Nan trod slowly down the path, occasionally glancing one way or the other and generally doing her best to ensure they didn't get snuck up on. Xathrid assisted by sending out a pulse of magic every few seconds, testing the area for any sign of living creatures. After a few minutes of utter silence broken only by the odd animal sound, the pair began to relax.
“They aren't exactly great at this whole, ambushing thing, eh?” Nan offered.
Well, it's not like any of the so-called villains were true villains in the first palace. Xathrid pointed out. Even the worst among them are just kinda selfish.
“A villain isn't just their motivations though, right? Even if it is pure selfishness that drives them they could still be a true villain,” Nan retorted.
Explain. Xathrid pushed back.
“Like, just imagine the worst person ever, now imagine they had done it all because they just liked having power and never cared about the details. They’d still be a true villain,” Nan stated.
You’re not wrong, but it's still a bit of a stretch to say someone like, Gilda is a villain. Xathrid remarked.
“I think villainy comes down to one part motivation, one part outcome,” Nan began. “If Gilda had used that simple misunderstanding as reasoning for murder or something there would be no doubt that she would be a true villain.”
I think you’re onto something. Without any motivation, then no matter what they did it would be little more than an accident. Hard to call them a villain then. Xathrid offered.
“And if they were evil as can be but never actually did anything are they really a villain?” Nan continued.
I think we’re getting fairly close to the age-old argument of intent versus outcome. Xathrid pointed out. A lot like how those of faith weigh prayer against action.
“True, though I think the true answer to that one is simple, you have to do both. By phrasing it as one or the other, they create a question with two wrong answers and no right ones,” Nan exclaimed.
Very true. Say, were you religious in your past life? Xathrid asked.
“I’m not wholly certain what faith or denomination I belonged to, but I remember believing something, though it was out of respect for my mother,” Nan replied.
Dang. I can't even be snide about the afterlife not being what you expected then. Xathrid joked, his thoughts jovial and light despite the prodding.
“Ha, nope,” Nan declared. “Though I feel as though you weren't exactly one of the faithful either.”
Got paralyzed from the waist down in an accident. That kinda shook off whatever lingering religiosity that stuck around after high school. Xathrid answered.
“I’m sorry to hear… wait,” Nan muttered. “Then this Discord guy put you in the body of a tree? What a dick.”
Now you understand why I hate the guy so much. Xathrid declared. Though I must admit in a perverse kinda way it is a bit funny.
Nan grumbled under her breath. “I hardly think such a thing is humorous.”
Oh, come on. The guy put a cripple into a body that can't walk. It's kinda funny. Xathrid retorted.
“It would be fitting if you had been a quadriplegic or suffered from some kind of locked-in syndrome. However even then, fitting isn't the same as funny,” Nan proclaimed quite firmly.
You’re really annoyed. Xathrid stated in confusion. I’m touched.
“We must always find injustice offensive it is part of what makes us human, or at least did,” Nan exclaimed, her tone faltering near the end.
I for one am quite happy to leave behind humanity and its endless squabbling. Xathrid remarked.
“In return for horses and their endless squabbling,” Nan pointed out.
Xathrid chuckled. They certainly are very human, though they feel… better for lack of a more fitting word. Quicker to forgive, and all that.
“Jumpy little buggers though,” Nan added with a smirk.
True. Xathrid agreed.
Nan began to slow, her gaze going down the path to where it ended at a sudden and unexpected cliff. The path that they had been following for several hours at this point petered off, disappearing down into the chasm below. A crevice that was so deep that Nan struggled to see the bottom through the dense canopy of trees that sprouted from the distant earth.
That's quite a drop. Xathrid remarked.
“No kidding,” Nan agreed. “How did we even end up this high in the first place? I barely even noticed the increased elevation.”
Me neither. I was so focused on watching for ambushes that I wasn't paying attention. Xathrid added.
Nan hummed to herself. “So do we just go around, or what? Because I feel like doing so would take far too long.”
That Jest guy didn't say there was a time limit but just being here makes me feel as though we can't dawdle. Xathrid remarked.
“Hmmm, agreed,” Nan muttered. “There is a palpable air of unease, here.”
It's unnerving. Best to take the quick route. Xathrid stated.
“The… quick route?” Nan asked.
Straight down. Xathrid interpreted. Superhero landing and everything.
“Wait, super what now?” Nan murmured.
You know, from that movie. Wait, what time are you from anyway? Don't tell me you were from the eighteen hundreds or something. Xathrid exclaimed.
“Well we had TVs and stuff, so I don't think it was that early. Though I can't recall many specific details,” Nan answered.
Color or black and white? Xathrid pressed.
“Color, but it hadn't always been that way. I remember a time when there were only black and white televisions, but that was a long time ago…” Nan frowned. “I think.”
Whatever, we’re getting off-topic. Xathrid piped up. Regardless of what kind of television you grew up with, we still need to get down there and I think I can sense a perfect spot.
“I don't know. There are a whole lot of trees down there and I don't want to injure myself or you,” Nan offered.
In that case give me a moment to double-check. Xathrid replied.
Nan nodded mutely, standing stock still as Xathrid sent his senses downward. The information he received may have been a mess of complicated sensory feedback to most, but he was not most. Given his particularly unique experience with both the living, the dead, and the everfree’s unique plants he was able to discern exactly what it all meant.
There is a spot, right there between those two evergreen trees where a shallow pond devoid of life is located. Hit that, and we’ll be golden. Xathrid remarked.
“Are you sure? Cus that looks the same as everywhere else,” Nan replied.
Look, just trust me okay? I’ve got experience with this type of thing. Xathrid stressed.
Nan sighed unnecessarily. “Alright then. Brace yourself.”
Ready when you are. Xathrid offered, his roots digging a little deeper into the stone creature..
Nan took a step back and dug one foot into the ground. She remained there, with her non-existent muscles cocked and ready to spring into action. It seemed as though she was about to change her mind, only for the stone creature to lurch forward suddenly.
In an instant they were in free fall, the golem having leaped over the lip with all the force she could muster. There was a moment when the pair felt weightless only for gravity to return, and drag them down towards the distant earth. With the wind whipping past them, the duo reached terminal velocity in less than a second and flew through the treetops not long after.
Only a few seconds after making the decision to leap, they had fallen through the foliage layer and could see that Xathrid had been correct. There was a small, muddy pond surrounded on all sides by tall trees with extensive canopies that blotted out the light. They could only glimpse this for a split second before slamming into said pond like a depth-charge, emptying the tiny pool completely.
Waist deep in mud, Nan found that she was, rather surprisingly, uninjured. Xathrid was only slightly worse off, having lost more than a few leaves during the impact. The worst part was just how completely and utterly dirty the pair were, but that was remedied somewhat when the water began to slowly flow back.
“Huh,” Nan remarked, glancing around her. “That worked.”
Ye of little faith. Xathrid retorted.
“Fair enough,” Nan admitted. “I feel as though we’ve just done a trust fall together.”
It has, hasn't it? Almost feels a bit like that moment from the first episode of season one. Xathrid pointed out.
Nan paused mid-step. “You’re right, it kinda does. Wait, does this make me Twilight Sparkle, and you Applejack?”
Well you do seem more of the leader, and I am known for being painfully honest to the point that it's a bit of a character flaw of mine. Xathrid offered.
“Does that mean there are four others out there, waiting to bear the rest of the elements?” Nan asked, half in jest.
Maybe, though Luna and Celestia did wear three each back in the day. Xathrid explained.
“Oh that’s right,” Nan muttered. “I call laughter.”
I don't think that's how it works but if it is then I’m getting loyalty. Xathrid added.
“No way. I’m super loyal to my ponies,” Nan shot back.
I’d offer a rebuttal, but it is kinda sad to have a dick-measuring contest with a female pile of rocks, while I myself am a tree. Xathrid pointed out.
Nan chuckled. “Very true, perhaps we should focus on the mission, as I have a feeling we are reaching the next roadblock in the story.”
Xathrid peered through the eyes of his partner to find that the forest had deepened significantly. If it weren't for their own magically enhanced sight and extra senses they would likely be lost. Even still, it was rather spooky, with the trees leaning in as if watching the pair intently and marking their progress.
Though strange, the forest itself wasn't overly important, rather it was the narrow path that lay before them which demanded their attention. The crude path they were walking went right between those two ridges, winding deeper into the strange woodlands. There were no obvious footprints or the like present, but both former humans could sense that they were being watched from somewhere close by.
“They are at least making an effort to stay hidden rather than sticking out like a couple of sore thumbs,” Nan exclaimed.
They are using some kind of magic to obscure their presence but I can still tell that there are at least four, maybe five of them. One of them is a bit bigger than the others. Xathrid added.
“You don't think it's Nightmare Moon or someone, do you?” Nan whispered.
Unlikely. It seems as though they are keeping the less powerful villains further out. Probably Ironwill if I had to guess. Xathrid remarked.
“Only one way to find out for sure,” Nan exclaimed.
Using her companion’s senses to guide her, Nan raised a foot as high as she could before slamming it down. Her magic pushed its way through the earth and up, under the invisible targets, knocking them to the ground. Their magical invisibility broken, Nan could see that Ironwill was indeed present, along with Trixie, Starlight Glimmer, and the Maneiac of all ponies.
“What was that? Golem’s aren't supposed to have magic!” Trixie shouted.
“No time to talk let's fight that rock!” Ironwill bellowed.
The minotaur was first to find his footing, hopping up and charging the duo with his head lowered. Though large, and strong, Ironwill’s size and strength were eclipsed several times over by the sentient pile of stone. She proved herself superior by meeting her attacker with her arms outstretched, grabbing the bull by the horns, and overpowering him.
“Hey, what, what's going on?” Ironwill shouted.
The minotaur found himself hefted bodily off the ground, only to have his arms pinned against his side. He was then rather unceremoniously tucked under the arm of the golem, who treated him as little more than a large handbag.
“Shush, I’ll get to you in a bit,” Nan declared.
“It's got Ironwill!” Trixie pointed out.
“Who cares, let's tear it apart!” Maneiac shouted.
The costumed villain burst forth from the underbrush, her prehensile mane propelling her forward with incredible speed. Behind her, Starlight assisted Trixie who had found herself stuck in a rather pointy, thorn-filled bush. Maniac cared little for the plight of her fellow villains, however, and launched into her attack, forming her mane into an enormous fist and striking Nan in the chest.
“Oof, that actually kinda hurt,” Nan muttered.
Really? Maniac has that kind of power? Xathrid remarked.
“Apparently,” Nan murmured.
“Surprised? There is a reason just one of me is more than enough to best all six of those wretched power ponies!” Maniac shouted.
The mane-themed villain struck again, this time by using both her mane and tail as giant fists. Though Nan blocked, the blows carried enough power behind them that the stone creature stumbled backward.
“Hey watch where you’re punching you nearly hit me!” Ironwill shouted, the minotaur still squirming in a desperate attempt to escape.
“Who cares about some moronic bovine who always steps on our mane, you shall be next!” Bellowed the maneiac.
“Should we help her?” Trixie asked.
Starlight shrugged. “Seems like she's pretty much got this in the bag. Best not get in her way.”
“Good thinking,” Trixie murmured.
“I can't keep Ironwill pinned and deal with this chick, gonna need a hand here Xathrid!” Nan shouted, ducking under a punch before jumping over a sweeping mass of green hair.
How? I can't really do much without my zombie army. Unless… Xathrid thought back.
The tree reached out with the same senses he used to contact the other trees back in his grove. Though he expected failure he found that by using his own magic as the bridge he was able to connect to the forest network. Mycelium, roots, and vast webs of plantlife reached out in all directions, answering his call with an eagerness he hadn't expected.
“Could still use that hand right about now,” Nan shouted.
“I’m not sure who's crazier here, me or you! Oh wait, it's you! For daring to stand against the Maniac!” shouted the costumed villain.
Mainiac cackled while launching another set of devastating punches.
Even the trees don't have the rudimentary intelligence like the kind I know from back home. Xathrid exclaimed. This is perfect.
“How so?” Nan muttered bitterly, arm raised to block the attacks.
Because that means they are under my command, and I can do this! Xathrid declared pointedly.
Before Maneiac’s hair fists could hit her target, two large wooden limbs reached down and gripped her by the midsection. The old oak she had been standing directly in front of creaked and groaned, its body unused to such sudden movements. Despite the protesting of its aged and weathered bark, the tree held the maniac tight, leaving her little to do but flail and curse.
“Unhand me you presumptuous plantlife!” Shouted the villain.
“Now should we help?” Trixie asked.
“Yeah probably,” Starlight agreed.
The pair powered up their horns and charged out of the woods, ready to unleash their magic.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you,” Nan interrupted, holding up her free hand. “We outnumber you a hundred to one.”
“Nonsense. You may have controlled that tree somehow but we are still three,” Starlight retorted.
“Oh really?” Nan replied.
The two unicorns followed the strange golem-like creature’s finger up to where dozens of long, bark-covered limbs waited outstretched. The surrounding trees, and even the bushes, and flowers had turned against the ponies, promising a difficult struggle to those that resisted. Looking from one bit of plant life to another, Trixie backed up fearfully until her flank bumped Starlight.
“Though I am, of course, the leader here, why don't you suggest a plan?” Trixie whispered.
Starlight ground her teeth together. “Unless you know a fireball spell I don't think we are making it out of here alive.”
“Don't listen to her, fight on, use those illusions!” Ironwill shouted.
“Quiet you. One more outburst and I’ll break off one of your horns and shove it where the sun doesn't shine,” Nan hissed angrily.
“As the bull said I’m more of an illusion master. Evocation isn't exactly my style,” Trixie replied.
“Then I suggest you throw up your hooves and pray this creature doesn't decide you would make good fertilizer. And stop touching me,” Starlight spat, shoving Trixie away with enough force to send the illusionist face-first into the dirt.
“Oof,” Trixie muttered.
“Let me go already! I have power ponies to destroy and a destiny to usurp!” The maniac shouted, her hair tearing chunks of bark off but doing little else.
“Quiet all of you. If you just listen to me for a few minutes I promise all of you will leave here with your various appendages still intact and your soul still in your body,” Nan declared.
“Wait, all we have to do is just listen to you and you’ll let us go?” Starlight asked.
“Maybe let you go isn't the best way to put it, but it's close enough,,” Nan replied. “So why don't we all sit down, take a breath and let me explain some things, hmm?”
“If it means you will stop carrying me around like a piece of luggage then I agree to listen,” Iron Will shouted.
Nan extended her arm and dropped the bullman between Starlight Glimmer and Trixie.
“Okay, now then. You are trying to destroy the cosmic order of the universe, but not all of you are so evil as to truly want that,” Nan declared.
“I don't know. I kinda do,” Ironwill replied.
“Same. It is not fair that those goody two shoes always get to win,” Trixie retorted.
“For once I agree with the even more arrogant unicorn,” Maniac muttered bitterly.
“I concur. With it gone my plans may reach fruition,” Starlight added.
Nan sighed.
Focus on Ironwill first. His is easy. Xathrid encouraged.
“Right,” Nan muttered, kneeling down in front of Ironwill. “I’m going to give you some advice, and at the end of it, you are going to say these five magic words. I am not a villain. Got it?”
Ironwill looked up at the golem, and then to the animated trees that still loomed over them. “Fine,” he muttered.
“Good, now to start with. Your motivations make sense but if you hadn't made them worse out of spite or indignation you would have been fine,” Nan began.
“What are you talking about? Those ponies ruined my business and crashed the sales of my book!” Ironwill bellowed bitterly.
“And if you had just held your cool, and explained that you were speaking more metaphorically, you would have been fine,” Nan stated, pausing briefly. “Plus if you had dialed it down slightly you never would have gotten into that mess to begin with.”
“The world of self-help is a cluttered market. Ironwill must exaggerate his claims in order to stand out amidst the pack!” Ironwill declared, puffing out his chest.
“Wait, you’re a self-help author? The way you talked about your business I assumed you lead a gang or something,” Starlight remarked.
Ironwill snorted. “I am not some idiotic roughian. Ironwill is an entrepreneur and businessman.”
“Wait, why do you keep switching from I to Ironwill?” Maniac inquired.
“Yes, Trixie is most confused,” Trixie added.
“It's a character, you dolts,” Ironwill spat. “Do you really think I just go around talking in the third person and spouting rhymes for no reason?”
Trixie frowned. “Trixie feels as though she is being insulted.”
“Anyway,” Nan interrupted. “You know from being close to ponies how they are quick to jump to conclusions and generally panic. If you had told them to dial things down a bit and to not literally assault others if they get in their way, you would still be successful.”
Ironwill frowned, the minotaur grumbling under his breath. “Okay, so what if you’re right? What does Ironwill do now hmm? His career is in the toilet.”
“Yeah I’m kinda not sure about that one either,” Nan muttered.
“Wait, you aren't? Then what was the point of all this?” Starlight retorted.
“Just give me a second alright? I’m thinking,” Nan murmured.
I got it. Xathrid offered, the tree feeding Nan lines.
“Okay, so you write a second edition, right? Then you do a big public apology where you take some blame, but shift the majority onto them while also using a bit of guilt to get under their skin,” Nan repeated. “After that make an offer for Fluttershy for her to be a coauthor on that second edition I mentioned.”
“Her star power alone would be enough, given her whole save Equestria shtick. That and with a second edition I could sell books to the same customers that bought the first one,” Ironwill muttered, snapping his fingers. “And I barely have to do anything more than a bit of editing and a new foreword!”
“Exactly. You’d cover your butt while also responsibly advising those who buy your book,” Nan added, only to frown. “Why does your advice always involve shrewd financial dealings?”
“I am not a villain!” Ironwill proclaimed.
The minotaur vanished.
“Huh, he's just… gone,” Starlight murmured.
“It's part of the spell. He's fine and back in his own reality,” Nan assured.
“Interesting,” Starlight remarked.
“Well, this won't work on Trixie, for she is not a villain. Rather she is merely misunderstood!” Trixie proclaimed.
“Though you were certainly villainous when you had the alicorn amulet you’re first interaction with Twilight Sparkle and her gang was much the same as Ironwill’s. A cavalcade of bullheadedness, stubborn pride, and a case of poor coordination,” Nan retorted.
“What! They were completely in the wrong there! They ruined Trixie’s show and did a worse job on her career than what they did on that bull dude!” Trixie yelled.
“Ironwill?” Maniac offered.
“Whatever!” Trixie spat.
“Trixie, if you had simply been firmer with them, or explained it was an act none of that would have happened. I know they seemed like complete morons but they really aren't,” Nan retorted.
“Trixie don't know how you know this but since you were apparently there you should have seen with your own two eyes that she was attacked!” Trixie exclaimed.
Nan sighed. “Those ponies have either spent their entire lives living in the sticks or between the pages of a book. None of them had ever been to a magic show, never mind heard of you personally.”
“But everyone knows of Trixie! She has been touring for years!” Trixie proclaimed.
“One of them spent her life on a rock farm, the other on a regular farm, and two more of them are from Cloudsdale, Twilight spent every waking moment of her life until that point in a library, and at that point, Rarity was simply defending her friends. Honestly, she’s the only one who doesn't have much of an excuse here,” Nan continued.
“I… but… huh,” Trixie murmured.
“How do you know all this, anyway?” Starlight questioned.
“I’ve observed much of pony history,” Nan answered. “I am quite old you see.”
“So I can tell. What are you anyway? An extradimensional spirit? Some lost god from the time before even Discord?” Starlight pressed.
“That's not relevant right now. Trixie was in the middle of a revelation,” Nan corrected.
Nice one. Xathrid offered.
“Trixie supposes that now you will condemn her for purchasing that cursed artifact,” Trixie muttered, the unicorn kicking a hunk of dirt absently.
“No. You were hurting and made a poor decision but you have been condemned and hated enough already. I need not offer any extra insult to injury,” Nan remarked in a low, gentle tone.
“Huh. Trixie supposes that she is not a villain after all,” Trixie muttered.
Nan turned to Maniac and was about to offer her opening statement when Xathrid interrupted.
Starlight is casting a spell. Stated the tree.
Nan spun around, and grabbed the unicorn by the horn, causing an explosion of sparks to shoot out from between her fingers.
“Damn you. How did you know what I was doing? I hid my aura perfectly,” Starlight muttered through grit teeth, the pony clearly in a lot of pain.
“I have friends everywhere, now be quiet. I will get to you in a moment,” Nan muttered, tossing the pony into the waiting limbs of a wiry young willow tree.
“Ahh, its that time again. Go on, do gooder. Tell me why I am a monster who deserves to be caged forever. All because I want to destroy just one teensy weensy city,” prodded the maniac.
“You are far from a monster,” Nan exclaimed. “In fact you’re far closer to a victim than something so heinous.”
“I… what?” Maniac murmured.
“You have suffered an immensely traumatic experience which you haven't physically or emotionally grappled with,” Nan began, pacing back and forth in front of the grappled pony. “Your electrocution plus chemical exposure has likely left you with brain damage though if you are lucky it's not too late to receive the treatment you need.”
“The chemicals gave me power, the shock opened my eyes! That city and its ponies deserve to be destroyed!” The Maniac shouted.
“Why though? Really think about that question. Why would they deserve it?” Nan pressed.
“I… they-”
“I’ll cut to the chase. You don't have a reason,” Nan interrupted. “You don't have an ideology, or a cohesive set of beliefs, just a set of self-destructive tendencies stemming from an injury that has likely short-circited sections of your brain.”
The maniac seemed ready to fire back for a few seconds, only for her, and her hair to go completly limp.
“You see it now, don't you? How you have just been continually acting out, attacking any who got close,” Nan whispered, the stone creature walking up to the costumed villain. “Do you even remember your name? Your true name.”
Maniac stared down at the ground, unable to meet Nan’s gaze. “No,” whispered the pony faintly.
“You aren't a villain, but you do need help. Please, just ask for it,” Nan pressed.
“I… am not a villain,” murmured the Maniac.
“Now then, onto you,” Nan began turning around and looking at Starlight Glimmer.
The unicorn shrunk under the intense glare of the pissed-off golem only to sit back up, and glare right back.
She didn't try to cast anything, but I have a feeling she still has some fight in her. Xathrid added.
“Now then, me,” Starlight spat.
“You are the most dangerous and most corrupt of the lot by far. I don't even know where to begin with you,” Nan exclaimed.
“Save your metaphorical breath. I’ve heard condemnations before and they didn't bother me then,” Starlight proclaimed, puffing out her chest as much as her barky bindings would allow.
“Even if you’ve heard it a thousand times at this point, it still wouldn't be enough considering the worlds you’ve destroyed and the lives you’ve ruined,” Nan spat.
“I…” Starlight frowned. “Worlds? What are you talking about?”
So she doesn't deny the lives ruined part. Odd. Xathrid pointed out.
“Don't you remember how you went back in time, destroying Twilight's friendships and causing untold suffering?” Nan exclaimed. “You bullied children, and in your callus cruelty created a multitude of other doomed timelines filled with misery.”
“Timelines, bullying children? I don't remember any of this. What are you talking about?” Starlight retorted.
I think she’s actually telling the truth. Her heart rate is rock steady. Xathrid pointed out.
“What is the last thing you remember before being brought here?” Nan asked.
“Speaking to some…” Starlight paused, her face screwing up in annoyance. “Why can't I remember what they look like? I remember they convinced me of this plan but their face eludes me somehow.”
That's not good. You don't think that interdimensional jester set us all up, do you? Xathrid thought.
“We’ll cross that bridge later,” Nan whispered. “Now then, what villainous act did you last perform.”
“Other than refusing to tip the waiter, I’ve just been lying in wait. Hoping to find a moment to strike when they are weak,” Starlight proclaimed.
“Oh thank goodness. This is much easier then,” Nan muttered.
“Though this time magic idea of yours does seem like it may work,” Starlight murmured.
“What did I just tell you about untold lives ruined and entire timelines destroyed?” Nan barked.
Starlight snorted. “Timelines can't be created or destroyed, there is only the prime path. To suggest otherwise is to go against the prime exemption fallacy.”
Dial it back. Go back to the first thing that set her down this path of villiany. Xathrid offered.
“Right, so lets get this straight. You lost a friend because he just moved away and that spawned a psychotic obsession that lasted what, two, three decades?” Nan asked.
“How dare you! That was not just any friendship that was my only friend!” Starlight shouted.
“So instead of thinking, oh wow I’ll just go talk to him and work things out you instead thought, I’ll destroy the lives of dozens of people out of sheer misplaced spite?” Nan continued.
“I-” Starlight began, only to be stopped by a stone finger held her mouth shut.
“Shh, mommy’s talking,” Nan declared. “Now then, let's get straight to the point. You see cutie marks as the very reason why your friendship ended, right?”
Starlight glared silently for several seconds before nodding.
“But a friendship could end for a million reasons. How many variables are you going to account for hmm?” Nan poked. “Are you going to make everyone the same gender so sexism isn't an issue? Perhaps even wipe out all other races so racism won't be a factor.”
Starlight recoiled as if struck.
“I’m just taking your ideology to its logical extreme. At the end of the day, you are seeking to destroy these potential problems like cutie marks and the like, why not go further?” Nan pressed, leaning in close and continuing to meet Starlight’s gaze even as she flinched further away. “You already dominated the bodies of those townsfolk without their consent, why not their minds next? Simply scrub away everything that makes them unique, as after all, differences in personality are the number one ender of friendships.”
Lets uh… let's pull back a bit. I think she's about ready to pee herself. Xathrid remarked.
Nan recoiled slightly, releasing the grip she had on the pony. Starlight wiggled her jaw and cleared her throat.
“I… I get it,” Starlight muttered. “If I really want to reach my goals I’d need to do something truly unspeakable.”
“You would need to become a monster the likes of which even Discord would find repulsive,” Nan added.
Starlight winced. “But what other options are there? What if I’m right and that is the only way.”
“You cannot control for all variables, all you can ever do is weigh the dice in your favor,” Nan explained. “Besides, can you really call it friendship if you’ve effectively mind-wiped them and forced their comradery out of mental compulsion?”
“No,” Starlight muttered, the pony slumping to the ground after being released from the tree’s grasp.
“Life is unfortunately chaotic, and by forcing order upon it you end up breaking far more than what you would fix,” Nan continued. “Just live your life and do your best. It's all anyone can do really.”
“Augh, you make it sound so simple,” Starlight spat.
“It is,” Nan retorted with a chuckle. “Take it from someone who’s on their second life. Living isn't all that complicated when you get right down to it.”
Starlight smiled faintly. “You know that is kind of a nice thought now that I really think about it.”
“It is isn't it?” Nan remarked.
Oh and tell her to get some therapy for her sociopathy. Xathrid added.
“Oh, and you should probably get some therapy. Also, your friend is likely in Canterlot at this point,” Nan pointed out.
“I suppose I should try to reconnect with Sunburst and see that therapist my father recommended,” Starlight muttered.
“And once you get your head in order you’ll do great things. I just know it,” Nan professed.
Starlight breathed in slowly and exhaled just as slowly.
“Alright,” she muttered. “I am not a villain.”
With that, the pony vanished.
That was kind of nice. Xathrid added.
“Indeed. It feels like a bit of kindness is all they really needed,” Nan remarked.
Agreed.