I did." I smirked. He had no idea what he was getting into.

"Listen, I don't want to," I began before shooting a simple beam at him. He didn't move a muscle, simply countering it with a shield.

"You are under arrest," he said calmly. "If you surrender now, the penalty may be lessened." As if I would ever let myself be captured by somepony like him.

"No. I still have much to do," I proclaimed with as much confidence I could muster.

Shining armor got into a defensive fighting stance. I moved into one of the stances I trained in before starting Our Town. I was a bit rusty, but nopony had my magical abilities.

I fired three quick burst bolts at him, each of which he countered with shields of his own. He never expanded more energy than needed, his control over shields was exceptional.

He retaliated with a small rock propelled by his magic towards my horn. I dodged to the side, but Shining had moved forward while I was distracted. Getting angry at being tricked, I poured a bit more magic into a sustained barrage against him.

Every shot I sent after him was met with small shields, each one being blocked. I couldn't get a single blast against him, and he was unfazed. Getting angrier, I charged his position. He met my charge with one of his own. As we approached each other, I shot a small missile at him, which was answered in kind.

Now in close quarters, I swung a hoof at him. He gripped it in his own and used my momentum to throw me against the rock wall. I put out my feet out between the wall and used them as a spring to push my opponent off balance. He expected my move and let go, allowing me to fly past him. I immediately shot back up and glared at him.

"Seaddle street fighting," he said smirking. "A simple style." His casual attitude made me angry.

Again I charged him, this time intent on landing a blow. This time, he waited for me to come to him and entered a defensive stance. As I approached, I shot the wall behind him, dislodging the snow. He turned in time to see the snow falling down towards him and moved out of the way. The moment he divided his attention, I attempted another swipe at him.

Hoof collided against fact as I passed, but his hoof immediately came up and hit me as well. I retreated a few steps, startled at what had just happened.

"Is that the best you can do?" Shining Armor taunted.

That sent me over the edge. I could no longer thing logically, which I suppose was his plan. I charged up the strongest spell in my arsenal: Precision Piercing Shot. All of my magic went into this attack, nothing was left in reserve. I could feel my body weaken as the energy gathered in my horn. The build up nearly overwhelmed my sense, but when I felt that I could give no more, I unleashed the full magical attack. An unending stream of pure magical strength beat down at a shield Shining Armor had put up, each second drained both my magic and his. Wind whipped around me as the force of magic pushed back against the air.

His purple shield continued to hold as even more force went into it. Some of my magic was being diverted, but most of it was hitting Shining Armor's shield. I noticed that the shield that was trapping me here was slowly unraveling as our magic was drained. For seconds that felt like minutes, I concentrated on sending all my magic against the shield in an attempt to break though and finish this conflict. I didn't need to drain his magic, only break through his shield. But his shield held as my magic slowly dwindled until I could no longer maintain the spell.

I collapsed to the ground, my horn smoking slightly and a slow throb of pain spreading throughout it. I looked at Shining Armor and noticed he, too, had been exhausted by his defense. I stood, ready to make a break for it when I was suddenly immobilized by a spell. Looking around, I spotted a unicorn guardspony holding me in place. I tried to break free, but his energy held me fast. Before long, a ring was placed upon my horn and shackles around my legs. By the time I had recovered, it was too late to do anything.

"Starlight Glimmer," Shining Armor said, "you have been accused of crimes against ponykind. You resisted arrest and attempted to flee before a proper investigation. You will be taken to the Royal Sisters to pass judgement."

I said nothing in response. Shining Armor ordered three of the ponies with him to go back to the village while he took me away from my home. I was led away from my village as a prisoner. We arrived at Canterlot just after dark, so I was put in a cell to await my sentence. I spent a lot of time thinking. A lot of time regretting.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 411

I was rudely awoken at dawn with a meal consisting of bread, water, and some beans. Granted, I haven't had any of these foods for a while, but the portions were rather small. I looked outside my window and saw that the sun had only recently risen. Before I could get into my food, the guardspony in charge walked up to my cell.

"Your sentencing is at 11:00am," was all he said before walking away.

I lost my appetite and put my food to the side of the cell. I laid in bed thinking about the last few days. Every moment was a reflection of everything I had done wrong, everything I had done right. Even now, I'm unsure which is which.

I looked around my cell. It was white, like most of Canterlot, with a bucket of water and chamber pot in different corners. My bed was a small alcove where I could go in to rest, but not be comfortable in. There was a single window with cell bars through it. I reached up to feel my horn and felt the ring of suppression still on it. There was no way to escape.

At 10:45, the guards came to get me. I was led to Princess Celestia's throne room, but instead of Celestia sitting alone, three of the four princesses were there... including Twilight Sparkle.

The sun was shining through the stained glass windows. Stained glass windows of the heroism of her. I couldn't suppress a sigh as the guards continued to lead me to the thrones. Princess Celestia was listening to her student speak, but as soon as I neared they quieted.

"Starlight Glimmer, you have been accused of crimes against ponykind," Princess Celestia said simply. "I have heard testimony from reliable witnesses as well as evidence. Do you have anything to say about this?" Her eyes fixed upon me and looked into my soul. There was nothing I could hide from those searching eyes.

"I did what I thought was right," I replied meekly. All of my thoughts of a grand speech and attempting to turn the situation to my benefit disappeared.

"So you confess to kidnapping, forcing the removal of cutie marks, brainwashing, and controlling the thoughts of numerous ponies?" Princess Luna asked harshly. She looked far more angry than her sister.

"I..." I gulped, trying to get my voice back. "I confess to removing the cutie marks by force and teaching my philosophy through the best means I have found."

The three princesses shared a look between them all. They made eye contact and I saw many different ideas passing between the three. Celestia grimaced before turning back to me.

"After hearing this confession, we will need time to deliberate the punishment. Take Starlight back to her cell."

I walked back to my cell with as much dignity as I could muster. However, before I could enter my cell, the guard asked, "Do you need any paper or quills to write a letter to friends or family?" I looked at him in confusion. He didn't look back.

"O-of course. Thank you," I said awkwardly.

"You should get it before lunch at 12:00," he finished. Immediately after locking my cell, he walked away.

The paper arrived with my lunch, which I barely touched. Instead, I devoted hours writing personal letters to send to Our Town. With all the personal letters, I put in a letter for Double Diamond to come immediately to Canterlot. I hope he does come.

For the next hour, I wrote as much of a plan that I could. I hid that paper as best as I could given the circumstances, though I would not be surprised if they found out my plan.

For the next four hours, I was kept waiting while the Princesses deliberated. That left me plenty of time to think. At worst, I suspected a life imprisoned with my horn cut off or perhaps being banished. What an optimist I was. It wasn't until 7:30pm that the guards returned to my cell to bring me before the Princesses.

The main hall looked the same as before, though the night made the stained glass windows much darker than the original colors. Waiting for me were the three Princesses, now with Shining Armor waiting to the side. I was forced to kneel before them all as they passed down my sentence.

"Starlight Glimmer," Luna said, using the Canterlot Voice, "for your crimes, we hereby sentence you to death. You will have three days before you are punished. You are allowed one final wish. You will be asked what that is tomorrow morning."

Like any sane pony, I was shocked into silence. The penalty of death is saved only for the cruelest of villains in Equestria. Even murderers get sentenced to life in prison. I couldn't move for many minutes after that. The Princesses had the guards pull me back to my cell. I noticed my letters were gone, probably mailed off to my friends.

I spent the rest of the night making plans and coming up with ideas. I didn't get much sleep... still haven't.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 412

I was woken up at 8:30am by the guardspony knocking on my cell door. I, groggily, got up and looked at him with sleep still crowding my vision.

"We need to know what your final request is, now," he said matter-of-factually. I sat up and walked to the door.

"I want to create one gift for a close friend of mine... something magical to help him remember me after..." I couldn't bring myself to say the words.

"I'll relay your request to Princess Luna." He turned and walked away.

I saw that the guard had brought me food, but I ate it without tasting anything. I didn't know what to do, but I know what I must do. Before lunch, I had a visitor: Twilight Sparkle.

"Hello, Starlight," Twilight said calmly.

"Hello," I responded coldly. "What are you here to do? Gloat?"

"I have been sent to ask what you want to make," she answered. "If you lie to me, we will know, and your right to a last request revoked."

"I understand," I sighed. "I want to create a cutie mark removing jar, with only one use... for my own cutie mark." Twilight regarded me for a moment. Turning her head away, she began to mumble to herself.

"Very well. Under the condition that you use the correct runes to make it a single use only, you will be provided with the materials you need." A small smile formed on my face. "However, we cannot allow you to use your magic. I will be with you while you're making it and will use my magic to power the spell."

"If that is how it must be, so be it."

I was taken to a small workshop with Twilight Sparkle following behind me. Inside were a variety of tools that would be needed for any enchantment making. Unfortunately, glass jars are extremely difficult to use enchantments on. All of the enchantments must be made on the lid or bottom of the jar, which is a slight pain for complicated spells, such as the one I use to remove cutie marks.

It took many hours, and I doubt I will ever explain the formulas used or how many magical theories it used. It was a feat of magic never before achieved... but it was limited. I can't explain what the jar will do with my cutie mark, but its for the greater good.

I was returned to my cell and left alone with my thoughts once more. I continued writing letters and even wrote a supplement for a diary entry.

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 413

The morning was uneventful, and even some of the afternoon. However, sometime after 4:00pm, a guard came to my cell. Behind him stood a white stallion. Double Diamond had finally made it.

"Starlight!" he shouted as he ran through the door. "What happened?" I waited until the guard was a safe distance away before answering.

"I was overpowered by the guards. I could not escape." He looked at me, his eyes wide and fear easily visible.

"Wha... what are they going to do to you?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing too bad. I am just being punished for the wrongs they believe I did to Twilight Sparkle."

"That's good to hear," Double Diamond said, true joy and happiness shining from his face. "I will be sure to tell our friends the good news. We're all worried about you."

"Thank you, Double Diamond... though there is one thing I need to ask of you."

"Of course, anything, Starlight."

"Tomorrow, come back here early in the morning, before 10:00am. I need you to take something back to Our Town for me. It's something very important."

"Okay. I will be here at 8:00."

"Thank you... for everything."

We spent the rest of the day talking about old times, things we would do when I returned to Our Town as well as what Double Diamond had to do while I was gone. I could not bring myself to tell Double Diamond the truth. When he left, I wrote a letter by candlelight telling him the truth. I will give it to him tomorrow when he comes to pick up the jar.

It was just after 7:30 in the morning. Starlight Glimmer was once more woken up by the guardspony. She cast her gaze around the room, finally spotting the jar she had constructed. Gripping it in her hooves, she placed it over her cutie mark. For the first time, she let go of her cutie mark for good. It slid easily off and into the jar, but was not kept. The cutie mark was absorbed into the enchantments of the jar, powering them for one more removal. For the first time in Starlight's life, she was equal.

Double Diamond arrived right when he promised he would, not a moment later. Starlight handed over the jar and her diary entries she had written. She then looked at the letter she had written the night before and handed it to Double Diamond.

"This last letter... I want you to read it once you're out of Canterlot. Don't read it while in Canterlot... it's personal."

"I will, Starlight," he promised. "I'll see you in a few months, when I can visit and tell you about the progress."

"Can't wait," Starlight said with a forced smile, tears nearly breaking through.

Double Diamond left oblivious to the fact that he would never see Starlight again.

At 10:00 in the morning, the guardsponies arrived to bring Starlight to the execution chamber. She walked with her head held high. She feared her death like anypony else, but faced it with the hope she did not die in vain.

In a side room, looking on through a single sided mirror stood five mares. They looked upon the madmare as she walked up to the chair. Each one knew that her death would not grant them peace of mind, but it was demanded by all but one. Only Fluttershy looked away as the execution began.

The pony to cast the death spell was Princess Luna, who had perfected her methods. At the same time, Double Diamond was on a train heading out of Canterlot. He decided to open the letter and see what Starlight wanted of him.

Starlight sat herself in the chair. The straps were promptly put on. The execution would soon start.

Dear Double Diamond,

We have been friends for a long time. You were my closest ally and my confidant. I must ask one final request.

Princess Luna began to cast the spell. Already, Starlight Glimmer's life force was ebbing out of her to fuel the spell. It would not be a pleasant journey for her; it was her punishment. Her arms pushed against the restraints, trying to free themselves from the inevitable.

The jar I gave you is imbued with my talent, and it can be used to remove one cutie mark.

The death spell began to take effect in Starlight's mind. She began to see images of her crimes, but this time as the victim. In her mind, she spent hours upon hours of pain caused by the removal of cutie marks. She spend years in a small room listening to a voice that was not her own saying, "In difference there is joy. Equality is a lie. Embrace your mark. Master your special talent. Difference is life. Sameness is stagnation." Her body began to spasm and convulse. She could not free herself. Gasping for air, Starlight tried to call out for help. Nothing came from her mouth.

I need you to use it on Azure Moon. I wish for her to be my successor. I need you to train her to do it. Enclosed on the second page of this paper is my spell to remove cutie marks. I'm sorry that I can't be there to do it myself. I'm also sorry that I lied to you.

Starlight's mind was transported through every act she committed, every crime she was found guilty of. Her own hooves beat at her. Her own magic was turned against her, piercing her body. Starlight was sure she had died, only to go through dying again.

Please, remember me fondly. I lied about my punishment, it is not a light one. I am to be executed today. By the time you read this, I will already be gone. Double Diamond, thank you for all that you ever did for me. I did nothing to deserve a friend like you.

Always with you,

Starlight Glimmer

After what seemed like years of suffering was only minutes in the eyes of everypony around Starlight Glimmer. Before the fifth minute, she stopped struggling, her nightmare was finally over. She had been punished. Outside the room, only one mare had been able to watch through it all. Her mind was at peace for the moment, though even seeing Starlight dead would not stop the nightmares.

Double Diamond walked into the village stiffly. His eyes were vacant, as if he was a body without a spirit. The other ponies in the village greeted him warmly, but he didn't hear them. Instead, he walked into the Mayor's house. Going to her bedroom, he opened Starlight's secret hiding spot, where she kept her journals. He clutched them to his chest, tears finally being released.

Double Diamond mourned over Starlight for many hours. Nopony went to find him, though even if they tried the door was locked. After letting out all of his emotions, Double Diamond returned outside. Everypony that was still out looked to him as he finally reappeared.

"Gather around everypony," Double Diamond said somberly. "I have some important news."

In a matter of minutes, everypony was out of their home and waiting for Double Diamond's speech. They knew it had something to do with Starlight, but none of them could hazard a guess as to what happened. As soon as Double Diamond was certain he had every ear, he began.

"Our friend and leader, Starlight Glimmer is..." he said before stopping. He saw that everypony's spirit was broken. They needed reassurance. He knew they did not need the harsh truth, for now. They needed a comforting lie. "Starlight has been put away into prison. She will not be allowed visitors and won't be released."

Everypony began talking at once. Chaos filled the street. Questions were called, but Double Diamond could not answer over the clamor of the crowd. Nopony could contain their anger, frustration, or disbelief. Instead, Double Diamond kept quiet until the sound levels were bearable.

"That is not the last bit of news," Double Diamond continued. "She has asked me to make sure Our Town remains our town. She asked me to take over the position of mayor, like she wanted to earlier. I will, to the best of my abilities, accomplish this task set before me."

"I know that we are not what we once were, but our ideas are right. Starlight showed us the truth. She wants us to continue her mission. I see no reason why we should lose our equality and friendship. We stand together, as friends."

Without a further word, Double Diamond turned and walked back into his new house. Most of it was ransacked by soldiers trying to find evidence or secrets, but the guest room was fine. Double Diamond slept in there, and designated that as his bedroom, abandoning the old master bedroom.

The next day, Double Diamond rose early. After taking the time to assure the town of his leadership and encourage the few wavering ponies, he went to Violet Glow's house.

"Hello," Violet greeted. "You made a good speech yesterday."

"Thank you, Violet," Double Diamond responded with a smile. "Is your daughter still in bed, crying?"

"Yes, she is... but..." Violet began to show her nervousness. "Starlight is gone, so Moonie can't get her cutie mark removed."

"Tell Azure to come to the cutie mark vault later today," Double Diamond commanded.

"O-of course, she'll be there."

With that, Double Diamond left the household. He returned to his new home and retrieved the jar. Concealing it in a bundle of cloths, Double Diamond left to the cutie mark vault. He made several stops to talk to ponies, but he arrived by 2:30pm. Azure Moon was already waiting for him.

"Hello, Azure," Double Diamond greeted as he approached. The young, blue filly looked nervous.

"Hello," Azure said very quietly. Double Diamond gave her his best smile as he pulled out the jar.

"Moon, I am going to remove your cutie mark." Her ears perked up. Suddenly, the fear and nervousness the filly had was gone, replaced by hope. "However," Double Diamond continued, "I need you to promise to tell no one about this."

"Okay, I can do that! I'm great at keeping secrets," Azure Moon said with a smile only a foal can make and still be genuine.

Double Diamond held up the jar and covered the cutie mark with it. Immediately, the cutie mark flew into the jar. Smiling, Double Diamond recovered the jar. It was far simpler a process than he could have imagined.

"Azure, why don't you come over to my house later tonight?" Double Diamond requested. "I would like to teach you some things that Starlight wanted you to know."

"Okay, but I'll have to ask my mom... and be back by 8:00," Azure replied.

"Of course, but tell her that its for special instruction on Equality."

"Will do!" Azure shouted before running off to the village. Smiling, Double Diamond followed her. That night began a new chapter in Azure Moon's studying.

Author's Note

Well everyone... that happened. However, before I pick up the keyboard once again, I'd like to ask you all a question. What now? Do you think the story is complete? Do you want more? Do you think this ending was good enough? Please, use This Link to vote.

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

P.S: I am a chronic liar.

Epilogue: Closure...?

Hours had passed since Starlight's execution.

The body had been removed and sent to the funeral home some time ago. Nobody would be going to claim the body. In the watching room stood a single mare. Twilight Sparkle couldn't stop gazing at the chair. Her eyes were distant, she had not moved since Starlight's death. The late afternoon sun shown outside, but Twilight never noticed. Three of her friends had already left, leaving Applejack with the task of shaking their friend from her thoughts.

"Listen, Twi'..." Applejack tried to begin, but didn't get more than those words out.

"Why?" Twilight continued to stare at the chair, her gaze still unwavering.

"Why, what?"

Twilight finally turned to face her.

"Why aren't I feeling any better? Any safer?" she asked. "I was told that... if I saw her go, then... then I'd feel better." Twilight closed her eyes before turning back to the chair. "Even with Starlight gone... I am still afraid."

"C'mon, Sugar Cube." Applejack motioned to the exit. "Ah'm sure you'll feel better in the morning. Just give it time."

Twilight sighed before turning to Applejack once again. With a small smile of appreciation, Twilight walked out of the room. The world had continued without them, with the afternoon sun shining down. Twilight saw none of this. She was lost in her own thoughts and regrets as she and Applejack made their way to the train station.

The two ponies returned to Ponyville, where they immediately went to the hospital. In room C-2 were their other friends. On the bed lay Rainbow Dash, who was in a deep sleep. Everypony greeted the newcomers.

"Has there been any change?" Twilight asked.

"No, she hasn't woken up yet," Fluttershy answered. "The doctor said that she was malnourished, and would probably be asleep for the rest of the day."

"That's okay... we can wait."

"Unfortunately, I can't stay," Rarity interjected. "There are still some matters I must settle with the boutique... and with Sweetie Belle."

"That's okay, Rarity," Twilight said, a reassuring smile forming on her face. "We'll send somepony to get you if Rainbow does wake up."

"Thank you, Darling. I do want to talk to her once she's up." Rarity left, though not without hesitation. The other ponies in the room turned back and watched their friend in her deep sleep.

The next few hours passed in relative peace. There was very little discussion, with each pony dwelling in their own thoughts. Even Pinkie was caught in the somber tone. Absent was her usual smile and optimism, replaced by a sad frown and worry.

“Ah hate to be the pony that breaks the silence,” Applejack interjected when night had already come, “but we can’t just stay here, can we?

“The doctors said we could stay,” Twilight answered. “Though if you want to return home, I understand.”

“And what type of friend would that make me?” Applejack grimaced as she thought about it more. “Shucks, I don’t want to leave, but we can’t stay up all night. We won’t be able to function tomorrow.” Everypony thought about this for several seconds.

“How about one of us stays awake, while the rest sleep?” Pinkie suggested.

“That’s… not a bad idea.” Twilight looked around, but couldn’t find any paper. “Be right back.” Twilight left the room, her speed betraying the nervous energy in her body. Grabbing a plain sheet of paper and a pen, she returned to the room and made out a chart with times and a place for names.

“What’s that for?” Fluttershy asked as she read what Twilight had wrote.

“It’s to decide who takes what time,” Twilight explained, pointing to the four time slots. “This way, nopony has to stay up longer than anypony else. So, who wants which watch?”

“I want the first one,” Pinkie said, grabbing the pen from Twilight and writing her name on the paper.

“Are you sure, Pinkie? You probably need more sleep than the most of us.”

“I’m positive,” Pinkie replied with a small smile. She had regained some of her old energy, but once nopony was looking it all drained away.

Once Pinkie’s shift started, her friends lay down and began to sleep. Though it took some more time than others, within an hour they were all asleep, except Pinkie. Pinkie sat in a chair by Rainbow’s bedside. The lights in the hospital, normally staying on as long as a pony was moving while in the room, turned off. The entire hospital was going into sleep mode, with only a few doctors and nurses walking about.

Still, Pinkie sat by Rainbow’s bedside. Hours passed as her watch continued, but she didn’t move. Her shift went on through Fluttershy’s, then Applejack’s. Her mind flashed back to their pranking schemes, their adventures... and the look on Rainbow's face when Pinkie said she would join the town.

When the morning sun rose and ponies began to wake up, they found Pinkie still standing vigil over Rainbow.

“Pinkie?” Twilight asked, still half asleep. “What are you still doing up?”

Pinkie broke her gaze from Rainbow’s bed for the first time in hours. “Oh, sorry. I guess I lost track of time.” Pinkie’s smile seemed weak, as did the chuckle that followed. A yawn escaped her as she finally took notice of what time it was.

Fluttershy walked up to her friend and put a hoof on her shoulder. “I think you need to get some rest. Nopony can stay up all day and night.”

“I’m fine, honest.” Pinkie’s assurances didn’t fool anypony, but they knew that they couldn’t force her to go to bed.

“Are ya sure, sugarcube?” Applejack asked with some hesitation. “But, Pinkie, you do know you’ll need some energy for when Rainbow’s awake, right?”

“Trust me, I will be awake with plenty of energy for her.” Pinkie met Applejack’s look with an intense look of her own. Pinkie was being far too serious for comfort, though nopony felt like questioning her about it.

Rarity came in with food later that morning, though she was unable to stay.

While the four remaining ponies ate, the smell made its way over to the comatose Rainbow Dash. As if the smell of food pulled her from her sleep, her eyes began to open. She looked around and saw four ponies; three supposed friends, and one true friend. They were there, waiting for her. Letting her head fall back onto the pillows, she closed her eyes once more. This did not go unnoticed by one of the other ponies in the room.

"Dashie? Are you awake?" Pinkie Pie asked as she bolted over to where Rainbow Dash lay. Putting her ear close to Rainbow's face, she listened for any response. She could hear short breathing, but Rainbow's eyes were still closed.

"Pinkie, what are you doing?" Twilight asked as she moved to pull Pinkie from on top of Rainbow Dash. At hearing her voice, Rainbow Dash's eyes opened once again.

"Hey, everypony," she said with a weak smile. Immediately, she was swarmed in a flurry of hugs and squeals of joy.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Fluttershy cried, tears of joy rolling down her cheek.

"It’s good to see ya awake." Applejack held back tears, allowing them to come out on the inside. After many seconds of closeness and hugging, everypony gave Rainbow Dash the space she desperately needed.

"How are you feeling?" Pinkie asked. "Need us to get you anything? Cupcakes? A Daring Doo novel? Maybe bring you Tank for a visit?"

"N-no thanks... Pinkie, I don't need... you to bring anything from my house."

"Oh, alright... do you maybe want some---"

Just then, the door opened. The doctor assigned to Rainbow Dash checked the machines and noticed that Rainbow's heart rate had increased. Taking a second glance at his patient, he asked, "Ms. Dash, are you awake?"

"...Yes," Rainbow answered after several seconds.

"Good morning, Miss Dash," the doctor greeted. "I am Dr. Riwoche. Tell me, are you in pain anywhere?"

"No, I'm good. I just need some more sleep." Rainbow Dash was betrayed by her stomach as it growled in protest.

"Now, now, Ms. Dash, your body is malnourished. You'll need plenty of food to regain your strength. I'll have the nurse bring you some nutritious food." Doctor Riwoche smiled as he said that last word. He turned to address the other ponies in the room. "Ms. Dash is not to have any food other than the food that we will provide until she has satisfactorily recovered. Don't give her anything." Without saying another word, he left, leaving Rainbow alone with four other ponies.

"Sorry, Dashie." Pinkie looked back at the food in the corner. She had saved something special for Dashie, but now she didn't have a chance to give it. Shaking her head, she returned to her friend. "You sure you don't want me to bring you anything?"

"I'm sure," Rainbow Dash reassured emphatically.

"Somepony needs to go get Rarity!" Twilight exclaimed, realizing they hadn't even thought to go get her. "Be right back."

"Do you have to be the one to go get her, Twilight?" Rainbow asked nervously. Her eyes shifted to the other ponies in the room, and looked slightly scared. "I mean, can't somepony else do it?"

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes at Rainbow’s antics. “I know I’m not as fast as you, but I can still be fast when I want to be.”

“That’s not what I mean!” Rainbow told her emphatically. “Do you have to be the one to go to get her, and leaving m--- us?”

“It’ll only be a few minutes. If you really need something, just ask your friends.” Without allowing Rainbow Dash to continue, she closed the door and trotted out of the building.

"Hehehe... yeah, three... friends..." Rainbow Dash murmured after Twilight had left. Her eyes stayed on the doors for several seconds before she closed them and laid her head back on the pillows.

The ponies around Rainbow chatted idly, trying to draw Rainbow into the conversation. The only time Rainbow responded to anypony was when the nurse brought in a strange looking colorless mush which was supposed to be called food. Rainbow ate it easily and returned to her half slumber. It wasn't until Twilight returned with Rarity, 10 minutes later, that Rainbow regained some aspect of her old self.

"Darling, you are looking quite well," Rarity commented looking Rainbow over. Despite being malnourished and injured, Rainbow only looked skinny, and not too unhealthy.

"Yeah, the doc gave me some really good food," Rainbow said with a smile. Her eyes betrayed the validity of that smile, as it darted between four of the ponies in the room.

"You missed the 'stopped-a-crazy-pony' party, but I'll be sure to plan you a 'out-of-the-hospital' party," Pinkie promised with a wide faced grin.

"T-thanks, Pinkie... you'll be there, right, Twilight?" Twilight’s eyebrow raised at that. With a quick nod, she affirmed that she would be there.

"Why did ya want to make sure Twilight was there?" Applejack questioned. It wasn't like Rainbow to be so dependent.

"I... just wanted to make sure that she'd be there," Rainbow answered, her voice lacking her usual confidence.

"Are ya sure about that?"

"Of cour---" Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as she quickly made a verbal backtrack. "I mean, yeah, I'm sure."

"Rainbow, you know you can be honest with us," Rarity reminded. "We are your friends."

"You left me." Rainbow visibly tensed up, her muscles hardening. She seemed to be holding back tears, whether from anger or sadness, it was unclear.

"What do ya mean by that?"

"You four left us. You abandoned all we stood for, just for the comforts you were used to!” Rainbow, though struggling, forced herself out of the bed. A single stream of tears began to come from her eyes. “You were willing to go against everything you believed, just so that you could feel happy?” She pointed her hoof at Rarity, her entire limb vibrating in anger. “Did you ever think about what I felt? Did you ever think of staying loyal to one of your closest friends?” She turned to the rest of the group and pointed at each of them. Tears flowed freely as she continued to speak. “Every single one of you left, except Twilight. She is the only one who didn't turn, she suffered through as much as I did. The rest of you... the rest of you bought into her philosophy and lost sight of what it meant to be a friend!"

Applejack stood still, staring at Rainbow. Her eyes were intent on looking deep within the soul of her old friend and competitor. Rarity stood stiff, remembering that she was the first one to turn. She may not have been joyous while in Our Town, but she had had a semblance of happiness. Fluttershy stood in open shock at what her childhood friend was saying. Never had she seen such raw anger directed towards her anypony Rainbow had called a friend. Lastly, stood Pinkie. Her mane was slightly deflated, and tears were building up. They were not tears that would cause a stream, they were true tears of sadness and heartbreak.

"Rainbow, please, calm down," Fluttershy said, trying to calm down the situation. "We were never following her philosophy."

"Like I could know that!" Rainbow retorted. "You never once told me what you were going to do. You never once tried to help me. You even tried to get me to join them."

"Now, hold it there, Rainbow," Applejack interrupted. "You and Ah both know that ain't true."

"Oh? Do we? Maybe they talked with you, but all of you left me to deal with Starlight's torture on my own."

"Please, calm down, Rainbow Dash," Rarity pleaded, pointing her head towards Pinkie, who was getting closer to tears.

"I am calm!" Rainbow shouted. Even as she screamed, tears continued to stream from her eyes. "You don't understand what I went through! None of you do, except Twilight. What I endured... days of the same voice... not getting much sleep..." "The same room to stare at, day in and day out... the inability to move while in a box..." Her eyes were now flooded in tears, no longer able to stay open. "The fear of getting suffocated in a bag, knowing nopony would help you even if they heard you..." Rainbow finally broke. She began to sob as she collapsed to the floor, no longer able to form coherent thought or words. She couldn’t move; she was powerless.

Fluttershy tried to get closer, but was stopped by Twilight’s magic. Turning her head, she noticed that Twilight had a dark look on her face, her eyes hidden behind her hair.

“Can you leave us for a moment?” Twilight asked, her voice carrying despite its lack of volume.

“S-sure.” The four other ponies left the room, leaving the two who had stood against Starlight.

As soon as the door closed, Twilight flew to Rainbow’s side and hugged her to her body, her wings shielding her friend. Rainbow continued sobbing into Twilight’s fur, slowly being comforted by her last true and trusted friend. After many minutes spent in Twilight’s embrace, Rainbow began to run out of tears.

“You know, they didn’t just turn,” Twilight said after some time. Rainbow raised her head, her mind still not ready to hold a conversation. “I don’t know what they were doing, but I know they didn’t just give up.”

Rainbow stared at her in disbelief. Her friends had abandoned them, had left them to join that town. How could Twilight be defending them? Twilight, as if reading her thoughts, answered them.

“I may not know how they were trying to help us, or if they truly believed in the philosophy, but I know that they were doing what they could to help. I can’t doubt them, though I probably should. I trust them, even if what they do I disagree with.”

Rainbow lay silently for a few seconds before nodding along with Twilight. What she was saying did make sense, after all.

“I… I don’t think I can trust them,” Rainbow confessed, facing the real issue. “They turned against us. No amount of good intentions erases that.” Twilight thought for a few moments before trying a new approach.

“Everypony deserves a second chance, especially our friends. Even if you don’t trust them, at least give them a chance to regain that trust.”

Twilight didn’t wait for Rainbow’s answer. She got up and opened the door, calling out for her friends to come over. Closing the door behind her, she went into the hallway to explain the situation.

“She lost her trust in the four of you,” Twilight said bluntly. “I know she still wants you to be her friends, but this is an emotional time for her, and everything is still fresh for all of us. I’m sure that, in time, she can learn to trust again.”

“Can we even manage that?” Rarity asked. “Can anypony ‘learn’ to trust again after such a harrowing experience?”

“I don’t know, but we owe it to her to make the attempt.”

After a brief deliberation and explanation, the five ponies returned to the room. There, now standing up, was Rainbow Dash. There were still tears on her face, but they were slowly drying.

“Rainbow, Ah know your feelin’s about us and what we did to ya, but Ah promise, we will show ya that we’re still the same fillies ya once knew.” Applejack approached Rainbow Dash and threw her hooves around the weakened pegasus.

“We don’t care how much time must be spent on this endeavour, we know you deserve it.” Rarity joined the hug, taking Rainbow’s right.

“We were trying to help you, in little ways, but now I know we should have helped you more.” Fluttershy flew over and got into the hug from above.

“We gave you false smiles, when we should have truly looked at you and make sure you were okay.” Pinkie pronked over and dived into the hug from the front.

“From all of us, we’re sorry, for everything we did do, and what we didn’t,” all four said together.

Twilight finally joined the hug, using her wings to get extra reach. In the middle, Rainbow’s tear reserves had replenished and were once again overflowing. No longer from pain or sadness, but from faint sparks of real hope. It was a new beginning.

Though each mare was too focused on the hugging, they didn’t notice or feel their cutie marks. The marks were pulsing, with smaller version going outward. It didn’t feel right just yet, but nopony paid it any mind. They had survived, and after enough time to heal, their friendship would be stronger because of it.

Author's Note

Well, that's it. Story is done. We're closing the book on this one, but I want to leave you all with a question and a quote.

Let me ask you dear [reader] a question: why are you here. No, seriously, why are you here? There are a great many excellent [writers] out there, I should know, I keep hitting the [follow] whenever I find the new ones. That you should stay to [read] mine, while flattering, does leave me to question your good taste, judgement, and possibly your sobriety.
-Loquacious of Herd

In all seriousness though, what were your overall thoughts? What parts did you like? Which did you hate?

Remember, Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 17: Final Day and Conversions

Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 406

My sleep from last night did nothing to help me with exhaustion. My dreams were plagued by worries... and my own anger. I can't help but think that it is somehow my fault that Twilight doesn't see the truth like everypony else. And yet, I cannot believe that. It is everypony else who is wrong in their beliefs and ideals, holding up cutie marks as good things. I cannot allow my determination to waver. If I do, everything I have sacrificed will be in vain. I need to stop thinking about this, and just get back to earlier today.

I woke up from a restless sleep early. I forced myself to get up out of my bed, my body struggling to so much as move. I felt drained, emotionally and physically. After forcing myself to get ready for the day, I went downstairs. Twilight's door was still closed, and locked. I put my ear to the door only to realize that I heard nothing.

"Starlight, you fool," I murmured to myself. I had left the bubble of silence in the room on, draining away my magic throughout the night. I quickly dissipated the spell and walked in.

Twilight was still asleep, but I could tell that her body now had several noticeable bruises covering it. As if my entrance itself was a looming threat, her eyes opened slowly and blearily. After a few seconds they focused on me and Twilight bolted out of her bed. Her eyes were full of fire, of rage, of a pony that was going to do something foolish.

"Good morning, Twilight," I said in my usual way.

"Good morning? Really?" she scoffed back. "You attack me and you expect me to say good morning?"

"Twilight, you tried to run away. You tried to destroy the harmony of this town. You had to be punished," I said, trying to comfort her. Her only response was looking angrily away.

"Twilight, you are coming with me. Now," I commanded her. I opened up the door more, and began to walk out before turning back and saying, "Don't say a word to anypony, simply follow."

Twilight's eyes shot daggers at me, but she didn't get up.

"We are going to the hospital to get your injuries looked at. You are coming one way or another, but I'm giving you the choice of avoiding any further embarrassment for yourself."

Eventually, common sense won out against stubborn attitudes and she followed. There were few ponies out in the streets this morning, but none of Twilight's old friends, fortunately. Twilight didn't make a dash for anywhere once, though I did catch a glance or two when we were crossing the main street.

The hospital was really just Cinnamon Fire's house. Cinnamon had gone to medical school for a few years, but after stress and work overload she snapped and dropped out. Now she is our town's doctor, should it ever be required.

Cinnamon came out of the backroom still half asleep. Her legs were slow to move and her eyes were still fogged with sleep. However, she got a visible flood of adrenaline as soon as she noticed I was there.

"S-Starlight?!" she said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Cinnamon," I replied with a smile. "Twilight hurt herself last night, and I would like you to check to see if her injuries are anything to be concerned about."

"Oh, okay. Sure, just come on to the back room and I can check her out," she told me. She quickly turned and walked into the backroom.

We followed her in. I noted that the room looked like a normal doctor's office, minus any degrees or proof of being a doctor. Cinnamon was half way through examining Twilight and asking her questions when the elephant was brought up.

"So, how did you hurt yourself, Twilight?" Cinnamon asked while taking Twilight's blood pressure.

Twilight stood silently for a moment, and began to speak before I cut her off.

"She slipped and fell down the stairs," I said. Twilight quickly closed her mouth.

"Oh, really? Hm... Well, you are lucky," Cinnamon informed us. "You only have bruises and a few scrapes along the length of your body. Nothing serious. You should be fine tomorrow, though there will be pain for most of today."

"That is good to hear. Cinnamon, mind if I talk to you for a second?" I asked, motioning my hoof to outside the room.

"Of course," she replied before following me out. "What do you need?"

"I think Twilight needs to stay in the safety room for today. She seemed unstable last night. I think something happened to her and is making her a bit... strange."

"What? You know I can't just put a pony in the safety room for no reason than suspicion, Starlight," she said, almost chiding me.

My eye narrowed. "She threw herself down the stairs last night. I think that's how she got hurt." Cinnamon gasped at this.

"If that's the case then... I have to put her in the room, for her own well being."

We turned and walked back into the room. Twilight was turned her head towards us when we entered, a look of apprehension on her face.

"There is just one more thing you have to do before I can say you are perfectly alright to leave, Twilight," Cinnamon said. "Please, come with me."

Cinnamon led Twilight to a small side room, and ushered Twilight inside. The room was surrounded on all sides by white, padded walls. Cinnamon quickly closed the door and locked it before Twilight knew what was happening.

"Okay, Starlight, I can guarantee you, she is in good hooves," Cinnamon assured me.

"Thank you. If she begins to act crazy again, be sure to come get me. I will try to calm her down."

"That will be helpful, Starlight. You are a good friend for doing this, for making her come here."

With Twilight safely handled, I quickly moved on to the preparations for Shining Armor. Leaving Twilight in the care of Cinnamon, I went quickly to Double Diamond's house.

He opened the door immediately, as if he was expecting me. After a few pleasantries, I decided to move on to business.

"We need to do something about Rainbow Dash," I informed him. "Soon, preferably."

"What can we do?" Double Diamond questioned. "She still refuses to break, and we cannot keep her here, ponies will begin to come looking for her."

"I know that!" I said, raising my voice slightly. "We just... we just need to find an excuse to keep her locked up."

"Hm... Yes..." Double Diamond trailed off into thought. The problem wasn't Rainbow Dash, it was other ponies, especially the guardsponies. If anypony saw the conditions Rainbow Dash was in, there would be an investigation in the entire town. That is not something that can happen at this stage.

"I have an idea," Double Diamond announced before standing up. "But I will need time to search through some old documents."

"Can you do that today?" I asked before following him in getting up.

"If it's for you... Of course."

"Thank you, Double Diamond. You have been a great help."

"I only wish to help you, Starlight."

I checked the clock only to see that it was 9:53. I quickly bid a farewell to Double Diamond before rushing outside. I was planning on starting the final day at 10:00. Fortunately, I got to the stage at 9:58. After securing my note cards and going over my speech one final time, I walked up to the podium.

"Everypony, it's time to start the final day of the festival!" I shouted to the entire town. Very quickly and orderly, everypony in town came to the stage.

"This is the final day of the festival, as you all know. I have seen friendships strengthened, others made anew. Today is a day for celebration... A day of relaxation. Anypony that needs anything for today may ask myself or any member of the council. We will be happy to help. Let this day begin!"

After some polite applause, everypony dispersed. I saw that Fire Hammer and Forest Embers were being overrun with ponies asking for trivial little things, while Double Diamond seemed nowhere nearby. Chuckling softly at his planning, I stepped off the stage. At the side, waiting for me, was Applejack.

"Hello, Applejack. What do you need?"

"You, uh, said that I should talk with y'all today," was her short reply.

"Yes, of course." I had temporarily forgotten about that. "I was wondering, would you like to return to Ponyville when we go?"

Applejack stood stunned for a few seconds before answering, "Well o' course ah would!"

"Then I would invite you to travel to Ponyville with myself in a weeks time. I hope to see you then," I finished before walking away. I had other things to do, and time was of the essence.

Before I could get more than 20 steps away from the stage, I saw what I had been worryingly waiting for; the return of the entire guard. Shining Armor was leading back the entire force. In the middle I could see the one pony that was lost. I quickly changed my course so that I'd meet with the army before they got to the main part of town.

"You found him!" I shouted as they got close. I quickly rushed forward to put my hoof on the pony's shoulder. "Are you okay?

"Yeah, *huff* yeah. I'm... *huff* fine..." they said before quickly falling to the floor from exhaustion. I glared accusingly at Shining Armor.

"Sorry," was all he said as an apology. "We must have set too hard a pace."

"I'm just glad he's back. Thank you for bringing him back, Shining Armor."

"No problem. It's what we're trained to do," he assured him. He began to turn away before I stopped him.

"Oh, there is one more thing. A little thank you gift, for when you leave. Please inform me of your departure. I'm sure you'll love it."

Shining Armor looked shocked for a second, but recovered in the next. "Then I will have to make sure to get it." He trotted off to his room, and I knew that I had a moment. A hoof tapped my shoulder. Turning around, I saw Crimson Moon and a few other guardsponies standing sheepishly to the side.

"Hello, Crimson Moon. What do you need?"

"We were wondering if... if we could go through the... process," he asked, before he scratched the back of his head.

I looked around and, seeing that nopony needed my help, replied, "Of course. If you would kindly follow me?"

I quickly led them to the vault. Their eyes went wide once they saw the sheer scope of the vault and how many blemishes were in the vault.

"Now, there is one thing you must know before we begin, all of you," I started off. "The easier you give up your cutie mark, the faster and better it'll be. So, be sure to push away your cutie mark when I begin to use this" - I gestured to the staff of sameness - "to being the process."

The four guardsponies nodded silently and solemnly.

"Who wants to go first?" I asked sweetly. Crimson Moon was the first to step forward.

I channeled my magic into the spell to remove his cutie mark. Crimson didn't fight to keep his mark at all. The process took less than two seconds. I repeated the process with the three others, with varying results. Two had fought only slightly, but gave them up easily. The last one, for some reason, fought to keep his cutie mark for a few seconds.

Once they had finished, I told them, "You are now part of our town. You will experience true friendship. This is the last day of the festival, and you can meet many new friends today. I'd suggest splitting meeting as many as possible."

"That sounds like a good idea," one of the guardponies said. I led them back to town as fast as I could.

It was around 4:30 by the time we had gotten back to town. The town had fractured off into groups of ponies, each doing a different activity. I saw that some ponies were playing a game of cards, which immediately caught one of the guardsponies' attention.

"This is where I leave you," I informed them. "Have fun and... welcome, to our town. I'm sure you'll love it here."

"Wait!" called out Crimson Moon. "Where are we supposed to stay?"

I thought about this for a moment. I had no solution for it, since we can't build four houses in a day or so. A full minute passed as I stood there, thinking it over.

"Ma'am?" one of the other guardsponies asked. "You alright?"

Snapping out of my train of thought, I replied, "Y-yes, I'm okay. Just... ask me later, I'll have an answer for you then."

With a quick farewell, the four soldiers went to go entertain themselves.

Thinking back to the problem at hoof, I looked around and saw that Forest Embers was talking with some friends, but didn't look terribly busy. I waited for a few minutes before she finally saw me. I quietly motioned her over, and she came with little hesitation.

"Hello, Starlight," she greeted me. "Do we have some new friends joining us?"

"Yes, we do," I answered with a smile. "Though, I do hope that nopony would be gossiping about such things behind other ponies' backs. It would be bad if our new friends were already known before the official greeting, right?"

"Of course," came the standard reply.

"On the topic of our new friends, they will need housing for the coming days while we make their houses. Can I trust you in securing such things?"

"Sure! I can do that," she replied with a happy smile. "I'll need to go arrange that now. May I...?"

"Of course. Goodbye, Embers." With that problem dealt with, I turned back and began walking to Shining Armor's room.

I was able to get to Shining Armor's room without too much hassle, and inside I found the stallion pacing. He very quickly took notice of me.

"Hello, Starlight. What do you need?" he asked. His eyes looked intently at me, as if trying to get a rough idea of what I wanted before I said anything.

"It's more of a reminder," I assured him. At these words, his body relaxed, and I noticed that he was tense before. "You will need to leave town by tomorrow." He tensed right back up after those words.

"What?!" he shouted angrily. "What do you mean I have to leave?"

"Well, rules are rules. The only reason I allowed you to stay before was because of the festival, but that ends today. You have to leave town by tomorrow." Shining Armor stood speechless for a few seconds.

"Fine. Now, if there isn't anything else?" he asked, his words dripping with venom.

"Sorry. I still have that gift for you though, as a thank you." I quickly walked outside as I spoke.

"Give it to me tomorrow if you really must," he said before closing the door.

After speaking some unflattering words under my breath, I went to Cinnamon's house. Cinnamon was not home, so I let myself into her house and into the room where Twilight was recuperating. I quickly made sure Twilight was doing okay. It appeared that she fell asleep, but her injuries looked to be healing quite nicely.

I stepped outside and looked at the time. It was almost evening, and so I would have to give the last speech. Quickly and quietly, I made my way up to the stage. As I neared the podium, a crowd of ponies began to form and the noise began to quiet. By the time I was standing at the podium for a few minutes, most of the residents were waiting for me to begin.

Rather than start by talking, I looked out to the crowd with a smile.

"Friends, look around you. You all expect me to give a speech on our friendship, but it speaks for itself. For years this place has been a pioneer of true friendship, and it will not change. Many of you escaped from lives that left you unfulfilled, or were forced to leave by the lack of jobs. This is the one place in Equestria that is fair. I am not here to give a speech, I am here to share a truth with all of you that can be seen with your eyes. We here are true friends, in every sense of the word. That is the only thing we'll ever need."

There was no applause as I left the stage, not that I expected there to be any. I had tested this speech on a few ponies to gauge their reactions weeks prior, and they had all sat stunned by my words. They had, instead, let my words flow into them, and through them. They had seen the truth, and that was enough.

Author's Note

Finally, the next chapter is here. I would, first, like to apologize for the long hiatus. Unfortunately, I was swamped with some school work. Procrastinating at its finest. I will be trying to upload once a week from now on.

And, remember, Criticism is always appreciated.