It was a peaceful afternoon in Ponyville. The idle chatter of the town’s ponies and the clacking of hooves on the cobbled stones of the little town's streets were the only sounds that permeated the air. All around where little houses with thatched roofs, brick and stucco walls, and happy ponies in the doorways. Vendors called to ponies from behind their stalls and in front of their carts. The smell of baked foods and fresh produce wafted from every corner. Within the center of the town was the castle of friendship, the new home of Princess Twilight Sparkle where she watches over the town with her friends, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.
Twilight had helped a pony named Starlight Glimmer move into a new home a few blocks away from the Castle. Starlight moved into Ponyville to better learn what friendship could be from the Princess of Friendship herself. It was great as she made a lot of new friends and finally enjoyed her life. After spending the day with Princess Twilight she was exhausted. So the pony in question got to her new home and unpacked what she had, most of which were old books and some furniture. After finally sorting her stuff, she made a nice meal and continued her studies well into the night.
. . . .
In the dark of night, the little town of Ponyville slept peacefully. Every one of them were dreaming of various wonders they will hope to meet in the morning. Knowing that the Princess of the Night watched protectively over them was a comforting fact. However one denzin of Ponyville was still wide awake
Starlight Glimmer was wide awake, her mind racing as the thoughts of what she did haunted her mind as images played before her eyes. If her plan succeeded Equestria would face an unknown and horrible future. She couldn't shake the thought of it as she sweated and cried in her bed sheets. So she got out of her bed, moved down the stairs, and out the front door for a night time stroll to calm her mind.
Starlight strolled thru the town of Ponyville, the building quiet and the street lamps lit with flames. All the shops were closed and a few night time animals were playing around the buildings. There was a cool breeze as she trotted down past Pinkie and Rarity’s homes, Starlight thought of the nice things those two did for her. Rarity made the most glamorous dress Starlight had ever seen and gave it to her as a welcoming present, while Pinkie showed her some treats that dilated Starlight to no end while making jokes about cupcakes.
She past by Applejack home and looked up to see Rainbow Dash’s house in the night time clouds. Starlight never knew hard work of apple bucking could be so fun, nor flying with magic with Rainbow Dash.
Starlight past Fluttershy’s quent cottage and looked back at Ponyville. Fluttershy’s animals were so cute, they were even friendlier than some ponies, and Ponyville even at night was amazing as the stars and moon shined over it. Starlight then thought of Twilight, the pony who gave her a second chance. She was a true friend, but Starlight wondered if she was worthy of such a friend. In the past she was angry and controlling, but now she feels light a real pony now. However the guilt still weigh heavily in her mind.
Starlight was strolling back home when all of the sudden out of thin air, Discord the spirit of chaos appeared sitting on a cloud of cotton candy.
“Oh you must be Discord...the others mentioned you.” Starlight gathered her composure.
“Ah yes, I am the famous and handsome spirit, Discord...Pleasure to meet you Starlight Glimmer.” Discord shook Glimmer’s hoof.
“So what are you doing out here tonight?” Starlight asked.
“Well I could ask you the same thing, but as for me I saw a sad pony walk by my friend Fluttershy’s home and I was curious on who would stroll out at this hour.”
“It’s complicated…” Starlight looked down with a sad look on her face.
“Trust me, I know complicated…”
“See I don’t know if you have heard, but I was bad, really bad...my actions could have turned Equestria into a wasteland or worse...I know now the friends are important, and I am happy but I can’t shake the thought of what I’ve done.”
“Yes, yes you used that old time travel spell of Star Swirls didn’t you? That old pony always had to tinker with things beyond his understanding.”
“Yes I did use his spell, and it nearly destroyed Equestria.”
“Been there, done that...turned out it wasn’t as fun as having friends.”
“I know now....”
“Well look at it like this...you almost doomed the world, you only have here to go and improve your life.”
“What do you mean?”
“Back when I was a bad guy, I did what I want when I wanted to, but I had a empty heart until my friends showed me a better path...now I still do what I want, but now it feels important...but long story short...I feel guilty about the stuff I’ve done in the past, but I don’t let it haunt me...I use it to make me stronger and as a reminder to be better than I was.”
“So use the guilt as a tool to make myself better than I was?” Starlight asked the spirit.
“Bingo, now I must be off as I have a tea time with Fluttershy tomorrow and I must get my beauty sleep.” Discord snapped his fingers and disappeared.
Starlight strolled home thinking on what the Spirit of Chaos said. She opened her door, entered her home while looking at her new life in Ponyville, and got back into bed. But this time her guilty mind was replaced by the advice Discord had giving her. Starlight finally had peace of mind and dozed off to sleep as she muttered…
“Be better than what I was…”
