SiE Chapter 15: ｢ＦＩＥＮＤＳ｣ Will Be ｢ＦＲＩＥＮＤＳ｣

>As vast and powerful as pony, nay, alicorn magic was, replacing an entire limb was no easy feat.
>And as you and Dash discovered, the easiest method was-
>”A prosthetic!”
“A magic powered robotic prosthetic.”
>”I know! It’s so awesome, but…”
>Dash buries her head in her hooves and lets out an annoyed groan.
>”I have no idea how it’ll affect my flying. If it’s poorly weighted I’ll end up doing aileron rolls every time I fly, if I take off at all!”
“Celestia said they’d spare no expense. If anyone’s going to get a perfect prosthetic wing it’ll be you.”
>”You’re right. I just wish we could have stayed in Canterlot. I feel… wrong, not being able to fly.”
>You nod in agreement, and look out the window to the equestrian landscape flying past as your train heads towards Ponyville.
“Maybe it’s a simple friendship problem for a change?”
>You glance back at Dash and notice that yes, her cutie mark is still flashing at earnest, summoning her to the enigmatic cutie map in Twilight’s castle.
>”That’ll be the day.”

>Twilight appears almost the moment you step into the castle, leading you towards the main room.
>”You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had. Starlight appeared and I had to try and stop her from ruining the present while jumping through dozens of different timelines-”
>”Different timelines? Does Starlight have a stand that can travel through time?!”
>”Wha- no, she-”
>”Do YOU have a stand that can travel through time?!”
>”N- no-one has a stand that can travel through time Da- Oh Celestia what happened to your wing?!”
>Snapped out of her introspective Twilight finally seems to notice Dash’s bandages, and the pegasus just shakes her head.
>”It’s a long story.”

>Almost as long as Twilight’s, as it turns out. Between the two of you the rest of the girls are equal parts gobsmacked, horrified and relieved that both Dash and you, and Twilight got out unscathed.
>But you all agree to focus on the task at hand; what to do with Starlight Glimmer.
>That in and of itself is another story that has to be relayed to you.
>You chose to let the girls decide among themselves what to do with Starlight, seeing as you weren’t there, and instead ponder what effect stealing a pony’s cutie mark might have on their stand.
>You decide not to think too hard about it, and are snapped out of your thoughts by the door opening, and you’re granted your first look at Starlight Glimmer.
>”I know there's no excuse for what I did, but I want you all to know that I'm ready for whatever punishment you think… is… fair…”
>Starlight trails off, and everyone follows her gaze across the room.
>Straight to you.
>Great.
>”You’re a human.”
>Like the world’s worst game of ping pong everyone’s gaze travels back to Starlight, and it’s Rainbow Dash that speaks up first.
>”You can see ｢ＡＮＯＮＹＭＯＵＳ｣?”
>”Yes?”
>Rainbow Dash sighs, and face hoofs before turning to Twilight.
>”I thought you said she didn’t have a Stand.”
>”I said she didn’t have a stand that could travel through time.”
>”Wait, you know about stands?!”
>The girls all share a look, and come to a silent agreement.
>”｢ＷＨＩＴＥ  ＲＡＢＢＩＴ｣.”
>Fluttershy’s stand pokes its head over the side of the table, it’s long ‘ears’ rotating mechanically along their axis and its blank eyes not giving any indication of where its gaze lays.
>”｢ＯＵＲ  ＬＡＷＹＥＲ  ＭＡＤＥ  ＵＳ  ＣＨＡＮＧＥ  ＴＨＥ  ＮＡＭＥ  ＯＦ  ＴＨＩＳ  ＳＴＡＮＤ  ＳＯ  ＷＥ  ＷＯＵＬＤＮ＇Ｔ  ＧＥＴ  ＳＵＥＤ｣!”
>Pinkie leaps up in her seat, placing one hoof on her hips and pointing her opposite elbow skyward as her stand, appearing as a half formed but decidedly female version of you, drapes an arm across Pinkie’s chest and looks over her shoulder at Starlight.
>”｢Ｉ＇Ｍ  ＤＥＳＩＧＮＥＲ｣!”
>Rarity’s stand manifests itself, it’s lithe form draped across the head of her chair like a cat as sunlight glints of the blades running along its arms, and the needle sitting at the end of its ‘tail’.
>”｢ＬＩＶＥ  ＡＮＤ  ＬＥＴ  ＤＩＥ｣.”
>Applejack inclines her head, hiding her face with the brim of her hat as roots rise from the floor and creep across her and her seat.
>You think you see Twilight’s eye twitch, but by the time you (and Starlight for that matter) turn to face her she’s settled on an inoffensively neutral expression.
>”Anyway… Starlight, I've been thinking-”
>”Just a moment, Twilight.”
>This time it’s Rarity that draws the attention of the rest of the room.
>”We all showed Ms. Glimmer our stands, it’s only fair that she show us hers in return.”
>”That’s-”
>”｢ＥＶＥＲＹ  ＬＩＴＴＬＥ  ＴＨＩＮＧ｣!”
>Starlight’s stand is interesting, to say the least. Made up of elongated hexagons that link together to form the rough guise of a pony.
>Twilight takes a deep breath, collecting her thoughts before continuing.
>”As I was saying. I've been thinking a lot about how badly Equestria fared without just one group of friends. Because even when one friendship dies, the results can be disastrous.”
>Starlight’s stand disappears along with the rest of the girls, and she sheepishly rubs the back of her neck.
>”I know first-hoof how true that can be.”
>”And that's why I've asked you here. If you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know.”
>Twilight rises from her seat and walks over to Starlight.
>”You'll have the power to make Equestria an even better place.”
>”But how do I start?”
>”Starting is easy! All you have to do is make a friend! And you've got seven-”
“Ah-”
>”-hem.”
>While Twilight can’t see your look, Dash’s more than makes up for the both of you.
>”Eight of them right here.”

https://youtu.be/aaojFmFnNKE

Chapter 15: ｢ＦＩＥＮＤＳ｣ Will Be ｢ＦＲＩＥＮＤＳ｣

>You can’t help but get a sense of deja vu as the Elements sit around cutie map talking with Starlight.
>Of course, there’s differences; She doesn't need to communicate via a quill and paper, and there’s an (understandable) tension lying just under the surface.
>All things considered you’re surprised they’re giving her as much leeway as they are.
>Another difference is that this time only two ponies remain at the castle as the day draws to a close.
>Starlight, who Twilight obviously wants to keep a close eye on.
>And Rainbow Dash, who without a way to fly to her cloud house is offered a bed in one of the many, many guest rooms.
>Dash is out as soon as her head hits the pillow, and you find yourself standing on a plateau looking out into a seemingly endless expanse of sky.
“So, what’s on the agenda tonight? Thwarting a changeling attack? Duking it out with the Diamond Dogs? Stickin’ it to- Rainbow Dash?”
>You look around, unable to discern any sign of her as an uncomfortable knot of discomfort makes itself known in your gut.
>A whistle rings out across the plateau, and you follow the source of the sound to a runway.
>”ALRIGHT RECRUITS! KEEP IT MOVING!”
>Even in a dream you recognize Spitfire’s authoritative tone, and as you run your gaze across the line of recruits you spot Dash there, clad in a trainee Wonderbolts jumpsuit.
“Flying practice it is then.”
>You take a step forward as Dash steps up the the starting line, chest puffed out and looking larger than life.
>Spitfire blows the whistle, and Dash shoots forward, taking one long stride, then another, then taking to the air.
>She spreads her wings, catching as much of the breeze as possible…
>And then falls flat on the tarmac.
>You break into a run as Spitfire spins around and blows her whistle again.
>”WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING RECRUIT? YOU’RE HOLDING UP THE EXERCISE!”
>”I- I don’t…”
>Dash picks herself up and flexes her wings, only for one to reveal itself to be a bleeding stump.
>Despite your pace the tarmac stretches further and further beneath your feet, and in desperation you cup your hands together and shout;
“DASH! SNAP OUT OF IT!”
>At once, the dream ceases to exist, and you topple over as Dash shoots upright in bed, breathing heavily and blinking away the early morning sunlight.
“Dash-”
>”Don’t. Just..augh.”
“Don’t what? Ask you what the hell that was?”
>”Do you really need to ask..?”
>Dash sighs, and rubs her forehead with her hoof.
>”I’m scared ok. I know that you and the princess said it’d be fine and I know you’re right but… I just can’t help not be.”
>Dash glances to her side, to the bandage pinning what’s left of her wing to her side.
>”It’s just… flying is my everything. I’m a pegasus, one of the fastest in Equestria. I can’t help it.”
>You sit on the edge of her bed, and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“Dash I know how much flying means to you. No one would fault you for being bummed out about this whole mess, but you can’t just let it stop you, you know? You have to keep going despite that. Hell, because of that.”
>”You’re right. You’re right! I…I just...”
“Hey. Don’t worry about it, alright?”
>You move your arm and give her a comforting side hug.
“I’m here for you, through thick and thin.”
>”That statement loses a lot when you’re literally bound to my soul.”
“Yea but it’s the thought that counts.”
>The faint tinkling of magic fills the air, and you and Dash share a look of confusion as you let go of her and head to the window to investigate.
“Hey Dash, can all unicorns use magic to levitate themselves or..?”
>”What?”
>Snapped out of her funk, Dash is by your side in an instant and true to your word, floating down from her guest bedroom window is none other than Starlight Glimmer.
>”I can’t belive her. She played us.”
“I wonder where she’s off to this early.”
>”Probably nowhere good. Let’s stop her.”
>Dash goes to launch herself out the window, only to catch herself at the last moment.
>”Damn it. We’ll never catch her.”
“Like hell we won’t.”
>You grab Dash under one arm and finish the leap for her, digging rivulets into the crystal of Twilight’s castle, filling the air with glittering shards that seem to blink as they twist in the early morning sunlight.
>Rainbow gives a surprised yell that turns into whoop of excitement as she realizes that you’re controlling the fall, and you can’t help but do the same.
>Starlight, having only just dispelled her magic after finishing her own descent, turns to see what all the commotion is, only to stiffen when she sees the two of you sliding down the castle.
>You push off the wall with your arm, and land in a low crouch not far from where Starlight chose to land.
>”Where do you think you’re going?”
>Starlight doesn't make any move to run, instead choosing to stand ramrod stiff as she replies.
>”I just… needed some fresh air.”
“Some fresh air? Really.”
>”Yes. Really. I couldn’t sleep, that’s all.”
>Starlight’s poker face falters in an instant, and she sags in defeat.
>”It’s just too much. After all that I did, Princess Twilight’s made me her pupil and is letting me stay at her castle and you and the rest of the elements are acting as if I didn’t steal your cutie marks then use an incredibly dangerous and powerful spell to go back in time to destroy your friendship before it even started and… none of you hate me for it.”
>Starlight sighs, and rubs her face with her hoof.
>”It’d almost be easier if you all hated me. Nopony would blame you, but you all just accepted me, just like that, as if I didn’t do all those terrible things.”
>”Because nopony gets anywhere by dwelling on the past.”
>You don’t know who’s more surprised, you or Starlight, when Dash speaks up.
>”What’s done is done. We shouldn’t forget it, but we can’t change it either. You did some pretty terrible things, but Twilight says you stopped because you chose to. You’re willing to make a change, that’s what matters.”
>The silence that follows is palpable, only broken by the clapping of hooves.
>You all turn to face the newcomer, a grey unicorn with a slicked back mane and an odd, discolored horn.
>”What an amazing act of reconciliation. I’m truly impressed with the three of you.”
>”Three of us…”
>You see the vigor return to Starlight’s body as the gears turn in her head, and in an instant she throws herself forward, summoning her stand as she places herself between you and the newcomer.
>”He’s a stand user!”
>”A stand user, where?!”
>The unicorn spins around, rearing on his hind legs and posing dramatically.
>”Never fear my ladies, I will defend you!”
>He raises his right hoof as it unfurls into the shape of a hand, and he points the index finger at his temple and points his thumb towards the sky.
>”PERSONA!”
>With a sound like shattering glass his thumb snaps down, and the long, patchwork body of Discord makes itself known as it streams out of the unicorn’s head.
>”What?”
>Ignoring Starlight’s confusion you sigh and shake your head.
“Didn’t you make that joke the last time we met?”
>”Yea, pretty predictable for a god of chaos.”
>”Au contraire Rainbow Dash.”
>Discord slithers through the air, ignoring any concept of personal space as he goes snout to snout with Dash.
>”Sometimes the most unpredictable thing to do is be predictable.”
“That doesn't make any sense.”
>”Exactly!”
>Discord presses a thumb into your jacket’s lapel, leaving a small gold star sticker bearing his face and the words; ‘Discord’s No.1!’
>”Can somebody please explain what is going on?”
>Everyone turns to Starlight as she speaks up, and it's Discord that takes the first opportunity to talk.
>”Well I heard that the elements of harmony had made a new friend, so I thought it prudent to introduce myself, I’m-”
>”Discord, the god of chaos. I’ve heard of you.”
>”Oh wonderful! It’s good to finally get some recognition around here.”
>You don’t flinch at quick glare Discord shoots your way before he turns back to Starlight.
>”I swear. You rule Equestria, twice, and most people treat you just like any other draconequus.”
>Discord’s arm breaks off and floats down to nudge Starlight with his elbow.
>”I must say as one former villain to another, going back in time to break the element’s friendship before it began was quite inspired.”
>”I’d...rather not talk about it.”
>”Oh but I understand. You’ve turned over a new leaf.”
>A tightly bound bundle of leaves appears in Discord’s hand, and he places a small pair of spectacles on the bridge of his nose as he thumbs through it to a bookmark.
>”Us reformed villains have to stick together after all.”
>Discord rips one of the leaves from the bundle and hands it to Starlight.
>”Antagonists Anonymous?”
>As the words leave Starlight’s lips Discord snaps his fingers, and you all find yourself in a drab looking conference room, seated in a circle of chairs.
>”My name is Discord, and I’ve gone one hundred and twenty three days without using chaos magic to try and take over Equestria.”
>”Hi Discord.”
>The assembly of very bored looking ponies drones it’s collective greeting, and for a moment you swear you see Fine Facet and Brave Shores amongst them before Discord snaps his fingers and deposits you all back in the field outside Twilight’s castle.
>”I’ll keep that in mind.”
>Starlight turns to walk way, only for her next step to slam her right into Discord’s stomach.
>”One last thing. While I have complete faith in Twilight ‘reforming’ you,”
>He says, in such a forced tone that he means anything but, as he leans down to look Starlight in the eye.
>”If any harm should befall Fluttershy because of your actions, I’ll have to show you how I reform villains.”
>Any trace of his venomous tone disappears as he takes a step back and stretches to full height.
>”Toodles!”
>With a flash of light he disappears, and it’s several seconds before Starlight chooses to speak.
>”Is he always like that?”
>”I’d say you get used to it but…”
>Dash trails off, and you offer a shrug.
“Truth be told I’m barely used to Pinkie Pie.”
>”Great.”
>Disquiet and unsurety hangs in the air, fed by the lull in the conversation and the silence that follows.
>Before you can stop yourself you break the silence, deciding to take this moment to ask Starlight a question that’s been nagging you since you met.
“Back in the map room, when you first saw me you knew what I was, that I’m a human.”
>A flurry of thoughts whirl in your head, and eventually you just settle on one simple word;
“How?”
>”The answer’s actually pretty simple, all things considered.”
“Oh?”
>”I studied a lot of books to grow my magic. I traveled the width of Equestria to dig through half scrawled tomes in forgotten backwoods towns. I learnt alot, and every now and again I’d come across mentions of your kind. None ever went into much description; tall, bipedal, two arms-”
“Enough of a description for you to make me instantly.”
>”But that’s about it. The only other consistent thing was the mention of ‘the great and terrible power’ that came with them.”
“What?”
>”Again, it wasn’t very descriptive. However…”
>Starlight sheepishly rubs her leg.
>”Just the mention of that kind of power peaked my interest, and even though I had to follow a breadcrumb trail of contradiction, hearsay and old mare’s tales I eventually found ‘a’ great and terrible power.”
“Let me guess…”
>”Stand-”
“Power?”
>If Starlight is perturbed by you and Rainbow Dash answering at the same time, she doesn’t show it. Instead she just nods, confirming your guess.
>You thank Starlight and turn inwards, pondering the storm of thoughts and questions within your head that are more turbulent than ever.
>As the morning sun crawls ever higher in the sky Dash and Starlight decide to relocate from the field and move to Ponyville proper.
>Its at this point Starlight reveals that, in her haste to get revenge on you all she never really bothered exploring the town, and Dash takes it upon herself to give her an impromptu tour.
>Unlike her last tour (and really, unlike anything Dash does) she actually takes her time, and by the time you find yourselves walking into the town’s market square the routine of Ponyville life is in full swing.
>As you make your way through the markets a voice calls out, stopping you all dead in your tracks.
>”Starlight Glimmer!”
>The crowd parts, revealing a ragged looking pegasus pointing an accusing hoof at Starlight.
>”I don’t know what magic you’ve worked on the Elements of Harmony but your crimes will never be forgotten by those you’ve wronged!”
>Rainbow Dash goes to step between the two only to be stopped by Starlight.
>”No. It’s me that he wants.”
>Before Dash can protest, Starlight strides forward towards the colt.
>”I remember you. Angel Dust, right? Your cutie mark was-” ”
>”IS, an egret. And I intend to keep it that way.”
>The remark isn’t lost on Starlight, who flinches as if struck by the harsh words.
>”I know I was a monster, but Princess Twilight has shown me how wrong I was to do what I did.”
>”So what, that means you get to hide from your crimes?”
>Angel Dust spits, and slams his hoof into the ground
>”You ran from your crimes before, but there’s no running this time Starlight Glimmer.”
>With a beat of his wings he launches himself into the air, and time seems to slow as he winds up a punch as he falls towards Starlight.
>”｢ＳＵＲＰＲＩＳＥ！  ＹＯＵ＇ＲＥ  ＤＥＡＤ！｣”
>His stand appears slowly, gaunt limbs rising from his body haphazardly as he falls through the air.
>For a stomach churning moment it looks like his skeleton has chosen to rise out of his body, but then the wraith gains solidarity, manifesting completely as it clings tightly to its user.
>The dark, soulless pits of its eyes offer no guess as to it or Angel Dust’s thoughts, but even as they barrel towards her Starlight stands her ground.
>”｢ＥＶＥＲＹ  ＬＩＴＴＬＥ  ＴＨＩＮＧ｣!”


<=To=Be=Continued==

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTSX120A2MM