The Discussions and a Journey
Sometimes, Starlight Glimmer loathed other ponies.
None of this should've happened, but in a way, it was to be expected in some ways and unexpected in others. To think she was just cultivating the seeds that would germinate into the perfect society, the perfect Equestria, and her cockiness toppled over her reign over Our Town. They never understood Starlight Glimmer's struggle. Those blasted fools didn't know what they were doing, however. Life under a society determined by these 'cutie marks' and 'destiny' was a world worse than Tartarus. She'd have given hers up last; her magic was needed to perform the ritual of stripping cutie marks and granting a new sign in its place.
The Staff of Sameness and the Cutie Mark Vault were all just a part of the script she wrote. Not once did she deviate from the plan, just as she never averted her plans for a utopia. After all, something about saying she'd tear the cutie mark off of ponies like old bandages didn't sound appealing, let alone something supporters would rally behind. A good myth and lore was needed to build her 'empire' and grant her the wish she desired.
Respect and power.
That was what spoke to Starlight most of all. Adoration was only a close second.
Now she had none of them.
A society with no cutie marks was just another theory, likely to never be unearthed again barring extreme circumstances.
And clinging onto her cutie mark for just a tad longer was part of the deal—however long a tad was.
Then again, it wasn't as though she was ready to give it all up just yet. She witnessed the more hesitant ponies being stripped of their cutie marks, groaning and cringing as they tried wrestling free from the ritual, but to no avail. It looked like having a limb torn from one's body. Starlight winced at the thought of what it must've felt like. It was losing one's identity in a way.
And desperately clinging onto her one identifying mark was all she had at this point.
No friends, no power, and no authority.
Friendship was a ruse, but having an ally helped with keeping things orderly.
However, it was just Starlight and the vast desert which surrounded her. Rocks and malformed twigs were all she spotted for miles; the few insects she noticed all scurried away from her. Only on occasion would she stumble on some crumbs of food or bits that must've fallen out of somepony's wallet. And without fail she'd swipe them in a heartbeat.
Whatever it took to survive the desert was necessary.
Anything to give her a chance of straying from her former residence.
"Stupid, traitorous scum," Starlight muttered under her own breath. Her throat was dry and coarse; any drops of water she'd scramble over to and gobble up fiendishly. Her panting was all that filled the air other than her occasional monologues. "I knew I couldn't trust Party Favor. He was always the one getting into trouble." A venomous taste reached the tip of her tongue. "Always wondering what it'd be like to have a cutie mark for a day. Sugar Belle is just as traitorous, wondering what the world beyond was like and tasting a scrap of good food."
The more she thought about it, the more stripping Sugar Belle's talents sounded like a minor mistake. Starlight's diet over the past few years consisted of figurative cardboard. It may as well have been actual cardboard after a point.
"Then there's Night Glider," Starlight continued. She glanced over to her tattered saddlebag, hastily sewn to hold whatever trash she could gobble up. "Giving up her chance to join her sister in the Wonderbolts and seeing herself as inferior, but always fretting over said sister. Fleetfoot was her name, I think." Starlight pretended to hack something up, then coughed legitimately. Her chest tied itself into a knot. "If that report about Tirek hadn't spread over to Our Town, she would've kept her mouth shut."
Turning to her left, Starlight noticed a distant mountain looming above. Somewhere behind those peaks was her old home, now a haven for those with cutie marks instead of the beginnings of something beautiful. Snow covered the mountaintops, a prime spot for skiing and frolicking in the snow; both activities were ones she rolled her eyes at and scoffed, much to the disagreement of everypony else. And the sight boiled her blood as she thought of the last traitor.
"Double Diamond," Starlight hissed. "You and I had something, but you threw it all away for what?"
"Freedom," something replied.
Starlight's ears twitched. With her eyes widened, she scanned the perimeter of the environment. Aside from a few wilting trees devoid of leaves and the tumbleweeds which taunted her as they casually strolled past, there wasn't a soul in sight. She could've sworn there was another village stuck in the midst of the vast desert, yet no silhouettes of ponies or buildings were visible. It was just Starlight.
However, those weren't her words or thoughts. The voice was too raspy and menacing to be hers; King Sombra would've cowered in fear at the sound of such a voice if he ever heard its words, and Sombra was the most fearsome tyrant in all of Equestrian history. Yet Starlight knew it wasn't him or anypony like him as well. Sombra was old history by this point.
Somepony else had to be out there.
"Are you lost?" the voice asked.
Starlight's throat tightened. She nodded hesitantly, unsure of what to expect. It wasn't as though things could get worse as far as she was concerned.
"You're looking for purpose, aren't you?" the voice continued.
Without wasting a second, Starlight nodded once more. She pursed her lips.
"I can give you purpose."
"You can?" Starlight weakly murmured.
"Yes. As of now, you're proficient in magic and among the best in all of Equestria, but being a gifted unicorn isn't going to cut it in this cruel, unforgiving world."
"Um, thanks?" Starlight cocked her head. "But who are you and what do you mean by—"
"Well, I wasn't done yet." Silence lingered for a second. "Who am I? I think you know. But what if I told you that more power awaited you?"
Starlight crawled forward, eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "More power?"
"Of course. Anypony can become stronger if they set their mind to it."
"So what do I need to do?" Starlight licked her chapped lips, sweat dripping down her forehead and onto her tongue. The taste was bitter, yet one she didn't mind too much. She trudged a few hoofsteps forward and sulked. Any more exertion on her legs and muscles and she'd pass out. Such an option wasn't preferable. "Tell me."
"You want to know?"
"I do. Help me, please."
The voice cackled; it was like a griffon's talons scratching a chalkboard. "Help? The ruthless ruler known as Starlight Glimmer needs help? That's adorable! I'd pity you if I could, but considering you tried blasting those four rebels and a princess before giving up and fleeing, pity is the last thing you need."
Starlight clenched her teeth, cheeks reddened. "Shut up. I was in the right and nothing will change that."
"What's wrong? Did I catch a nerve?"
Tears trickled down Starlight's cheeks as she shook her head. She bit her lip, fighting to keep the tears away; showing any signs of weakness would only hurt more.
"Well, it looks like you're the exact opposite of what I was looking for." The voice feigned a snicker. "So how about you carry on and we'll go our separate ways. You're not some empress looking to put Equestria—no—the world under her hoof and mold it into a true paradise. Instead, all I see is a little pony crying because she's scared."
Once again, Starlight violently shook her head. "I-I'm not scared."
"Don't lie to me."
"I'm strong! I'm Starlight Glimmer, and Equestria will know the true beauty of equality!"
"Equality? Is that what this is about?"
Starlight remained static, a chill coursing through her spine.
"It was never about equality for you, wasn't it?"
Starlight groaned and scrunched her muzzle. "It was always about equality, liar."
It always was to her. Starlight's whole foundation for the town she built and established was a community where nopony was better than anypony else. She called the shots, specified the rules, and regulated what came in and out of the town as well as she could, but other than that, everypony lived in equal harmony. It was perfect.
It was perfect for her.
And only she felt that way. The rest all had their grievances; some of them found the society dull and devoid of laughter while others found it as an obstacle to honesty and generosity. To Starlight, they were the ones to blame for not experiencing the true marvel of Our Town, refusing to accept this was the way toward equality and fairness.
She knew they couldn't be right.
But she was lying to the voice in her answer. Starlight was lying to herself.
Before she stepped up and created her own world, nopony batted an eye at her while some went as far to throw the sharpest words at her chest. Whether it was the mane she thought was gorgeous, her difficulty controlling her tone of voice at a young age, having not one friend to share her experiences with, and being seen as the nerdy outcast drove her to such desires.
"I have my reasons," Starlight whispered.
"You do?" the voice questioned. "Good for you!"
The environment became a hazy blur as a wetness cascaded down her cheeks. But melodrama wasn't the answer to her woes. After all, such behavior only encouraged those snotty or gruff ponies to call her 'Noisy Brat' and stuff her into cold, metallic lockers. Memories of trying to pull gum out of her mane flowed back into her brain uninvited. The twinges that once covered her forelegs and cheeks after each encounter all returned at once, Starlight cringing. It was them who made her the true goals a reality.
It was never about making others happy. Only Starlight was allowed to experience true joy, the enjoyment of forcing the society which tormented her so into worshiping her instead. They could have some bliss, of course, but it'd be paltry to hers. Power was one thing, but getting back at some old enemies and turning the tables was something Starlight couldn't pass down. Her plan had both.
And as far as she was concerned, she was justified.
She cracked the faintest of grins just thinking about it. She was the one ponies should've stood behind, not that princess.
"I'm doing this for a reason, whoever you are," Starlight whispered.
"Yeah, you already said that." The voice paused for a moment. "If I'm interpreting your thoughts correctly, you're even more pathetic than I thought. I mean, using the troubled past thing as an excuse? How embarrassing. I mean, at least have a better and more original—oh, that's right. That actually was your foalhood. It's amazing anypony could take you seriously, you know? Just do it; do it because you come out on top or something."
Starlight shivered; her coat turned pale. "Can you read my—"
"Mind? I guess that answers it for you." The voice cleared its throat. "And as I was saying, you're in no position to claim power at this rate. Why don't you go on somewhere else and just hide in a pub or something. Maybe you'll find some princess to magically 'reform' you, though I'd wager it's her who needs reforming."
Starlight swished her tail around. "Reformation? Please, that's not something I need to do. I'm already the pony I want to be."
"A pony who ashamed her cutie mark isn't something clear, right?"
"What?" Starlight faintly gasped; her pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks. "How did you—"
"Let's just say I've done my research." The voice chuckled once more. "Idiot. A cutie mark about magic isn't anything special nowadays. Oh, and there's only one way this can end in your favor, you know."
"And what's that?" Starlight arched an eyebrow. "Do I start a new society?"
"You only wish it was that easy." The voice paused for a moment. "Say, you've been trotting for a long time, haven't you?"
"Two days." Starlight sighed, shoulders drooped and head hung low.
"That long, huh? Well, I bet you're hungry and thirsty."
In a flash, Starlight's posture perked up, the faintest of smiles running across her visage. "You know of a place? Tell me where I can find food and drink. I'll die if I don't find anything." Starlight knelt down and bit her tongue. "Give me the directions now."
"What's the magic word?"
Starlight's throat tensed. "Please."
"Good filly." The voice paused for a moment. "We'll continue our little conversation soon enough, but it won't do us any good if you're unconscious. Well, I could theoretically talk to you, but it wouldn't be easy."
"What's that supposed to mean." Starlight cocked her head, eyebrow raised.
"Nothing that's important." A faint chuckle echoed into Starlight's ears and froze her veins. "Now, remember when you first came to the place that would become Our Town?"
Starlight weakly nodded. "I-I do." The world spiraled into a vast array of watercolors, the shapes just defined enough for her to make out what they were. She'd collapse onto the dried soil if her thirst wasn't quenched. Maybe this was why those ponies didn't pursue her through that cave. It being blocked off was one thing, but making it out of the desert alive with limited supplies may as well have been impossible. "It was just one building and I established it as my home."
"That's right. And why did you do it?"
"I think you know why. The bullying, remember?"
"Let it all back in." Chuckles filled Starlight's ears. "Don't leave out a single detail."
Starlight wouldn't have been surprised if that was the case with the voice peering into her thoughts. It was just after she'd received her diploma from Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Sure, she received top honors and was seen as a star student, but her accomplishments somehow paled in comparison to Moondancer's. Almost everypony's did from what she remembered.
There was another pony who came close, however, and it tickled the back of her mind thinking about it. Something about the princess' name, Twilight Sparkle, also rang a bell when she heard it in the town. She swore they went to the same school before, Twilight ranking almost as high as Moondancer. But that was ages ago.
And then the scolding from those rats, the ones who tormented her throughout her foalhood, continued well after graduation.
Starlight's blood pressure rose as she recalled their names. Jet Set, Upper Crust, and Posh Penny were their names. While the third eventually buggered off to Manehattan and minded her own business, the other two kept digging deeper into her soul and striking every nerve they came across.
Abandoning Canterlot, the shops and cafes imprinted in her mind, was the best decision of her life. And crafting her own utopia where she'd earn the greatest prize of all—respect—was the icing on the cake.
She was happier that way.
"But do you truly feel justified?" the voice asked. "It's one thing to do something out of petty revenge and another to do it because you feel it's right."
Starlight clenched her teeth for a moment. "Of course I do!" she howled. "They're getting what's coming to them."
"So you finally confessed that part out loud. About time, idiot."
Pursing her lips, Starlight adopted a downcast expression. She sighed. "Look, are you going to help me live or not?"
"Since you're not shying away from the full truth, I guess I will."
"Okay." Starlight exhaled, then raised her head. Not a cloud floated above her or was even visible. "So what should I do?"
"Now think further back, before you founded Our Town. Do you recall something about the sights you saw?"
Starlight shrugged. "Explain."
"I mean, Our Town is far away from Canterlot. Arriving there by train or by hoof takes a lot of time, especially for the latter."
"And your point?" Starlight trotted forward once again with no real destination in mind. It wasn't as though she knew where she was.
Or did she?
Maybe this was part of the voice's scheme. Something about witnessing miles upon miles of nothing seemed familiar, especially since even the deserts surrounding Appleoosa or Dodge Junction had something of value to visit or spot. Where she found herself was almost devoid of anything resembling something interesting.
Her eyes widened.
Starlight knew this place.
"I see the gears in your head turning," the voice teased.
"There was a small village nestled in one of the forests, right?"
"That's right. And where was it?"
Starlight shuffled her hooves to the right; she slightly changed direction and slowly resumed trudging along. "This way."
"You've got it." The voice paused for a second. "I'll leave you be for now."
"So this is goodbye?" Starlight ceased trotting and slowly straightened her posture. "I guess I won't be seeing—hearing from you again."
"Far from it."
Starlight's brow rose. "Huh?"
"We'll keep quiet for now, but after you've settled into that village and have rested up, we'll resume our conversation."
Wiping the sweat from her brow, Starlight panted for a moment. She took a deep breath. The drive to surge onward flowed through her, even if the odds of making it out of the desert were dwindling quickly. "Understood. And if I may ask, what's your name?"
"We haven't met formally yet. We'll get there soon enough, but I'm a familiar face, you know. In fact, I'm the most familiar face you've ever seen." The voice cackled once more. "But we'll leave that for later. Besides, I have one final question I'm devising once you arrive. Don't bother asking, because it's not ready yet. Goodbye!"
And without warning, everything became silent once more. Starlight was alone once again, just as she was throughout most of her life.
Alone.
Perhaps the voice was an agent of Twilight Sparkle, desperately trying to pull her toward the 'joys' of 'friendship' if such a thing existed. Friendship was a myth as far as Starlight was concerned. It was something ponies used to justify ganging up on her and other poor souls, the same souls who meandered toward her village in search of a true utopia. If friendship was true, then she'd have found it by now.
But she hadn't found friendship. One of the things she'd learned at an early age was that one simply didn't find friendship, nor could somepony learn friendship.
In hindsight, it made ordering Twilight to shut up that one time feel so satisfying. It was one of those brief moments she wished she could relive over and over again.
"Should I trust the voice?" Starlight muttered under her own breath.
It wasn't as though Starlight had any other choice, however. She could either enter the village and risk the slander other ponies had ready for her the moment she would arrive or melt under the sun's intense rays and toss away any remaining hope she had left.
The answer was obvious for once. She had just enough strength and a few drops left over to make it if her memory was telling the truth.
Why anypony would name their little village Hollow Shades was beyond Starlight. It was a little on-the-nose according to her, but given how the cabins which made up the quaint town were all nestled within a dimly lit forest, one of the few signs of flora for miles if Starlight recalled correctly, perhaps it was a fitting name as well.
Maybe the villagers all enjoyed living away from the brightness outside of the forest. Most of the ponies who trotted across the dirt roads were bat ponies, their wings more imposing than Starlight imagined them as, though a few unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies settled in the mostly quiet town. Faint whispers and the creaking of wagons as they traversed over the uneven pathways were all that reached Starlight's ears for the most part.
And much to Starlight's delight, nopony arched an eyebrow at her, let alone scowled at her because they watched her like a hawk. None of the ponies even gazed into her eyes for more than a second. She was just another mare among a crowd, nothing more and nothing less. It tickled her chest since she was the queen of her own utopia not too long ago.
All of the ponies had genuine smiles as well. None of them wore the creepy, wide grins her town adopted by her decree.
Maybe this was the utopia she yearned for all along.
But something tickled Starlight's forehead.
"Are you sure this is the society you want?" the voice asked.
Starlight shuddered, then straightened her posture. "You're back?"
"Of course." The voice snickered. "I never left you to begin with. I just—needed some time to think."
"I understand." Nodding, Starlight took a quick breath.
"Now then, do you see what's on their flanks?"
Starlight cocked her head. Trotting a few hoofsteps forward, she approached the nearest bat pony, a mare with a bluish-gray coat and bright green eyes. Her visage was peppy and wore a grin brighter than almost anything the town could offer. Some small, admittedly cute fangs protruded from her mouth, typical of bat ponies. Sneaking up to the mare without making a peep, Starlight peeked at her flank.
A cutie mark was emblazoned on it. The symbol looked like a tornado of sorts, perhaps indicating the mare's flying prowess or somepony who helps manage the weather like pegasi are known to do. It had more flair than her enigmatic cutie mark. And while she'd rather hold onto it, Starlight wished she could somehow trade marks.
"But what good is a cutie mark in weather or flying going to do for you?" the voice hissed.
Starlight crept away from the mare. Immediately diverting her attention from her, Starlight then noticed another pony trotting past, an earth pony stallion pulling a wagon. Glass jars wiggled about for every step he took, yet his visage was decorated with a slight grin as he waved to passersby who did the same.
And on his flank was a letter for a cutie mark. A bit bland, but at least he knew what his special talent explicitly defined.
A grumbling sound reached Starlight; her stomach twinged. Coupled with her still dry throat, she frantically swiveled her head about, yearning to find some sort of establishment that would save her life. Anything would do at this point, even the cardboard muffins she ate that were a crime against taste buds.
The ponies she all spotted seemed genuinely happy, but Starlight wasn't buying it.
Her town during the calmer days expressed the best kind of happiness; Starlight in particular was enthused about her status during those times.
"Nothing, huh?" the voice teased. "I guess you'd best start selling your ideology."
Starlight squinted at a larger building tucked off to the side, smoke bellowing from its chimney as though it was a dragon. She trudged closer toward the establishment in question and spotted a rotting sign dangling from the roof's edge. The closer she got, the harsher the squeaks became. Starlight clenched her teeth and wondered if she'd suffer from hearing loss by the time this was over.
At least what the sign said in yellow letters were words she'd hoped to read.
Hollow Shades Pub
Food and Drink Served
The brightest grin Starlight wore in ages appeared across her face. She licked her lips, stomach growling like a bear.
"Perfect," Starlight murmured.
Without a second thought, Starlight rushed over to the door and pushed it open. Yet in her eagerness, she nearly toppled over on her way in as she nearly kissed the chipped floor. At least she had enough strength to keep herself upright and regain her composure. Embarrassing herself in front of a large, possibly intoxicated audience was the last thing she needed.
At least the pub's interior wasn't crowded. The aforementioned wooden floor, a bar desk, and some tables and chairs were spread across the room with a defunct jukebox nestled in a corner and covered in dust. The oil paintings attached to the walls breathed life into the room as well. Canterlot was the last place Starlight saw anything resembling art, so such a tiny feature was welcome in her eyes.
"Welcome to the pub, miss," a gruff voice said.
Starlight turned toward the voice's source, locking eyes with a bearded bartender. His green coat and brown mane and beard were filthy; he likely hadn't stumbled into a shower in ages, the putrid stench burning Starlight's nostrils. But she wasn't turning around when this was the closest she'd been to food before she left Our Town. All she needed was something to pinch her nose.
Starlight approached one of the empty stools, sitting down on the cushion and spreading her forelegs across the desk. The desk's surface, unlike the floor, was almost as smooth as butter and chilled her veins. Not the most pleasant experience in the world, but it was miles better than the desert scorching her.
"Tired, miss?" the stallion continued. "Ya came to just the right place."
Starlight sighed. "That's good," she murmured. "Do you have a menu?"
"It's above me, miss."
Raising her head, Starlight studied the items listed on the menu. There was nothing too out of the ordinary; salads, sandwiches, and fruits consisted of most of the food, whereas the drinks available were exponentially higher. All sorts of liquor had a slot in the menu, surrounded by a few sodas before ending the list with water.
Starlight was only interested in the last part.
"Two sandwiches and a water," said Starlight.
"You's got it, miss!"
Arching an eyebrow, Starlight couldn't help herself from donning a bemused expression. Maybe calling her 'miss' was just a habit the bartender had whenever he spoke to mares.
In a flash, a plate with two tall sandwiches and a glass of water slid before her. Starlight's posture perked up, eyes glued to the meal that would undoubtedly lift her spirits. She licked her lips and picked up one of the sandwiches. With a small nibble, tomatoes and mayonnaise touched her tongue, among other flavors. They were basic and nothing special, but Starlight couldn't help but grin through it all. They were second only to earning respect at this point.
"Likin' your meal there?" asked the stallion.
Starlight nodded and then swallowed the food.
"What brings ya out here to Hollow Shades?" He stretched his forearm and rested it on the table. "Lookin' to make a new life here?"
"Well—" Starlight pursed her lips and pressed her hooves together "—I kind of stumbled on this place while traveling."
"You mean while on the run, right?" the voice corrected. "You're seriously going to lie about that?"
"I can't say that to him," Starlight whispered under her own breath. "And why did you have to bring this up?"
"What was that?" asked the bartender.
"Just say nothing, Starlight Glimmer," said the voice.
"Nothing," Starlight repeated as instructed. "Just a bit tired is all."
"Ya sure 'bout that, miss?"
Blinking, Starlight then ceased chewing on her sandwich. She took a sip of water. "What do you mean?"
"Have ya looked in a mirror lately? You's dirty."
Starlight's muzzle scrunched up like an accordion. "What's that supposed to mean."
"What it sounds like." The bartender locked eyes with Starlight. "You've had a long journey. Tell me what's goin' on."
"So you want to know what my goal is?"
The bartender nodded, smirking. "Of course. Here at this ol' pub, friendships are made and memories are created."
"Friendships?" Starlight cringed. A bitter taste filled her mouth as she puckered her lips. A moment later, she exhaled and straightened her seating posture. "Well, my goal is to transform society to where it's truly harmonious?"
"You's an Element of Harmony?"
Starlight shook her head. "No, but I'm something better."
"And what would that be?"
The faintest of smiles ran across Starlight's face. Her eyes twinkled and widened. "What would that be?" She leaned closer to the bartender. "I'm trying to create a world of pure equality. No cutie marks to bring anypony down. We'll all discard these symbols that shackle us to fate's whim and we'll create a world where everypony wins. You'll be happier than ever. I'll be happy, too. Because in a world of equality, sameness will prevent jealousy and nopony will ever be left behind."
With a raised eyebrow, the bartender rolled his shoulders. "And how's you gonna do that?"
"I simply have everypony give up their cutie mark."
"You's—I don't know what to say." The bartender leaned closer to Starlight until their noses were inches apart. "But I think you don't know what you's doin'."
Starlight crept back, cheeks tautened. "What are you talking about?"
"Why do ya wanna take cutie marks? What's in it for ya?"
Starlight's throat tightened. As sweat poured down her forehead, she bit her lip and winced. "I'm doing it because my foalhood was rotten," she muttered quickly. "Everypony lashed out at me for being different. I was an outcast, a pony who couldn't make friends because friendship is just a myth. They asked me to devise such an idea—to make Equestria a better place. And I'm going to give it to everypony."
"Ya know ya can't just go around stealin' cutie marks just 'cause some ponies are rotten." The bartender crossed his forelegs. "What's wrong with ya?"
"Nothing." Starlight rolled her eyes. "I'm trying to be helpful."
"Well, bein' a rotten jerk ain't gonna win ya respect. Ya gotta be friendly to the fine folk of Equestria. And besides, they've got a Princess of Friendship now."
What's her name?" Starlight cocked her head. She knew the answer; it was that detestable Twilight Sparkle. She had no right trotting in and spreading false stories about how 'great' friendship was. Starlight's blood boiled, cheeks flushed. If she could, she'd rewire history so that Twilight would just leave her alone. She could do whatever she wanted as long as her utopia wasn't harmed. "Was her name Twilight Sparkle?"
"So you's got a history with her, eh?" Neither the bartender nor Starlight spoke another word for a few seconds. He then tapped the desk's surface, brow ruffled. "I see what's goin' on. Ya had your food and now you's on the run because the princess said you's done a bad thing. Isn't that right?"
Starlight pursed her lips. Sulking, not a peep left her mouth.
"Say nothing," the voice whispered. "Just don't say a thing unless you want to look like an idiot again."
"I'm gonna make it clear, okay?" the bartender growled. "You's headin' down a dangerous path, one that I think you'll never turn back from. Ya could've saved yourself long ago, maybe apologize to some of those ya hurt and gave 'em their cutie marks back. But now that you's gone too far and they've got their cutie marks again, that ain't happenin'."
Starlight flinched. "How did you—"
"Ain't it obvious? You's here now, so ya must've failed. Ya also don't know how much a cutie mark means to somepony."
"And what makes you know?"
"I survived Tirek's rampage." The bartender's cheeks turned pale for a moment. "I saw what he did to them ponies and let me tell ya, it ain't pretty. Losin' a cutie mark is like losin' ya soul. You's a husk without it."
Starlight pouted. "You're just buying into what destiny wants you to hear." Hopping away from her seat, Starlight pushed it against the desk and trotted away from the bartender, the pair still making eye contact. "I'm guessing you've heard the news about me, Starlight Glimmer."
The bartender shrugged. "I've learned it now."
"It doesn't matter. All I can say for certain is that I wasn't planning on staying in such a place to begin with." And with a flick of her tail, Starlight then diverted her gaze from the bartender, making a beeline toward the exit. "All I know is that wherever I go, I'll be devising a plan that will give me what I deserve."
Starlight pushed the door open and closed it upon stepping outside. Not much of the outside world had changed; it was as quiet and spread out as ever, the ponies still wearing those nauseating smiles. Starlight made a sharp right, not bothering to glance back at the town she'd also leave behind. At least this one didn't create heartache; none of it was her home, anyway.
However, there was still one more thing she needed to attend to.
"I have my question now," the voice said. "Are you ready to hear it?"
Starlight nodded, head hung low. "Go for it."
"It has become apparent that ponies will be much less likely to adopt your vision."
"I've figured as much."
The voice cleared its throat. "Therefore, my question is this. Do you want to dedicate your life plotting revenge against the one who sent you down this path, or will you simply try to adapt and hide from onlookers? Remember, there's no turning back for the first option, and I'm afraid some drastic measures will be required to achieve vengeance."
"The first one, naturally."
Starlight wouldn't have it any other way. Twilight and her five friends toppled her regime and her dreams. If they were going to snatch away her goal of being respected and a society where everypony was equal, she had to strike back in some manner. But how she'd do it was the next question. A violent response would undoubtedly make things worse, as it'd end with her head and neck becoming separate. Simply spreading slander wouldn't work as well. Nopony would believe such words about the Princess of Friendship, let alone any princess. Stopping in her tracks, she then rubbed her muzzle, forcing out all sorts of different ideas.
"There's a way."
"What is it?" asked Starlight as she resumed trotting.
"Spy on Twilight, but avoid being detected. Anything that may come up should be useful in getting back at her."
"And when should I strike back?"
The voice cackled. "We'll know."
Starlight assumed a perplexed expression, brow raised. "And who are you?"
"I may as well get that out of the way. Simply put, I'm a figment of your imagination. I'm a part of you."
"You are?" Starlight blinked; she assumed a blank expression. Part of her was surprised, yet at the same time she could barely muster an emotional response. There was just too much to think about, the voice's identity could've been Twilight's for all she cared. "Whatever. That's the least of my concerns."
"Unimpressed? Well, how else would I know you better than yourself? Being stranded as you traversed a cave and a desert with little to no supplies is why we met, you know. You wanted company, somepony to agree with you because the rest just aren't aware of the world around them. And here we are, ready to make things even. No promise me, you won't turn your back on what you've worked so hard on, right?"
"Of course not." Starlight clenched her teeth for a second. "I don't need 'redemption.' They do."
"That's more like it. You're not so dumb now."
Approaching a shrub, Starlight slid past it and was then surrounded by tree trunks, weaving through them as a distant silhouette of a castle perched atop a mountain grew bit by bit. Canterlot was within her sights for once, but Starlight knew it'd take her some time to arrive. But it wasn't as though she'd resume her attempts at constructing an equal society there.
The voice was paltry to the problem at hoof.
All that mattered was settling the score somehow, no matter what it took.
"Twilight Sparkle will come to regret this," Starlight whispered under her own breath.
"Yes, she will," the voice concurred.
