The sun rose slowly over the horizon. With reddened eyes, Twilight watched as the sky turned bright orange and red, with streaks of golden rays peeking out of the mist. She clutched at the blanket wrapped around her body with her pale lavender hoof. After a moment, she sighed silently and turned to face her friends. They had spent the rest of the night in Celestia’s old chambers, and even though there was a bed large enough to hold them all, they stayed huddled up together on the floor. The room was silent, with the occasional sniffle from Fluttershy.
Rarity had her back against the wall with her eyes closed, and Rainbow Dash was lying on her side, facing away from the others. Whether she was awake or not, Twilight couldn’t tell. Pinkie Pie continued to slowly rock back and forth, not saying a word. Twilight then met Applejack’s gaze, her usually lively green eyes now cold and listless.
Twilight’s lips tightened before she finally broke the long silence. “It’s morning.”
Nopony responded.
There was a knock on the door.
Twilight cleared her throat. “Who is it?” she called.
“It’s me,” came Sunset’s muffled voice.
Applejack immediately shifted away from the door and buried her face in her hooves. "Can't we see somepony else?” she asked in a low voice.
Twilight’s eyes shifted. “Applejack..."
“I don’t wanna look at her,” Applejack said, raising her voice a little. “Can’t we please get anypony else?”
Twilight stood up on her hooves, letting her blanket fall to the floor. “No...we can’t. She’s the only one I’m sure we can trust right now.” She made her way to the door. “Excuse me, Pinkie,” she said softly. The pink pony silently shifted to the side, letting Twilight through.
Twilight was greeted by two kind eyes when she opened the door. “Hi,” she whispered softly.
Twilight smiled briefly. “Hi. Almost all of us are awake. You can come in if you want.”
“Are you sure?”
Twilight nodded and moved aside. Sunset Shimmer entered the room, taking in the scene infront of her. Every single bearer of Harmony--every single one of her friends--they were all here. Alive.
Alive, and miserable.
With a clipboard encased in her aura, Sunset silently moved around the small ponies and made her way to the front of the room before taking a seat upon the window sill. One by one, each pony turned to look at her. Twilight tapped Rainbow Dash on the shoulder and leaned down to whisper in her ear. After a few moments, Rainbow finally sat up and turned to face Sunset.
The unicorn felt her heart clench at the drained look on Rainbow’s face. “I wish I could tell you that everything’s going to be alright,” Sunset said. “I wish I could tell you that you have nothing to be afraid of.” She waited, making sure that she had everypony’s attention. She adjusted her reading glasses and took the clipboard in her hooves. “But you’ve been told enough lies.”
She sighed.
“The truth is, I don’t know what’s going to happen. And I don’t know what could have led Starlight Glimmer to do what she did.”
Some of the girls flinched involuntarily at the sound of Starlight’s name.
“But I do know that we’re going to do everything in our power to help you. You have my word on that.” Her eyes swept the room. “I’m here this morning to answer any questions you might have. Everypony’s anxious to know what happened to you all this time...and, frankly, so am I,” she admitted. “But today is about you. I'll tell you as much as I can so you won't be blindsided when you return.” She paused before taking a deep breath. “Well... after your disappearance, everypony searched. Tirelessly.” Her eyes clouded at the memory. “I remember when Spike sent me the message through Princess Celestia’s book.”
Twilight bit her lip, hard.
“...I came as quickly as I could. All of us pitched in, together. Days stretched into weeks...and weeks quickly turned into months...and months turned into years. Not even Princess Luna could see into your dreams. That was when we thought…” Sunset stopped short and briefly wiped her eyes.
“Because she could see into anypony’s dreams, anywhere, anytime she tried, she found nothing. She never gave up, but...but we knew. At least, we assumed.” Guilt etched her features as she shook her head. “Nopony wanted to believe it. But with every passing year…” Sunset pursed her lips to suppress what was threatening to rise from her throat. “But we never forgot you. Please know that.”
A heavy silence.
“Was there a funeral?” Fluttershy asked quietly.
Sunset looked at the yellow pegasus. “Yes, Fluttershy,” she replied gently. “There was a funeral.”
“Sunset,” Rarity said, almost timidly. “How...how is my mother and father? And Sweetie Belle?” She hastily rubbed her hooves together. “How did...how did she take it?”
“She was heartbroken,” Sunset said sadly. “She was...lost without you. After the funeral, she spent most of her time with Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Spike.
“Eventually, her smile came back again. Nopony knew what to do with your Boutique, since the owner no longer occupied it. So, when she was old enough, Sweetie decided to claim it for herself and made a home there. I hear she’s a music teacher now. And, your parents are still living in Ponyville, and are in good health.” Sunset smiled. “She grew up into a beautiful mare, Rarity.”
Rarity’s eyes filled with tears. Swallowing hard, she nodded curtly.
“...And Scoots?” Came Rainbow’s croaked voice. “H...How is she?”
Sunset sighed. “She had a falling out with her parents around the time of your disappearance. I’m not sure what happened between them, but she eventually moved out when she was a teenager. I think your pet tortoise is in her care, from what I’ve heard.”
Sunet looked over to Applejack and nodded when she saw the look in the farm mare’s eyes. “Applebloom is also doing well. She’s married now, with a little one on the way.”
“Jumping Junebugs,” Applejack breathed out. “Who...who’s she married to? When did this all happen?”
“A little over a year ago,” Sunset replied. “She and Snails...they grew close over the years.”
Everypony in the room stared in shock. “Snails?” Applejack repeated.
Sunset shrugged with a lighthearted smile. “He’s a good husband.”
“If that’s what she’s into,” Rainbow Dash murmured from the back. A few chuckles scattered across the room, making Twilight smile.
“Big Mac also eventually married, to Miss Cherilee. They’re taking care of the farm together.”
Applejack nodded, taking all of it in. “I knew he was sort of sweet on her, but I didn’t know he liked her that much. And...Granny Smith?”
The cheer died down in Sunset’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Applejack.”
Quiet gasps rippled throughout the group and Applejack stiffened. Fluttershy crawled up and hugged her from behind, burying her tear stained cheek into Applejack’s neck. Rarity and Twilight both nuzzled her gently.
Applejack swallowed lightly,
“When?”
“A month and a half after the funeral,” Sunset whispered. "She didn't feel any pain."
Drawing in a breath, she continued on. “Fluttershy, your parents are still in Cloudsdale. So are yours, Rainbow Dash. They retired early. I’m...not sure where your brother Zephyr is, Fluttershy. Your parents lost contact with him a few years ago.”
Fluttershy grew quiet for a moment. “May I ask what happened to my animal friends?”
Sunset shook her head. “The last they were seen was the night of the funeral. Before anypony could figure out what to do with them, they just disappeared the next morning.”
Fluttershy’s eyes turned downcast. “Oh...I see. And...and what about Discord?"
"He's been taking care of Ponyville since you were taken. I'm...not really sure what he's up to at the moment. He's been keeping a low profile lately...I think he took your disappearance the hardest."
Sunset Shimmer turned to Pinkie. “Pinkie, would you like to know about your family or the Cakes first?”
Pinkie looked at her.
“Pinkie Pie,” Rarity said softly. “Sunset just asked you a question.” Pinkie glanced over at Rarity, but said nothing.
“I’m sorry, Sunset,” Twilight sighed as she rubbed Pinkie's back.
“She hasn’t said a word since she returned to herself,” Fluttershy said.
Sunset’s forehead creased. “She might be in shock.” She looked at Twilight. “Maybe I should fill her in later. Now, Twilight-”
Knock knock knock!
“Yes?”
“Miss Shimmer,” bellowed a voice. “We’re about to head out.”
Sunset’s ears perked up and she hopped down from the window sill. “Excuse me for a moment,” she said briskly as she trotted around the girls. She cracked the door open and pressed her face in between the opening. The young ponies craned their necks to try to see who Sunset was talking to. Straining to hear what was being said, only the words “Princess” and “Mountains” registered. She and the pony at the door talked in a few more soft whispers before abruptly ending the conversation. Sunset quickly shut the door behind her and turned to the bearers. “Sorry about that. Now as I was saying, Twilight--”
“Sunset,” Twilight said standing up. “Who was that? Was he talking about the Princesses?”
Sunset blinked and briefly worked her mouth. “Well...yes, but--”
“Are they looking for them?” Twilight started to move past Sunset. “I’m going with them!”
Sunset’s hoof caught her by the shoulder. “Twilight, no. The Guards already have it handled. What you need to do is rest. We can have you back in Ponyville tonight. You’ve been through enough already.”
Twilight looked up with pleading eyes. “Please, Sunset. I need to see them. I...I know the rest of my family is alright, but Spike’s still out there somewhere. Starlight did something to him, but I was...They can help! My friends can stay here, but I need to go!”
“Princess Luna will take care of it,” Sunset said firmly. “Spike’s been under her wing for years. As soon as she returns, she’ll be all over it, I guarantee it.”
“Luna...took care of Spike?” Twilight asked, holding a hoof to her heart.
Sunset nodded. “Her first and only pupil. You need to get home, Twilight. A lot of ponies need to see you. Alive.” She glanced at the rest of the girls. “There are some things you remember that won’t be there anymore. But there’s still much more to come back to. Your town loves you. Equestria loves you.”
Twilight looked around at her friend’s solemn but determined faces. She sighed softly. “What about Starlight?”
“They’re still out searching. Trust me, Twilight. There’s nothing more you can do here. Go home. Get some rest. Spend time with those you love. I’ll send a letter to Shining Armor and Cadence to let them know.”
“Hey,” Rainbow said. “How come you never noticed us before? Or anypony else?”
“You all looked...different before,” Sunset said. “Your manes, your eyes, your coats...you didn’t look like yourselves. That was, until you rediscovered the Elements of Harmony.”
Applejack cursed under her breath.
“She must have put a spell on our appearances,” Rarity sighed. She smiled ruefully. “She really did think of everything, didn’t she?”
“If she did, she wouldn't've got caught,” Rainbow Dash pointed out. She smiled softly at Twilight and winked.
Twilight gave a tearful grin and nodded. “Alright. We’ll go back. Thank you, Sunset.”
Sunset reached out her forehoof and brought Twilight in for a hug. “I’m so happy you’re back,” she whispered. “I’ll meet you in Ponyville when I’m finished. We have a lot to catch up on.” She pulled back and smiled at the girls. “I’ll have some Guards escort you to the train. Be safe, girls.”
“Five minutes till Ponyville!” the Conductor boomed out as he paced the train station. One by one, each pony quietly climbed onto the train.
“We should be there by noon, Miss Sparkle,” the Guard said to Twilight. She squinted up at him as the sun glinted on his metal helmet. “In addition to ensuring a safe passage to Ponyville, my ponies will accompany you for the next week for your safety. It's just a percussion.”
Twilight bowed her head and dipped low. “Thank you, kind Sir.”
A hoof encased in fine metal touched her chin and guided it up. With a smile, the Guard replied, “Please, call me Silver Shield. And, your return is thanks enough…” He gave a nod. “Your Highness.” Twilight smiled but sighed inwardly as the Guard trotted away.
“You look like you smell something funky,” said an approaching voice.
“I don't know how I can get back to being a Princess after all this,” Twilight said quietly.
“Well, I don’t think anypony’s gonna hold it against you,” Applejack said as she walked past.
Twilight trotted up and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Wait a minute, A.J.” She looked around before guiding her friend behind a bulletin board five feet away from the train.
After making sure they were alone, Twilight faced Applejack and nodded. “Okay, A.J. Go ahead.”
Applejack blinked. “Go ahead?”
“We’re alone now,” Twilight said gently. “I know you wouldn’t want to lose face in Ponyville.” Looking upon Applejack’s confused expression, Twilight added, “It’s okay to cry.”
Applejack stared at Twilight for a good long minute before her face broke out in a smile. “Cry?” She chuckled. “Twilight, I don’t have time to do any sort of cryin’. I’m not sad. I’m angry.” The blonde mare leaned in, her voice low. “Personally? I think it’s a waste of time, bein’ sent back to Ponyville. I think we should be lookin for her.”
“Applejack--”
“That mare needs to be stopped, she escaped twice already and now you’re telling me she’s getting away for the third time!?”
“She’s not getting away!” Twilight said, almost shouting. After turning a few heads, she tried to keep her voice at a low volume. “They know who she is now...what she can do. We even gave them directions to our ho--” She stopped herself. “--the place where we used to live. Sunset trusts the Guards, and I trust Sunset. It’s going to be okay--”
“Twilight,” Applejack choked through gritted teeth. Blinking up at the sky, the earth pony sighed heavily. “I am a forty-one year old mare in an eighteen year old’s body.”
More ponies chattered and milled about as a new train arrived at the station.
“Don’t tell me it’s going to be okay.” Not waiting for the reply, Applejack brushed past Twilight and marched over to the train.
“The Cakes can’t see her like this,” Rarity whispered.
Rainbow Dash grabbed Pinkie by the shoulders and shook her. “C’mon, wake up!”
The pink pony stared at her with a slight hint of confusion. Rainbow growled and slapped her lightly on the cheek. “Snap out of it!”
“Dashie, stop it!” Fluttershy reproached, grabbing Rainbow’s hoof before pushing it away. “That’s not helping!” She turned and looked into Pinkie’s eyes. Beyond the lack of effervescence and mirth, the yellow pegasus could see the fear and uncertainty that clouded those blue irises. With a sweet smile, Fluttershy sat beside her and cupped Pinkie’s face in her hooves. “Everything’s going to be alright. The Guards are taking us home now. We’re going back to Ponyville.”
Pinkie’s mouth opened a little and her ears perked up.
“Yes, Ponyville! We’re going to see all our friends again. And the Cakes will be there too! Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Pound and Pumpkin...”
Immediately, Pinkie’s ears flopped against her head and her lower lip started to tremble.
“Pinkie? What’s wrong?”
Pinkie Pie gently pulled out of Fluttershy’s grasp and sat back a little. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity watched as Pinkie folded her forehooves and slowly rocked them side to side. “Baby?” Fluttershy inquired. “You mean the Baby Cakes?”
Pinkie bobbed her head. She then spread her hooves and raised them up. With silent tears cascading down her cheeks, she pointed to the tops of her friends heads and raised her hooves again.
Fluttershy nodded and wiped her friend’s eyes. “I know,” she said softly. “I know.”
Just then, Applejack appeared behind Rarity. “We ready to go?” The train whistle sounded, followed by the Conductor’s voice.
“All aboooooard!”
Rainbow gave a nod to the side. “There’s your answer.” Twilight stepped onto the train while her friends all took their seats. She glanced at Applejack before turning away and sighing. She stood in the middle of the aisle as the train slowly began moving. It wasn’t long before Canterlot began to flash across the windows as the train sped up.
“Sunset mentioned that the press will get wind of this soon,” Twilight said as she hopped onto a seat next to Rainbow Dash. “If they ask any questions you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to tell them anything. It’s okay. They’ll think we’re in shock.”
Rarity stared at her for a moment. “We are in shock, Twilight.”
“Well, then this should be easy.”
They sat in silence and watched the scenery outside. The world they’ve been kept from looked more or less the same. But the trees seemed more green and the sky even more blue. The colors of Equestria seemed more vibrant and alive than it was before. Some of the girls were still adjusting their eyes, for they spent most of their lives seeing grey. Ten minutes in, Fluttershy slid from her seat.
“I’m going to get some fresh air,” she said. “I’ll be right back.” After receiving a few nods, Fluttershy exited their car and wandered further down the train until she reached the caboose.
She slid the door open and stepped outside. She smiled as the wind blew her mane back. She walked forward and placed both of her hooves on the railing. Closing her eyes, she inhaled through her nose and lifted her good wing into the air and felt the rush of the wind beneath her feathers. She giggled lightly at the sensation before exhaling in content.
Behind her, the floorboards creaked loudly.
With a squeak, she whirled around. She then sighed when she saw Pinkie Pie’s sheepish expression with her hoof positioned forward. “Oh, it’s you, Pinkie.” She brought a hoof to her chest and sighed again.
Pinkie looked apologetic.
“It’s okay. I was just startled.” Fluttershy glanced around before smiling. “Checking up on me?”
The earth pony nodded admittedly before casting a sad glance toward Fluttershy’s damaged wing.
Fluttershy looked down at her grey harness that was strapped all the way across her shoulder. “Oh, it’s okay. I’m fine with it, really.” She paused before shrugging. “But...I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss flying just a little.”
She lifted her good wing again. “I was never the best flyer. But I did like it. It helped me connect more with the birds, and other creatures that fly.” Tucking her wing to her side, she added, “But I think it’s better if I stay more connected to the creatures here on the ground. Now I have to convince Rainbow Dash to finally take off again.”
She fell silent for a moment. Her eyes trailed down to her hooves and she chewed on her lip. “Pinkie, I have another confession to make.”
Pinkie lifted her eyebrows.
“Do you promise to keep it a secret?”
For the first time, Pinkie Pie smiled and silently performed the tried and true Pinkie Promise.
Fluttershy gave a warm chuckle, but her smile quickly faded. “Everypony’s so upset. I am too, for the most part. But at the same time…” She looked out into the distance. “I don’t feel as angry as I should.” She paused for a while, avoiding Pinkie’s gaze. “I think there’s something wrong with me.”
She felt a hoof on her shoulder and she finally looked at Pinkie, who gave her a look of concern. “I...I don’t know if I can forgive her,” she gasped, a single tear trickling down her cheek. “But no matter how hard I try, I can’t hate her. I just...can’t!”
Her breaths came out in short bursts as she fumbled with her words. “Every time I do try, I only see the face above my crib and the warmth of her hugs whenever I felt scared…” She squeezed her eyes shut. “I remember the nights when she invited me in her bed during thunderstorms, and I remember the night she saved my life…”
Pinkie Pie pulled her into a hug and Fluttershy embraced her tightly. “Pinkie…” she whispered. “I think I still love her.”
This was...wow. That was sad. Absolutely heart wrenching.
Just goes to show you how far Starlight went...the Mane 6 are broken. Ouch. Here's hoping things will start getting better for them next chapter.
well, this was certainly interesting; also:
to be honest. Flutters...I think I'd be MORE upset if you DIDN'T: I mean, of all the mane 6, you can be sure the Element of KINDNESS would be willing to show mercy...
I am willing to bet that Pinkie also feels the same way. I think that their elements and their own nature will prevent them from wanting to harm Starlight Glimmer while the others will have both their own personalities offended and the elements they represent.
No. No. No. No. I'm sorry but I'm scared now that this Starlight is just gonna walk off scott free.
Fluttershy might have reservations, and rightfully so, but that won't stop anyone else. I fully expect Spike to rip Starlight's head off with his bare claws. Or something along those lines.
Even at the lowest point of her supposed defeat, Starlight still wins in a sense. She destroyed their lives and their perceptions of everything in their worlds.
GOSH DARN IT! I did not need these kind of feels right now! Bad Summer now I'm crying...
On that note I suspected they wouldn't just... forget her being their mother. She wasn't actually a bad mom and that kind of connection doesn't just vanish.
I'm crying too much gosh darn it...
7821751 Nah, I don't think so. I'm expecting her to pop out soon and make things even worse. She wouldn't have gone this far without a back-up plan that the others will have to stop.
7822210 Please do something like that and give her a proper punishment. I almost had some sympathy..... but then I heard of HOW MUCH of their lives she stole.... she has this coming.
7822220 And we haven't seen the families. We just know what they've been up too...except Twilight's parents. It could be even worse.
7822224 ....... she needs proper punishment. She gets zero sympathy. Fluttershy and possibly Pinkie have also earned face palms.
7822227 I can see it with Fluttershy, she's just too kind.
As for Pinkie...I honestly don't know. Starlight really broke her. Let's just hope she recovers.
7822232 I give Pinkie a pass.... but Shy...... I have nothing but feelings of face palming.
7822235 Hmm...I guess we need to wait and see with them then. I'm guessing Fluttershy's family will help put her back together. And Pinkie's...
I just don't get why Twilight has to go back to Ponyville. Her family is in Canterlot and the Crystal Empire...except Spike, which we don't know where he is right now. I guess Twilight just needs to be here for her friends...
7822238 She literally is just dealing with MAJOR shock right now and seeing her family right now would probably bring about heart failure.
7822247 ...I guess? We don't know her full condition.
Either way, can't wait for the next chapter. I'm just hoping it isn't a type of chapter where they're just about to meet their families again only to have it switch to something else like Sunset trying to fix things or Starlight just brooding because her plan fell apart.
7822253 At this point I hope Starlight gets hanged or something similar.
7822257 I thought you would think she deserved something worse.
7822258 Death is only the beginning.
7822261 True...I am hoping that Discord will pop up next chapter. Sunset did say that he was in Ponyville. That should be interesting.
7822266 True.
7822267 Welp, here's to waiting for another chapter!
7822273 Yeah..... lord it's gonna be a while.
7822238 Twilight's parents are actually in the New Crystal Empire to be closer to their son and niece. Should have made that clear
7822275 Hopefully not too long this time.
7822292 Please be soon.
7822296 I'll do my best!
7822305 Yes.
7822292 Oh. Cool. Well, Twilight should be there regardless. She needs to be with her family right now.
7822328 According to Sunset, they needed to go back together. She stayed behind to send Shining Armor and Cadence a letter to inform them of her return so that they can come to her. To Sunset, she just wants her friends in Ponyville at the moment to make sure they're safe.
7822332 ...I agree with that. I just hope we see her family as well. Twilight needs to show them that she's safe.
Don't be sorry, RL comes first, and you can take your time. Good chapter there. The next part will sure be heavy with feels.
I don't know if there really is something to understand, but I never really understood, why I sometimes think a bit odd about some shippings, or why I act a bit wary around some certain characters. I guess I just never liked to sudden anouncements int he first second.
Big Mac and Cheerilee is something I like right away.
Oh yes, of course maybe this is her chance to decide it for herself this time
Exactly what I wanted, conflicts on both sides and nothing it impossible right now.
The story still feels pretty complicated, but that is good, it is like playing a good game with a sad or bittersweet ending, which you only suddenly start to like after a short while.
heart wrenching chapter, I love it. I'm not at all surprised that fluttershy still can show kindness to Starlight after what she did.
I did catch one error I thought I should mention. when the guard mentions they are staying in town he says "It's just a percussion.” instead of precaution
Also, I was wondering about this, why does Applejack not like Sunset? What did she do to her?
OMG I got actual tears in my eyes when Sunset was telling them about their families, and I don't cry very often, this was a really good chapter
7822838 Seeing how old Sunset looks would remind her of how much time she missed.
7823699 Huh. Okay. Guess Applejack just isn't ready to recover...I just thought that Applejack was being really mean here.
7823699
Interesting. I didn't consider that as a possible reason. I just assumed it was because Sunset is the one that stopped AJ right after she tackled Starlight.
I'm gonna need to reread this. I'm really confused right now. Have you seen Sing?
7826845 Nope, not yet.
Finally an update!
I can empathise deeply with Buttercup; to think how much time, how much energy Starlight gave up, even though she didn't have to... that really takes its toll on my emotions. And even though I know Starlight wanted to use me, I remember everything so fondly, remember her so fondly... I can't help but not hate her...
I hope that by the end of this Starlight and the Mane 6 can come to forgive each other. I feel that Starlight should get punished, but she should not be killed like many hopes she does, I would say she should be put in a dungeon for as long as she had held the Mane 6 hostages, and then be let out with a magic inhibitor fastened to her horn to prevent her from using magic again, and during this time, Starlight and the Mane 6 settle their greviences of one another that way they can share a friendship with her atleast. I know it may sound weird for me to believe Starlight should get a happy ending in this, but though what she did was unforgivable, I feel that the Starlight of this story suffered from a lot of issues that probably predate all of this that lead to such hatred to begin with. I feel that Starlight truly fell in love with the Mane 6 and really saw them as her daughters, a part of me feels that she did not even really care about the plan anymore, because with all the hype she was setting up, it just feels like she was just getting the princess out of the way so she could raise the Mane 6 in a better environment rather then to try to take over Equestria, I feel the plan morphed from wanting to rule to wanting to ensure no one takes the Mane 6 away from her. And I also feel that Starlight is as psychologically damaged as the Mane 6 as she just lost what she perceived as her daughters and she will in her mind never get them back. She is probably hurting more just by that fact alone then any torture or prison time could ever do.
7833842 I agreed some redemption would be nice. I mean they. Ant forgive her but at least try to be friendly.
7822220
7833842
Personally I hope that the spell that Starlight cast on the mane 6 gets cast on her. Then hopefully someone among the mane 6 or another loving soul could raise her. Killing her now would be nothing more then vengeance and would not provide any path for Starlight to redeem herself.
7845206 Starlight is too far gone. There is no. Redemption. For her. Or at the least. This version of her. Any redemption is just forced and would feel like it would be shoved down our throats.
7845207
Yes Starlight is certifiably insane but killing her does nothing but blame her for everything. It doesn't address why she went to this route or her underlying issues. By casting the same spell on her and returning her to foalhood with a light mental scrubbing she could possibly be a far better pony. We still do not have her canon counterparts backstory as to why she set up Our Town the way she did.
7845228 At this point for this Starlight? Nobody really gives a damn.
7845229
Fluttershy apparently cares for her, possibly even Pinkie. Let's she how everyone else reacts first I bet there could be a few bleeding hearts among them.
7845233 That's Stockholm talking.