Stable. Calm. Orderly.
That was what Starlight Glimmer had sought when she set up her community, a place where all ponies would be equal in everything they had or did. No fighting, no competition, no cutie marks: it would be the perfect symbol of Equality by which the rest of Equestria would rally behind.
But one stormy night, a mysterious mare arrives to question Starlight about her beliefs, doubting whether Equality is truly what Ponykind needs. Surely such notions are those of an older time, and Equality is a future that Starlight can defend.
... isn't it?
Special thanks to Avenging Hobbits for editing and proofreading.
Comments may contain spoilers. You have been warned.
Chapters (6)
Why do I feel like Starlight is messing with a far more powerful being then she realizes. Hopefully she grows from this experience and doesn't squander what it looks like she is being given.
Well this shows promise, hopefully it won’t end with Our Town being destroyed and Starlight dying with it.
9186907 "E" tag's there for a reason
Iowa, you ponified The Last Church.....whelp, here's hoping Starlight doesn't suffer the same fate as Ulrich.
9186935 While Starlight does share some similarities with Uriah, martyrdom is not in her future.
9187310
Uriah, that's it. Hopefully she doesn't end up like the TTS version of him too
What's the point of life, if not to be different
bryantmcgill.com/domains/bryantmcgill.com/uploads/images/blog/bryant-mcgill-path-of-purpose-misery.jpg
The fundamental problem here is that Starlight Glimmer is a cultist-in-chief, not a philosopher. She is fundamentally incapable of good faith debate, and quick to resort to violence.
I think I know who Revelation is. Hopefully Starlight learns fast becuase I don't think she will like the outcome if is doesn't.
Have a feeling there is more to Revelation than meets the eye
Well, now that L- err, Revelation has demonstrated her tea catching powers, there's no way Starlight can resist.
*ohohos obnoxiously*
Faved.
Yeah, you definitely did starlight's backstory better than the show....
I wonder how long into the story it will take Starlight to realize just who Revelation actually is? Once again I hope she takes this chance and changes her ways.
9191724 This isn't going to be a very long story, so she'll learn sooner rather than later.
Well, discussing vague abstract (and arguably non-existing) stuff, as always, degenerates into heated "which side is more brainwashed and manipulative" competition
At the end of previous chapter it seemed that they're switching to discussion of real world consequences of implementing Starlight's thing, but apparently not yet. Maybe next chapter?
I CALLED IT, I FREAKING CALLED IT!!!!!
9197781
I think several people where guessing it was Luna. Now Starlight can begin the healing process.
After her return Equestria became very poor place to commit thoughtcrimes.
I would say that "I have guys who like me enough to let transgressions that epic slide" in not really clever rebuttal to Starlight's "no one gives a single damn about me"
So it was Luna eh? Nice twist.
9191687
I can't really agree there, especially considering the details that Parent Map added to her backstory.
I was honestly half expecting the twist to be that Revelation was a Starlight from the future of another universe.
9198027
Maybe is my human perspective, but the Cutie Marks social system sounds a lot like Plato's Republic: everyone has its place destined by birth, and any intent to rise above your natural station is born from arrogance and selfishness, thus can only end in tears. Happiness come from acceptance.
Of course, this has been the general justification for any caste/feudal system in real life, which typically are unfair and oppressive.
Sadly, the ethical implications of Equestria as an idealized caste system enforced via Harmony stamping destiny brands on everyone's rump aren't usually discussed. The closest thing we have in canon are Rumble's tantrum in the Cutie Mark Crusaders' camp...and of course Starlight's village. Both depicted as in the wrong without considering if the strawmen had a point.
angryanimebitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Happy-Crying-Face-Meme-15.jpg
9215970
Well, cynical economist would say "what other incentive one may have for saying something like that?"
I'm not sure about stamped destiny stuff: cute marks are usually what writer of current episode wants them to be, not something with consistent properties. Those two guys had much more simple and personal issues and just used abstract philosophy to argue their way (as abstract philosophy is always used).
I don't even care if there is going to be a sequel or not, this is the perfect ending to a great fic
One of the best Starlight Glimmer stories I've ever read.
And trust me, with my feelings about the character, that's some high praise indeed. XD
9272560 Thank you
"She gets a guitar she never learns to play, dyes a black streak in her mane, and starts calling herself Starblight Dimmer!"
"I get the sense we are no longer discussing a hypothetical young pony."
... Oh. Huh. Ended up predicting the next line.
Brilliant work in integrating all the concrete points of Starlight's life into the path that led to Our Town. She might be the toughest nut the Princess of Therapy had to crack, but the process was thoroughly satisfying, as was the end result. Seriously, Starlight, ponies might be the most forgiving species on the planet... as long as your name isn't Trixie.
Thank you for a great read.
9432241 Thank you very much
A very good Pony-version of The Last Church. At least in this version there were no troops with flames waiting outside.
I haven't read this yet.
However: noting your prior 40k love and the.. descr i think this is your version of "The Last Church"
Edit: Def "The Last Church" infuences
static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/0/03/Luna_wolves_emblem_by_steel_serpent-d3acive.png/revision/latest/top-crop/width/220/height/220?cb=20111005145101
That's the insignia of the Luna Wolves!
Now I wonder if this is in the same continuity as your God Empress of Ponykind series.
What was the chiming clock?
Also guessed this was going to be last church by the description.
Looks like Luna had more success than Big E did.
10710975 It's a bit of something I've been playing around with regarding the ending of The Last Church, which ends with Uriah's clock striking midnight, the end of the day and symbolically the end of humanity. Here it strikes one, signaling Starlight's stepping forward into a new day and a new beginning
You found a way to make The last church a much less Grim Dark story. Great story.
10584235
Seems likely... I'm getting strong vibes off this story of 'The Last Church.' The setup here greatly mirrors of how the Emporer began his debate with the last priest of the last church on Terra.
Plus the small fact that in the God Empress of Ponykind' continuity, Princess Luna is good friends with the reformed and saved soul of Horus Lupercal, who would surely have told Luna about his old spacemarine legion.
10785920
This would also be a great look at what Luna is doing while Celestia and Twilight are away, including eliminating threats, one way or another, before they become a problem now that the leader of the Elements of Harmony is gone.
Speaking of which, I can't wait until Twilight's friends see her again, and react to her probably being in purple armor with a big-ass sword, phenomenal (and violent) magic power, wings, and a very different outlook on dealing with villains. Maybe even some strange mares she brought with her who all have white manes, similar black armor, and their own elements of harmony?
Hmmm.