The next day came fast. It was hard to explain. Nightmare Equality didn’t seem herself. That dream had really shook her up. As she went in front of the mirror to get ready her reflection said sarcastically, “Have pleasant dreams?”

Equality replied in a very sad voice, “I did have the most wonderful dream, but yet, at the same time, it was a nightmare beyond comprehension.”

“Ah yes. I am familiar with those types, you love what you see, but it just hurts. Isn’t that the reason you are where you stand now? The reason you seek equality for all? The reason you did all those things you did? Yes, I know this feeling. Guilt. That is why I am here. For you to become the best you you can be. You have already eased a great burden, and these friendly little chats just do more so.”

“I suppose you are correct.” Equality said hesitantly. And with that she went to go talk with the other ponies.

Later that evening, everything had begun to fall into place. Luna had given her speech. Fluttershy had managed to convince Rarity, Applejack, and very nicely, Discord. Equestria itself was in many places, Some were in rebellion, other joined eagerly, and others just needed to think. The day had been very eventful.

Equality went up to her room and went to go talk with her reflection.

“We have begun, and the next week will have everything taken care of, then we move to the other creatures.” She said triumphantly.

“It does seem like a good start, but what about the rebellions? They need to be dealt with.”

“And on the morrow they will. If there is one thing I have learned tonight is that At this point in time, I need to take charge. You are free to voice your opinion, give advice and concern, and guide. But, I am in charge until further notice. Okay?”

“You have learned. Very well then, we’ll talk in the morning.”

In the meanwhile, all the way in the outskirts of the Everfree Forrest, there was a wagon. Inside lived a blue unicorn by the name of Trixie. She had heard that day of what was to be. At this point, she was traveling to the outskirts to find others who could help. In her mind, this was not to rebel, but to help Starlight. She went on search to find those who had once been close.

1st stop was in Ponyville to find Maud Pie.

As she entered Ponyville, she ran right into Maud. At this point in time, Maud was the most emotional Trixie had ever seen her. Don’t get this wrong, she still was void, just less so. She actually sounded concerned and might even had a tear or two.

“Maud, we need to get together all of us who use to be close to Starlight so we can help her. Trixie thought of you 1st, but now she doesn’t know who else to recruit.”

“How about that queen she help defeat and her changeling friend? From what we know, she won’t stop at ponies. Also, I believe that she has an old friend which might be the cause of all this.” Maud had replied rather engaging, like she really wanted to help.

Trixie was now thinking. Of course! Thorax would be sure to help, as for Chrysalis? Maybe if her throne was on the line. And why hadn’t she thought of Sunburst? He might be the key to stopping all this.

So their next stop was the Crystal Empire.

Back in Canterlot, Nightmare Equality was still trying to convert the rest of the Mane 6. Fluttershy had done her part so far with good results, Rarity was trying to convince Twilight. Spike was getting really mad and dangerous. Despite that not even Rarity could get him to calm down, Applejack seemed to be having better luck. No one knew why, but she seemed to be able to calm him down best. Now, Twilight was straining, but wouldn't do it. Pinkie had gone all Pinkamina and wouldn't even budge. And Rainbow Dash was trying to bust her way out. It was getting so bad, that they had to put her in a bubble just so she wouldn't hurt herself or others.

She was there, on her own standing in a vast number.

So many eyes!

then, a blast, and total chaos!

Suddenly.... everything goes quiet.

A faint glow appears, and soon it begins to grow brighter. Then the light dims and the feeling of redemption, realization, and peace fill the ever-changing space.

Equality woke up. She had another dream. she was reliving her past. she needed to do something, and she would in the morning. But tiredness crept over her, and soon she was asleep again. The changelings reformation had been really tricky, and she probably should start on reaching out to the other species. She rolled over and went back to sleep.

"You have come so far" a far away distant voice said.

"You have done so much, but your past.

It still hurts.

You realize that you have only let me in.

To really help yourself you need to let me be more that your guide.

Let me be your equal.

Once off the train for the Crystal Empire, Trixie and Maud went to go find Sunburst. They expected him to already know. I mean, who doesn't know about a villain taking over Equestria? As they started to head towards his house, they saw him running at them.

"I am so glad you are here! I've been trying to think of a way to help, and I thought, what about all of us who used to be friends to go and try to help? How are you guys doing?''

"Wow, Trixie knew that you would know. And now that we are all here, we were thinking maybe thorax or even Queen Chrysalis could help. Because from what we have to by, Nightmare Equality won't stop at just ponies."

"Queen Chrysalis?! Uh, are we sure about this? I mean, doesn't she not like ponies, especially who use to be Starlight? How are we even going to begin to even talk to her about any of this?" Sunburst asked with a panic.

"Actually, I'm pretty sure that when she finds out about loosing her kingdom, or her going to have to be equal to every pony else, including use-to-be-Starlight, she'll tip." Maud replied not in her usual drab, emotionless, almost forced, voice; but in a actually worried and convincing way."

"Agreed." And The Great and Powerful Trixie nodded in total agreement.

"Well, I guess we better get a move on then if we are to get their help" Sunburst replied.

And with that, Trixie used a spell that Sunburst showed her to get to the Changeling Kingdom. Once there, they requested to see Chrysalis and Thorax. When they did, drama followed. After an hour of raised voices, total chaos, a couple of laser beams, and one enormous breakdown from Maud, things got to where they could actually discuss. After done explaining what was going on, their intentions, and the reasons why.

Thorax was for sure on board, and Chrysalis reluctantly agreed to, and it wasn't for her subjects, for fear of loosing status, or even to defeat the pony who had ruined her life. It was to prove to herself, and maybe even Equestria, that she had changed just as her subjects, and she could be a good ruler. Even despite the conditions she had been put under at this point in time.

And with them all in for it, they began to make a quick plan. A plan that might fail or succeed; a plan that would push each of them to their limits; a plan that would require creativity and teamwork; a plan that would come with a surprising twist.

A twist that no one would expect; but that would put the fate of Equestria, everyone, and everything else with chance; unknown dependence on... just one pony.

Author's Note

a little something to mention. When the changelings reformed, they didn't change color, just had a change of heart. And Chrysalis still rules them reluctantly and still with a cruel heart.

Spike is now about the size of discord. he still has wings, but has developed sort of a nasty temper when he gets mad.

starswirl hasn't come back to equestria yet. the season 7 finale happens way down in time in this universe. after nightmare equality