Chapters Prologue: The Defeat Of A Villain
It had been a long two months.
Starlight had not been expecting that she of all ponies would be trying to stop a villain from wreaking havoc but here she was.
Luna had come to her in a dream, there had been reports of a villainous pony stealing cutie marks from civilians. She felt that Starlight would be the best suited for stopping this threat as she had prior knowledge of cutie mark magic.
For once, Starlight’s past had been an advantage for her friends, she wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
However, she ended up leaving in secret. She couldn’t bare the thought of putting her friends in danger with this situation so she and Luna had agreed to keep the whole thing a secret. So when she did leave, she did end up writing a note about how she had to leave for her sake, but could not give a guarantee about her return. She didn’t mention the villainous threat, she knew Twilight would definitely go after her then.
She finally found the pony who she was after, I’m a cave she had found him, he had a dark green coat, a black shiny mane, and a yellow star as a cutie mark.
She soon blasted the pony from behind but he was quick to get back up again and glared at the mare, “You would be wise to stay out of my way.” He said threateningly.
“Stay out of your way? Doesn’t sound like me.” Starlight said with a glare before lighting up her horn.
Back at Twilight’s castle, Spike had been roaming around the halls in the light of dawn, it felt pretty empty to be honest, now that Starlight was gone, it was just him and Twilight and it was tough to live with somepony who was so downtrodden all the time.
He soon stopped by Starlight’s room and saw Twilight was inside.
“Oh boy.” Spike sighed before walking inside the room to see Twilight looking at Starlight’s mirror from the graduation/medal of honor party.
“Twilight? Are you okay?” Spike asked sadly.
“Oh I’m just fine Spike.” Twilight smiled with a tearful grin, “After all, I’m just reminiscing about one of my good friends who left… likely for good… without saying goodbye.” She then wiped her eyes with a sniff.
“Twilight. If the mirror upsets you, we can take it down.” Spike told the alicorn comfortingly.
“No.” Twilight sighed as she turned to Spike, “I actually want it here.”
“But you look so sad when looking at it.” Spike argued softly.
“Yeah well, in a way, I like it. It’s a piece of Starlight that will always remain here. Even if she’s gone.” Twilight said with a soft smile.
“You really miss her don’t you?” Spike asked with a sigh.
“How could I not? I was close with her Spike, even with her past, we still managed to have a close bond and for her to suddenly leave, I… I just hope wherever she is, she’s happy.” Twilight said as she let her herself lie on the floor.
Spike patted Twilight’s head in comfort, he missed Starlight too, though in a way, he also was mad at her for what she caused.
Does she not know how much everypony cares about her? Well guess what? They do! If she ever comes back, I swear I will never let her live this down. Spike thought to himself bitterly.
We then see Starlight had wiped her brow as the defeated green pony laid down on the ground.
Starlight soon turned to the jar of cutie marks behind her and used her magic to release the cutie marks and soon they flew off into the distance, likely to the ponies who they were stolen from.
Starlight soon used her magic to levitate the green pony and teleported into the throne room of Canterlot where Luna was waiting.
“Ah. Starlight Glimmer. I’m glad you were able to detain Iggy.” Luna said happily.
“Yeah. I will admit he put up quite a fight.” Starlight smiled sheepishly, “I’m glad I defeated him though. Otherwise the two months I spent tracking him down would’ve meant nothing.” She laughed bitterly.
Luna’s face grew more remorseful as she sighed, “Starlight Glimmer, I’m so sorry we had you do this. You know I would never want to subject you to leaving your friends.”
“I never held a grudge Luna.” Starlight reassured her, “It’s not your fault this happened.”
“At least now you can finally go home.” Luna said happily.
“And that’s great.” Starlight smiled warmly before nervously frowning, “I just hope my friends haven’t suffered a great deal without me.”
“I imagine your sudden reappearance will be shocking to them, but hopefully it will not be long before you rekindle.” Luna admits to the unicorn.
“I think I know where I can start my reintroduction at.” Starlight said happily.
Sunburst was a little tired as you could see from his bored look, however, he was curious to know who was at the door so early in the morning when he heard knocking.
Soon he opened the door and was shocked at what he saw.
“Hey Sunburst. I guess this is the second time I suddenly reappeared into your life huh?” Starlight asked with a sheepish grin.
“Starlight? Is this really you or am I still dreaming?” Sunburst asked, hoping that he wasn’t hallucinating right now.
“No. It’s really me.” Starlight smiled warmly.
Sunburst immediately embraced the mare tightly, much to her shock, “Where have you been?!” He asked excitedly, “All of us really missed you!”
Starlight returned his hug but soon his words sunk in and she frowned a bit, “How has everypony been without me? Especially Twilight and Trixie.”
Sunburst released Starlight from the hug and sighed, “They’re both still upset over you leaving. Twilight especially. They’re doing better now but they’re still hurt.”
Starlight felt a wave of guilt crash over her, how could she do this to them? Why didn’t she just say goodbye herself instead of chasing after some random villain with no notice.
“And yet… you’re still happy to see me despite knowing what I caused?” Starlight said sadly.
“Starlight, I know you. You’d never want to intentionally hurt anypony you care about, I’m just happy you’re back again.” Sunburst said softly.
Starlight smiled at Sunburst’s words and sighed happily, “Thanks buddy. However, I do need to mend some wounds. Are you up for a trip to Ponyville?” She asked with a smirk.
“Really?” Sunburst asked in shock.
“Hey. I need somepony with me for emotional support. Who better than you?” Starlight asked with a smile.
“Well, if you’re sure, than I’m in.” Sunburst said happily much to Starlight’s delight.
Starlight felt like all eyes were on her.
Well, to be fair, pretty much everypony was looking at her, clearly shocked to see that she had returned. Starlight never really knew she was such a public phenomenon.
Once she got off the train with Sunburst, pretty much every pony in Ponyville was looking at her in shock. Twilight probably made her disappearance public if it warranted this much attention.
“I never knew that ponies would be so mystified to see me.” Starlight admitted sheepishly to Sunburst.
“Well you did save Equestria once and you were the guidance counselor at the School Of Friendship so I think that’s enough for ponies to recognize you suddenly disappearing.” Sunburst chuckled.
“Let’s just head over to Twilight’s and not draw any attention.” Starlight instructed with a whisper.
Suddenly a flash appeared behind her and she turned to see the Lord Of Chaos himself, Discord.
“Starlight Glimmer!” Discord said excitedly, “Oh what a nice surprise! This is certainly a shocking spectacle indeed!”
“Discord.” Starlight said with a hushed tone, “What are you doing here?”
“Greeting an old friend.” Discord smirked, “Isn’t that what you do when one suddenly disappears into your life than reappears just like that?”
Starlight looked guiltily to the ground when hearing that, Discord may have been teasing but all it did was remind her of how she ran off and left everyone she cared for behind.
“Discord!” A familiar meek voice was heard as Starlight looked in shock to see Fluttershy was flying over, “There you are. You shouldn’t just randomly disappear on me like that. You know I get concerned about what you…”
She immediately stopped her lecture when she noticed Starlight and rubbed her eyes in shock, “Discord. Is Starlight here right now?”
“Oh trust me Fluttershy. I’d never joke about her returning. I’m not THAT bad.” Discord smiled reassuringly.
“Yep. It’s me Fluttershy.” Starlight said with a nervous smile, “I’m back… and for good. I’m sorry I left you and the others for so long but I had to leave.”
Fluttershy just said nothing and embraced the unicorn much to her shock, “I’m so happy you’re back. We’ve all really missed you.”
“I can tell.” Starlight said guiltily, “How have our friends been since I was gone?”
“They all took your disappearance pretty hard. Pinkie Pie had hope you’d come back but everypony else is trying to move on.” Fluttershy said sadly.
Starlight lowered her head sadly, to which Discord and Sunburst glanced sympathetically at.
“Starlight, I just want to know why you left. I’m not mad but I have to know.” Fluttershy said softly.
“Luna came to me in my dreams and told me there was a villain stealing cutie marks and we both know I have experience with that type of magic so she called on me to help.” Starlight explained with a sigh, “We both agreed that it would be best to not put you all in danger so I wrote a note about my disappearance but I never told anypony why I was doing this.”
“That explains your sudden disappearance. I’m glad you’re back Starlight, and I’m sure everypony will be glad to see you too… well I can’t promise they’ll be happy with you leaving so suddenly but you know what I mean.” Fluttershy said happily.
“I’m glad to hear it. Now, I need to go see Twilight, I heard my leaving caused her a whirlwind of pain.” Starlight said in a hurry before Fluttershy’s stopped her, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” Starlight asked curiously.
“Twilight’s at a meeting with Celestia on how to improve relations with the dragons.” Fluttershy explained, “The only one home is Spike and I feel he isn’t the happiest with you. I mean, neither are Applejack and Rainbow Dash but he took it to the next level. He’s held more of a grudge since you left and blames you for Twilight’s unhappiness.”
Starlight sighed, she figured at least some of her friends would be upset with her, “I need to talk with him either way. I’m better off letting him know I’m here now.”
“Are you sure Starlight?” Sunburst asked curiously, “I know you want to rekindle with your old friends but maybe we can wait to confront Spike.”
“No. He’s clearly hurt and I need to be there for him.” Starlight said in determination, “It’s the least I could do after all I caused.”
We then see Spike sweeping the castle floors sadly, he still felt empty, Starlight was gone and Twilight was practically a shell of her former self. She was off at a meeting with Celestia right now but he could still tell she was hurt.
Suddenly he heard a knock at the door and decided to answer, “Who is it?” Spike asked before looking wide eyed at what he saw. Discord, Sunburst, and Fluttershy being there wasn’t what was strange to him, but it was somepony who he thought he would never see again, Starlight.
“Starlight?” Spike asked in shock.
“Yep. It’s me. I’m back.” Starlight smiled sheepishly at the dragon.
“So you are.” Spike said neutrally, “You can all come in.” He said with a smile, which Starlight found a good sign.
Once the group all went inside, Spike’s eye twitched and his fists clenched and he began shouting, “You have some nerve!”
“Wait what?” Starlight asked, shocked at this outburst.
“You heard me. You suddenly leave for two months unexplained, and instead of saying goodbye in person, you just waltzed off and left all of us in the dust!” Spike flew up to Starlight and glared venomously at the unicorn.
“Spike please. Let Starlight explain herself.” Sunburst began speaking.
“No! I’m going to talk first!” Spike declined the request before pointing at Starlight, “Because of you Starlight, Twilight’s been in a depressed state, and she’s definitely doing better but when you left, she was a complete wreck because you didn’t have the honor to tell us why you left or even give us as much as a goodbye!” Spike began ranting, “You just gave us a stupid vague note and expected us to be okay! Newsflash Starlight, I haven’t been okay! Ever since you left there has a been a hole in our lives!”
Starlight looked away in shame, Spike was right, she shouldn’t have left so suddenly.
“I really mean a lot to you guys don’t I?” Starlight asked sadly.
“Just because you have a crummy past doesn’t mean we’re not going to care a lot when you suddenly disappear on us! You mean as much to me as all my other friends!” Spike glared at the unicorn before tearing up, “M-Maybe that’s why I’m so upset.”
“Oh Spike.” Starlight embraced the dragon who hugged her back.
“I missed you so much. It just hasn’t been the same without you.” Spike said sadly, tears brimming from his eyes.
“But I’m here now. I’m sorry I ran off but hopefully I can make it up to you now by being here.” Starlight said comfortingly.
“I’m sorry I yelled.” Spike apologized.
“No. You had every right to be mad. You’ve clearly been keeping this in for a while now.” Starlight told the dragon, “How about I tell you why I left. Maybe that’ll help.”
“Yeah, I think it would.” Spike said as he wiped his eyes.
Once again, all eyes were on Starlight, not much of a surprise considering Sugarcube Corner is a pretty public place and the sudden appearance of her was likely to attract attention. The fact that the Lord Of Chaos was very noticeable didn’t really help matters.
Currently she, Sunburst, Discord, Fluttershy, and Spike were all taking cupcakes from a box and eating at one of the tables outside.
“So you left because a unicorn named Iggy was stealing cutie marks to gain their talents and become the most talented pony in Equestria?” Spike asked curiously.
“Yeah. Me and Luna didn’t want to put the rest of you in danger so we agreed it would be best if I just wrote a note explaining that I left. I felt it was at least better than saying goodbye but now I realize I should’ve told you all in person.” Starlight sighed sadly.
“Honestly yeah, you should have.” Discord shrugged.
“Discord.” Fluttershy said sternly.
“Hey. She said it, not me.” Discord said defensively.
“Well I’m just glad your home now.” Spike said with a smile, “I was mad at you earlier and I do kinda still have some annoyance towards you but I can see why you felt you needed to do this.”
“Thanks Spike.” Starlight smiled at the dragon.
Suddenly a pink blur zipped by and embraced Starlight from behind her, she didn’t even need to take a guess on who this was.
“OMG Starlight!” Pinkie Pie hopped up and down excitedly, “I knew you’d come back one day! They all told me that it was unlikely we’d ever see you again but now I can safely say that I was right!” She then squealed as she let go of Starlight.
“Glad to see you too Pinkie.” Starlight rubbed her back a bit to recover from Pinkie’s tight squeeze but she was happy to see the party pony nonetheless.
“I totally have to tell the others you’re here. Luckily they’re behind me as we speak!” Pinkie Pie jumped up and down before calling out from behind her, “Hey girls! I found Starlight! And she’s with Fluttershy and Spike too!”
A rainbow flash immediately sped towards the group and Rainbow Dash flew by, she looked at Starlight with a raised eyebrow and narrowed her eyes, “Starlight. Is that really you?”
“Uh… yeah. It’s me.” Starlight gulped nervously, worried of how this was going to go.
Soon Applejack and Rarity headed over and we’re both shocked to see Starlight too. She was unsure how their reactions would be, she just hoped they would not be too negative.
“Starlight? You’re really here?” Applejack asked in shock.
“Hey girls. I’m back.” Starlight said awkwardly, “And for good this time. I’m so sorry I left but I had to because…”
“Oh sure you did.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes angrily, “What was so important that you couldn’t even stop to say goodbye to us?”
“I have to agree with Rainbow Dash here. You totally threw us off the loop darling.” Rarity said sternly, “And while I am most happy that you have returned safe and sound, you’ve really caused a ruckus with your disappearance. Twilight especially didn’t take it well.”
“So I’ve heard.” Starlight looked away sadly.
“Yeah. She’s been upset for months now, and it’s all your fault. She really cares about you Starlight and for you to just take off like that is just hurtful!” Rainbow Dash said furiously.
“Girls, I know this is all quite shocking and there are a lot of stuff we should unravel but please calm down.” Sunburst stepped in to defend Starlight.
Applejack also got in between Rainbow Dash and Starlight and added, “He has a point Dash. We gotta at least let Starlight explain what’s going on.”
She then turned to Starlight and spoke up, “Alright Starlight. We’re all ears.”
Starlight took a breath and sighed, “Okay. So here’s what was going on.”
Meanwhile Twilight and Celestia were walking across the castle halls as Celestia spoke up with a concerned frown, “I’m glad we were able to make a decision how to improve our relations with the dragons Twilight but it is clear something is ailing you.”
Twilight sighed and spoke up, “I’ll admit, this is gonna make me sound pathetic but… I’m still upset Starlight’s gone. I know it’s been two months but I still feel I lost something important to me. It feels like losing a loved one, except it’s not by death, but… well you know.”
Celestia looked away in sadness, she had known about Starlight’s mission to trace down Iggy, Luna had told her of it and she wanted to tell Twilight that Starlight was finally home but it was not her place.
“Twilight. It is perfectly natural to feel that way. Starlight may not have been an Element Of Harmony but she clearly means a lot to you. It’s only natural you’ll feel like something is missing from your life.” Celestia told her former pupil.
“I guess that makes sense.” Twilight sighed sadly, “I just hope she’s happy wherever she is. Even if I can’t be there to do so, I just hope wherever she is that she’ll be safe.”
“I have a feeling she will be soon enough.” Celestia smiled reassuringly to which Twilight smiled back at.
Meanwhile Starlight had finished telling Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie everything about her mission and they looked in shock at what they just heard.
“So that explains why you left so suddenly.” Rainbow Dash said awkwardly, “Great. Now I kinda feel bad for getting upset with you.”
“Well don’t. I deserved it.” Starlight argued, “I shouldn’t have left without saying goodbye and I caused you all to be hurt by what I did. I just hope we’ll still be friends.”
“Of course we’re still friends Starlight.” Rarity smiled.
“Yeah. You may have left for a long time but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a place in our hearts.” Pinkie Pie reassured the unicorn.
“Thanks girls. I’m just glad I have understanding friends like you.” Starlight sighed happily.
“No problem Starlight. Despite your mistake in not telling us goodbye, it wasn’t completely your fault given you were in a mission and all.” Rainbow Dash smiled reassuringly.
Suddenly a familiar voice was heard, “Starlight?!”
Starlight knew exactly who that voice belonged to and looked on in shock to see a familiar blue unicorn with a wand cutie mark and a silver mane and tail, “Trixie…” she said with a gasp.
Starlight stared at Trixie for a good while before the showboat broke the silence.
“Where have you been?!” Trixie asked incredulously, “You left Ponyville for two months without a word, and ever since then, I’ve felt more lonely than I used to be.”
“Than you used to be?” Starlight asked with a sympathetic but confused glance, “Trixie, aren’t you on good terms with Twilight, Sunburst, and maybe Discord?”
“Hey.” Discord said in offense before putting a finger to his chin, “Actually, that’s fair.” He admits with a shrug.
“Yes. I have been able to become better friends with other ponies but that doesn’t change the fact that my best friend fled from my life without so much as a word.” Trixie explained angrily before tearing up, “You have no idea how it feels when somepony you really care about just disappears from your life! It feels awful Starlight, like a piece from your life is just missing!”
Starlight silently gasped at this, what Trixie just said described her feelings when Sunburst had left her to go to Canterlot, she felt horrible, it was one of the worst feelings of her life. She had tried to get over it, but the hurt never seemed to fade.
She never held a grudge against Sunburst for this, he had no idea things would turn out this way.
But now she realizes that she had put Trixie through that exact same level of hurt and now she had a friend to make up with.
“Is it alright if we talk about this in the castle? I think the two of us should be alone.” Starlight asked Spike.
“Probably the best idea.” Spike nodded sympathetically.
Starlight soon teleported herself and Trixie to inside the entrance of Twilight’s castle while Trixie huffed in frustration, “I can’t believe you left Starlight.”
“Trixie, I’m so sorry.” Starlight apologized full of remorse, “I shouldn’t have left without telling you why. The truth is I had to leave because some evil unicorn was stealing cutie marks from ponies and Luna needed my help with stopping him.”
“A unicorn stole cutie marks, hmmm, how familiar.” Trixie rolled her eyes bitterly, if this were any other time, Starlight would be furious at the backhanded joke made about her past, but given the circumstances, she let it pass.
“Yes. I’m aware of how similar the situations are.” Starlight rolled her eyes in annoyance before sighing, “But I still should have told you all what I was doing. All I did was put you through a similar amount of pain that I went through when Sunburst left. You’re right to upset Trixie, and I’m not sure if we’ll ever be the same again but all I can say is that I hope one day I can make it up to you.”
Trixie seemed to falter a bit before heading to walk out of the castle, “Trixie appreciates your apology Starlight, but I’ll have to think about it before I forgive you.”
“I understand.” Starlight looked away sadly as Trixie then left the castle without a word, leaving Starlight to sigh to herself.
Soon Discord appeared with a sympathetic frown, “Man, even I felt bad for you two and Trixie and I are frenemies.”
“Were you eavesdropping?” Starlight asked monotone, she didn’t really care if he was, she just wanted to know.
“Yes, but only to make sure it wouldn’t turn into a shouting match.” Discord admitted solemnly, “I know how Trixie is, she can be quite irritable, and you’re not the most well tempered either.”
Starlight chuckled bitterly, “I appreciate the thought Discord even if you did sort of insult me.”
“Anytime.” Discord said with a soft smile, “You know, I’m glad we got the confrontation with Trixie out of the way, there’s actually somepony that you need to see.”
“Who is it?” Starlight asked in confusion before Discord turns Starlight’s head around softly to see that the castle door entrance was opening and Twilight was being led inside with a blindfold on her face with Pinkie Pie guiding her along with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Sunburst, and Spike much to Starlight’s shock.
“Pinkie. Do we really need the blindfold?” Applejack asked with a sigh.
“This is the biggest surprise of her life. Of course she needs a blindfold.” Pinkie Pie squees.
“Look Pinkie, I’m a bit worn down so can you take off the blindfold please and show me the surprise?” Twilight sighed politely.
Pinkie Pie glanced over at Starlight with a smile and winked, “Sure thing Twilight!”
She then took the blindfold and removed it and soon Twilight opened her eyes and was shocked at the sight before her. It was Starlight.
“Hey Twilight.” Starlight smiled nervously, “I-I’m back.”
“Starlight?” Twilight asked with a gasp, “It’s really you?”
“Yes Twilight. It’s really me.” Starlight said reassuringly, “I’m so sorry I left without saying goodbye, I know it was tough for you and… I understand if you’re…”
But to her surprise, Twilight embraced her with a tearful smile, “You’re back! You’re really back!”
“You… you’re not mad at me? I caused you so much heartache.” Starlight said in shock.
Twilight let Starlight go and wiped her eyes, “I’m certainly upset that you never told me what you were doing, but I know you Starlight. If you left you had a reason for it.”
Starlight smiled warmly at Twilight, she knew her so well.
Starlight took a breath before speaking up, “Okay. Here’s what happened, Luna came to me in my dreams and told me that there was a unicorn stealing cutie marks, though it wasn’t for equality like I did, but it was for power and to be the most talented pony in Equestria. Since I had experience with this sort of magic, I was called on to help.”
“Okay… but why didn’t you tell me where you went?” Twilight asked sadly.
“I figured if you knew that I was facing a villain, you’d go after me and get yourself hurt.” Starlight explained sadly.
Twilight looked away a bit upset when she heard that, “Starlight, I definitely would have been worried about you, but I know you can handle yourself. I wouldn’t have gone after you.”
“I know that now.” Starlight said with an ashamed look.
“I’m not mad at you Starlight, and I know you didn’t want me to get hurt. I understand why you did what you did.” Twilight said reassuringly as she put a hoof on Starlight’s back.
“But I still hurt you.” Starlight pointed a hoof at Twilight’s chest, “Right here.”
Twilight couldn’t deny Starlight was wrong, her leaving did hurt Twilight but she couldn’t let Starlight be so down on herself.
“Starlight, I can’t say you’re not right and I think it’ll be tough to get over you leaving so long without any notice but given that you’re here now and clearly remorseful for what happened, I think we have a good chance at getting past this.” Twilight told Starlight with a smile, “For now, I’m just glad you’re back.” She embraced Starlight who smiled tearfully and hugged Twilight back.
“Thank you Twilight.” Starlight said happily, “Honestly, I’m so glad I met you.”
Everyone else just watched the scene with pride, healing from this experience will likely not be the easiest but now that Starlight was back and was overcoming her guilt, it would probably be easier.
Author's Note
Discord: “Uh, aren’t you going to give the Trixie situation any closure?”
Must you ruin the moment Discord? Yes, I will get to it in the Epilogue.
Discord: “Glad I could help.”