#my royal canterlot voice

[sylphiesweet]

: ̗̀➛ Rarijack Fanfic - Ch1 ౨ৎ

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a/n: hello !! this is my first real post on here. i don't typically use tumblr, and i don't typically write fanfiction ! but i love to write, and i figured i would rather write stuff that others will want to read than write stuff that will collect dust in my folders. constructive feedback is much appreciated :)

Summary: A humanized MLP:FiM alternate universe set in the 90s where Rarity- a now famous fashion designer living in Canterlot- visits Ponyville for a reunion with her friends. Centers on the Rarity x Applejack ship. Lots of fluff, only involves the mane 6, very wholesome.

enjoy ♡

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Under the warm lamp light of the Canterlot Carousel’s tailor shop fervorously work the delicate and nimble fingers of Equestria’s greatest designer. It is well past close, the streets just beyond the doors of the boutique are desolate, yet Rarity is intent on completing her remaining custom orders. Through her rubied cat eye frames this artist fixates on the precise stitching of her sewing machine. The fabric of the garment being constructed is ethereal, it possesses an otherworldly luster that practically lights up what is an otherwise pitch-black room. Nights like these, where this lady of refined elegance works her magic for hours on end, are what have gotten her so far in such a cutthroat industry. They are also, however, what tends to be the blockage between her and a healthy social life.

Under the obnoxiously loud whirring of Rarity’s sewing machine approaches the faint sound of heels clicking against the boutique’s shiny marble floors. She doesn’t hear the voice calling her name, too stuck in her trance-like state of work. It takes the sewing machine being turned off mid-seam for her to finally look up. “What do you think you are doing, Sassy?! I am in a time crunch here!”

In front of the dramatic damsel stood Rarity’s store manager, Sassy Saddles, with the unplugged cord to the sewing machine in hand. She had a partially amused, mostly concerned expression. “I was closing up the boutique when I heard you back here. You’ve been sewing for a while, Rarity. I haven’t seen you step away from your desk all day.”

She gave her manager an unamused expression. “Time crunch, darling. Pay attention. Now plug the machine back in, will you?” Rarity instinctively bent back into position, expecting Sassy to obey and the machine to resume.

Sassy sighed. She knew there was no use in arguing, not with Rarity of all women. “Before you continue, I came to give you this.” From her skirt pocket, she pulls a wax-sealed envelope addressed to Rarity.

This got her attention. “Oh? Give it here.” She held her hand out and received the letter. Searching for something on her desk to open it with, she glanced up briefly to her manager. “Who’s it from?”

“I believe your old friends from Ponyville. It has the Princess’s logo on the seal- see?” A well-manicured finger reached over the sewing machine and tapped on the crimson wax holding the envelope together. It did indeed have the insignia of their nation’s beloved princess pressed into it.

Rarity took her embroidery shears and sliced the parcel open. The letter inside contained the iconic calligraphy of a royal friend from a lifetime ago, she would recognize it anywhere. If the wax seal and the regal writing didn’t already give away the author of such a letter, it was the words themselves. Nobody else in all of Equestria wrote with such intellectual grace. The same level of attention to detail in each sentence could be achieved by no one other than the Princess of Friendship herself; Twilight Sparkle. Seeing the penmanship of a friend from her girlhood brought a smile to Rarity’s face. It sometimes still felt like it was only yesterday that they were having sleepovers together in her quaint library, giving each other facials and sharing the local gossip. That was back when she was still a small-town girl, running her first and only boutique with a head full of dreams and a heart full of passion. The more she reminisced, the older she began to feel. The gray hairs on her head were probably multiplying with each memory. She should just read the letter already.

As her boss read, Sassy discreetly began to wrap up the sewing machine’s cord and hook it onto the side of the desk. She loved when the boutique had plenty of business, but she also knew from past experience that an overworked Rarity could lead to catastrophic things. A sigh of disappointment from the tired designer came once she finished reading. Sassy looked up, quickly folding her hands in front of her to hide her crime. “What’s wrong?” she asked hesitantly.

”Nothing is wrong… Twilight is hosting a reunion.” Rarity set the letter aside.

Sassy smiled, yet still held that look of worry in her brows. “Well, that’s wonderful!… Is it not?”

”It’s all the way back in Ponyville. That’s a trip I simply do not have the time to take, I will have to decline the invitation.” She began searching around her desk for a pen and paper to write with.

”Now hold on, Rarity!” Sassy stepped around the desk to face Rarity, mostly so they could stop talking over the sewing machine. “You have been working yourself to the tips of your cuticles. There is not another lady in Canterlot more deserving of a break than you. Speaking as both your manager and your friend, you would be mad not to accept this invite.”

Rarity paused her searching. Sassy wasn’t a stranger to dramatic speeches, nor was she, yet it was surprising to hear her actively protest like this. “How deserving I am of a break doesn’t matter when we have New York Fashion Week rapidly approaching. My schedule is absolutely full! I have to go back up to Manehattan on Monday to fit the models for the line, and then down to Fillydelphia on Wednesday for a meeting with the design team coming from Milan, and next Saturday I am flying out to Las Pegasus for the opening of the Carousel Boutique on the strip.” She had begun to spiral into one of her fast-paced, extra-dramatic rants. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Rarity looked up at Sassy and took her glasses off. “Tell me, where am I meant to fit a trip to Ponyville in all of that?” The name of her hometown was spat out with a coat of contemptment, like it wasn’t good enough to be considered on her roster of Equestria’s top fashion cities.

Sassy sighed quietly, she never knew how to calm Rarity down. “I’m not sure, but you are great at making things work. When is the party?”

Rarity put her glasses back on and pulled the letter over again. “…This weekend it seems.” Well that invalidated most of her argument, and Sassy was quick to pick up on it.

”Perfect, you could leave for Manehattan straight from Ponyville. If you think about it, a relaxing trip home before your busy week would be a fantastic reset. We both know that you can’t avoid burnout.”

Holding the paper, Rarity chewed the corner of her lip as she stared at the date written down. She took a moment to think. “I’d have to book my train tickets first thing tomorrow…” It seemed she was genuinely considering this trip.

“I would be happy to do that for you,” she replied with a smile.

Rarity’s brow furrowed in deep contemplation. “I… will think about it. Thank you, Sassy. You can go home now.”

Satisfied with that answer, Sassy nodded and turned to head out. “Good night, Rarity. I will see you tomorrow.” Her heel clicks followed her out the door, with the ring of the storefront bell signaling her exit.

It was a few more minutes of silent thinking before Rarity sighed and set the letter down once more. The decision seemed obvious, Sassy was right in saying she needed a break, yet something in the back of her mind still worried about falling behind. The days before New York Fashion Week were always ruthless, yet if one managed to stay on top of it all it could boost their reputation tremendously. If they fell behind, the consequences could be dire. Rarity had worked too hard to build a name for herself just to let big opportunities slip away.

This was a choice that could be made tomorrow, she had orders to fulfill now. Getting back into sewing position, she tried to start the machine. When it didn’t start, Rarity finally noticed that Sassy had wrapped up the cord. “What- Oh, for Celestia’s sake!” She groaned and leaned back in her chair, defeatedly. Her persistent assistant had won. It was too late to continue, anyways.

Rarity took off her glasses, leaning back even further to stretch out her stiff spine. The silence of her studio consumed her. She stopped bringing Opalescence to work with her recently, the boutique gets overwhelmingly busy and she’s an old kitty now, little lady needs her rest. Ever since then, nights like these bring a strange sense of loneliness to Rarity. When she’s not working, work is all she has to think about. She is living her dream, so where is the fulfillment that was meant to come with it? Ever since permanently moving out of Ponyville, this lonely feeling has haunted her relentlessly… Perhaps this reunion will do her good.

She gets up and turns the lamp off, leaving everything as it is to be resumed in the morning.

—

Celestia’s Sun had yet to begin its rise over Sweet Apple Acres on the day of the reunion, yet Ponyville’s hard-working orchardist was already starting her day. As was usual, the farm was quiet in the morning. Only the songs of the earliest birds could be heard. By noon, the crickets and cicadas would join them. It didn’t get much louder than that around here, not since Apple Bloom went off to college. Big McIntosh and Sugar Belle had their second kid not so long before that, and they decided it was too much work to raise their family while living on the farm. Now, it’s just Applejack and Winona left.

While it was still the quietest it would be all day, AJ ran herself a refreshing shower. “Freezing” might be the more accurate word, or at least the word most would use, but there was nothing like a shot of ice-cold water at 4 AM to wake a gal up. Purified and straight from the same rivers that ran through the orchards, the water trickled down her long, golden locks. She let out a sigh, closing her eyes and running her fingers through her hair. No one would be able to tell, not with the naked eye, but AJ had grown plenty of grays amidst all those blonde strands. The stress of managing the farm without Big Mac to help her had probably only doubled them by now, she wasn’t the same spry and young girl she used to be.

A hearty breakfast is typically in order after her rinse-off. Three eggs sunny side up, four bacon strips, two sausages, and a slice of toast. All accompanied by a shiny red apple, plucked straight from a tree in her backyard. One doesn’t acquire the muscles she has by simply working on a farm, a diet full of protein is a must. Although, coming from a long line of farmers on both sides of the family, AJ’s natural 6 '1 stature did attribute to her well-toned physique.

Today, she would be needing this protein-filled breakfast. Not that she didn’t need it every day. The reunion Twilight was throwing would be held at her barn- a good old-fashioned hoedown. Her friends were meant to arrive this evening, so she had the whole day to get her daily chores done and set up for the party. It would be a bit of a crunch to fit all that into one day, but it was worth it for her friends. The only real social interaction she got these days was on her weekly trips into town to sell her apples. It would be great to chill for a night and catch up with her gals.

Mid-apple crunch, an unexpected knock came from the porch door. Winona started barking relentlessly without hesitation. Well shit, she wasn’t presentable in the slightest. Her hair was still wet from the shower, sitting on top of the towel draped over her broad shoulders. Aside from her not-so-fashionable accessory, AJ was in just a tank and shorts. The door had to be answered regardless! She set the half-eaten fruit down and got up. If she could make a list of the least expected guests to be showing up on her doorstep before 5 AM on a weekend, this girl would be dead last. AJ had to do a double take when she opened her door. “Rarity?? Huh! Well, I’ll be!”

The plum-haired beauty smiled up to her old friend. “Applejack, darling! Good morning, dear. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She was carrying Opal in her mini bejeweled feline carrier, no bigger than a fashionable purse.

”Only breakfast. Come on in, gal!” AJ pulls Rarity in for a warm hug before stepping aside.

Their embrace, which was probably the first real hug either of them have experienced in some time, lasts enough time for their bodies to melt into one another, as if in an attempt to make up for all the time spent apart. It also lasts long enough for their pets to start bickering, with Opal hissing down at Winona from her carrier.

Rarity laughs apologetically, scolding her cat on the way into AJ’s house. “Bad kitty! This is not how we behave. You’ve known Winona for years, quit it!”

AJ chuckles, quieting down Winona as well as she follows Rarity inside. “I must say, I’m surprised as all get out to see you up so early. Are you finally past the point of beauty sleep?” She said this with an obvious joking tone, always loving to tease her “girly” obsessions.

Joining her host for a seat at the dining table, Rarity playfully scoffed. “One doesn’t simply stop needing beauty sleep, darling. Honestly, I would rather be getting said sleep now… My assistant- Sassy Saddles, you remember her right? Well, she booked the earliest train from Canterlot. Too early, in my opinion! So, here I am.” She smiled and pulled Opalescence out of her carrier and began stroking her fluffy white fur in her lap.

AJ couldn’t help but smile as she listened to the most elegant woman she knew speak her mind. It had been too long since they had spoken, her ears wanted to soak up every word she said. There was just something in Rarity’s voice, her cadence and tone and choice of words, that could hypnotize a girl like Applejack in seconds. “Well boy howdy it sure is good to see you again, girl. But, uhh… Why’d you come to my place? The party ain’t for ten hours.”

Rarity sheepishly giggled. “Who else in all of Ponyville is going to be up at sunrise on a Saturday?”

She got her there. AJ laughed wholeheartedly. “Y’ain’t wrong about that! Can I get you some breakfast? The trains serve nothin’ good.” Getting up from the table, she opens the cupboards like she already has an idea in mind of what to make.

“Oh, I’m quite alright. Thank you, dear. I will take a tea or coffee if you have any.” Rarity looked around the kitchen. It was amazing, hardly anything had changed. The only notable difference was the new pictures here and there. Their most recent family photo caught her eye. “Heavens! Is little Apple Bloom really that grown up?” She set Opal down to get up and look at the frame on the wall.

AJ, already brewing a pot of coffee, smiled to herself at the mention of her little sister. “Crazy, right? Feels like yesterday she was still runnin’ around in my old treehouse with their little crusader club… How’s Sweetie Belle?”

It took Rarity a moment to respond, still in shock at how much the Apple family had changed. “Oh, she’s just fine. I believe she’s coming home for winter break. Perhaps we could stop by to catch up with you and Apple Bloom when the time comes.” The bell on Opal’s collar jingled as she rubbed herself against Rarity’s ankles, purring at her to be picked up. Still examining the pictures, she bent down and scooped her kitty up to be held.

Sunlight had finally made its way over the hills and in through the kitchen window, streaking amber rays across the walls. The light bounced off floating dust particles, it reflected on the glass over hanging pictures, danced across the kitchen’s cutlery and crockery. Most notably, it illuminated Applejack in an enchanting halo. She turned around with a smile as bright as this early morning sunrise, pouring Rarity’s cup of coffee as she spoke. “That’d be mighty swell! Here ya’ are, darlin’.” She set the mug down and slid it across the kitchen island with a smooth wink.

Something caught Rarity in a trance. She seemed to be frozen, holding Opal in her arms and staring at AJ. The way her hair, all dewy from what she could only assume was a shower, was highlighted by the sun rays. Her gorgeously toned muscles had a glowing golden aura, as did every lash, freckle, and mark on her face. Her friend had suddenly transformed from the town farmer to a goddess sculpted by the sun. How come she had never noticed the beauty in all her chiseled features before? Sure, AJ was always a strong and tall lady, but she’s aged like a fine apple cider. She couldn’t help but continue to stare… for an uncomfortably long time.

”Uh… Rarity? Somethin’ wrong?” Applejack chuckled nervously.

”H- Huh?? Oh! Pardon me, nothing is wrong, darling. Thank you for the drink.” She set Opal back down and stepped over to pick up the coffee. One could tell from just the scent that it was as fresh as it gets, the beans were most likely hand-ground by AJ herself today. Everything on Sweet Apple Acres had that realness to it, that pure authenticity that the Apple family stood by. It could be tasted from the first sip Rarity took, rich and dense in flavor. “Mmm, it’s lovely.”

Applejack smiled, feeling the self-consciousness of being stared at wash away. “Oh! Glad to hear it.” She lifted the towel from her shoulders and wrung out her hair one last time before tossing it over the side of the sink. “So, what’ve you been up to lately? I heard the Canterlot Carousel’s doin’ swell.” In a small town like Ponyville, news of any resident’s success travels quick, doesn’t matter if they still live there or not. She walks back over to the dining table to sit with Rarity and chat.

Sipping her coffee and sitting down as well, she lets out an exasperated sigh. “Ohhh busy busy busy… I have just been eternally busy with my boutiques.”

”Wait- Boutiques plural? I thought your business in Canterlot was the only one you’ve got! Not since the Carousel Boutique closed…” Rarity’s first store location had closed not too long ago. Now it just serves as her home when she comes to visit.

She nodded, understanding the confusion. “I opened a second store in Manehattan when I closed that one. It has proven to be most successful, and I'm looking at real estate in Las Pegasus for a third store! My goal is to have one location in all of Equestria’s major fashion cities.”

Again, AJ couldn’t help her smile as Rarity spoke. “Well that’s fantastic! Congrats, Rare. Figures that a star-studded gal like you would make it so big, ain’t nobody in this town who had more passion and talent than yourself…”

While AJ had no intentions with such a compliment other than to speak the truth, it left Rarity pink in the cheeks. “Awh! Wh- why thank you, Applejack! How about you? The farm looks marvelous, I must say. Walking through the orchards on my way up here was absolutely scenic.”

She chuckled. “Scenic, huh? I appreciate it, but what you see ‘round here really is what you get these days. Those trees out front are the majority of what I have now. Had to cut a lotta acres since Big Mac moved out, it’s just too much work to handle all by my lonesome.” Applejack went quiet for a moment, looking out the window as the sun continued to rise. “Truth be told, I don’t want to lose the farm, but it just ain’t what it used to be. I ain’t what I used to be. I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout it an awful lot recently. That maybe I’d keep workin’ for a few more years, just enough to get Apple Bloom through college, and then sell it all once she’s settled…” Realizing she had gone on a little tangent, she scratched the back of her neck and laughed. “Pardon me, Rarity. That’s stuff that only Winona usually hears.”

The little border collie who was curled up under the table stuck her head up upon hearing her name. AJ bent down and petted her head as a painfully tense silence sifted between them. It took Rarity a bit to find her words. “…I’m… I’m terribly sorry, Applejack. That’s quite the burden to be carrying, especially for just one girl.” She reached out and placed her hand on top of AJ’s.

The difference in their skin was apparent not just visually, but even more so tactilely. One’s hand was tanned from the sun, calloused by years of hard work, muscular even down to the tips of the fingers. The other’s was soft, feminine, had a beautiful manicure, and only calloused where sewing needles prick. Yet, despite the polarity of their physical makeups, each one standing on the opposite ends of what society deems to be a woman, the intimate connection sparking between the colliding cells of their separate beings was undeniable.

Tender affection like this had been absent from Applejack’s life for longer than she could remember. The feeling of Rarity’s gentle skin on hers, the calming words of comfort she could give, they quickly made this a moment to savor. An urge somewhere inside herself began to crave more of this. She hadn’t even realized there was an absence of anything in her life, and a subtle taste of what she had been missing ignited a desire for more. Carefully, Applejack supinated her hand so that their palms were facing one another, and she held Rarity’s dainty fingers with her own. “Thank you, Rare. Sorry to toss all this on you, I know it’s kinda heavy.”

Rarity squeezed AJ’s hand back. “And yet you’ve been carrying it all by yourself… Both metaphorically and physically, my dear. I mean, good Celestia! You’ve really been running Sweet Apple Acres all alone? Not even a farmhand to help you?”

AJ chuckled and shook her head. “Nope, just Winona and I. But I could say the same about you! You’ve been runnin’ all these fancy stores across the country by yourself? No business partner or nothin’?”

”Oh don’t flatter me, a boutique is hardly comparable to a farm. And I have managers, assistants and such. As strong as you are, darling, you’re carrying the load of three… Have you discussed any of this with your brother?”

Talking wasn’t something she and her brother did much of recently. There wasn’t any animosity, they had a great relationship. Life had just gotten in the way. “Ah, he’s got his kids to deal with… We did have a long talk before they decided to move out, and he was worried about just this. In the end, we chalked it up to “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” And, uh…” AJ chuckled in a defeated manner. “I’ve gotten to that bridge. Now I just ain’t sure…”

Rarity also wasn’t sure. She hated seeing one of her closest friends in such a tough situation, but she was also in no position to give advice. What she could do was set her coffee down, let go of Applejack’s hand, and lean in for a hug. “I am not sure how much weight my words hold, but I am sure that whatever you decide to do will be the right choice, Applejack.”

Those words held more weight than she could carry, enough weight to knock some of the unbearable pressure off her shoulders. AJ returned the hug with a smile, squeezing Rarity gently in her arms. “Thank you…”

—

The barn at Sweet Apple Acres was lit up and lively that night. Atmospheric lighting emitted by the lanterns that hung from every pole post created a cozy environment, perfect for a long night of reconnecting with one another. Applejack and Rarity had spent the day cleaning the space up, shoveling hay out of the way and setting up tables. In between that, Rarity assisted with some of the farmwork that needed to be done. As per usual, all of the decorations credit goes to Pinkie Pie, who showed up around noon with a truckload of party supplies.

By sunset, everyone had arrived. The organizer of this party was the last to show up, as she got caught up with royal duties before she could leave. When she finally made her appearance, it was in an official royal motorcade. She embarrassedly had to command her guards to leave her there, not wanting tonight to be any different than the hangouts they all used to have in the past. If it were up to her, which it should be, she would have driven herself up here. Alas, official procedures say otherwise.

Still dressed in her formal blazer with her hair wound in a tight bun, Princess Twilight Sparkle joined her friends inside the barn. Only now, she wasn’t a princess. She was just Twilight. Almost instantly, she was wrapped in a hug of 10 arms and squeals from her 5 favorite girls.

“Thank you all for coming!! It’s so great to see you girls again.” There was a shared wave of ease that washed over the group as they were all together for the first time in years.

Attempts had been made at group reunions like this in the past, at least once a year. It was almost impossible for everyone to be free at the same time, someone always had to decline. That someone had typically been Rarity. Her surprise presence hadn’t gone unnoticed, and it was quick to be pointed out. They all moved to the lounge pit made of hay bales to chat.

“I was starting to think you hated us, Rare!” Rainbow Dash leaned over and elbowed Rarity playfully. “Your fancy Canterlot life too good for us?”

Rarity nervously laughed, pushing Rainbow off of her in an equally playful fashion. “Of course not! You know I love you girls.”

“Then how come you’ve missed our last, like, three hangouts!!” Pinkie Pie giggled from across the pit, sitting criss-crossed on her hay bale and sipping some cider.

She knew this was just friendly fire, but a part of her felt bad for being so absent. This invitation would’ve also been declined if it wasn’t for her assistant’s insistence. “The fashion industry is ruthless, darlings. Free time is nonexistent! Not if you want to survive...” Rarity was extra dramatic with this delivery, which got everyone laughing.

The ever-quiet Fluttershy took her own shot at Rarity. “Twilight is the ruler of Equestria and she can make time for us, that’s no excuse.” Everyone “oohed” at Rarity after that.

Twilight laughed this off, not wanting to draw attention to herself. “Hey now, it’s not her fault if she has a busy schedule! Besides, Canterlot is a far trip from Ponyville.”

Applejack chimes in, this time making a jab at Twilight. “Yeah, we can’t all travel in a limousine with a motorcade.” The whole group laughed, and it felt just like old times again.

The hours passed quickly, and the sky went from a peachy array of pinks and oranges to midnight hues of blue and black. The girls drank cider fresh from the orchards, snacked on pastries from the Sugarcube Corner, told stories from their lives over the past years, and laughed at jokes as old as their friendships. At some point in between all of the drinking and laughing, Applejack had snuck out of the barn. Rarity was the first to notice. She excused herself as well to go find where the party’s host had gone.

Just beyond the barn doors, under the spread of twinkling stars and Luna’s moon was a hard at work Applejack. The thud of her axe rang out through the silent field as it came down, splitting a log in two. She grabbed the fallen pieces and put them back together, taking another hard swing to split it into quarters.

Rarity cautiously stepped over to AJ, partially amused at this late-night wood cutting. “Needed some fresh air, did we?” She stopped far enough away that no stray wood chips would come flying at her.

Applejack turned and smiled at Rarity as she tossed another log onto her stump. “You think everyone would be up for a bonfire? It’s a beauty of a night out here, perfect weather for one.” She raises her axe once more and brings it down with a slight grunt, continuing to repeat the process from before. “I wish I had the idea for one earlier, woulda been convenient to do this before sundown.”

”That sounds like a lovely idea!.. Can I help you?” She asks this hesitantly, very aware of her lack of bonfire-making skills.

As the fresh quarters of wood topple over around the chopping block, AJ puts the head of her axe on the ground and leans on the handle. She wipes some sweat from her forehead with her arm as she turns to Rarity. “…You… You wanna help chop wood?…” Her words ended with a quiet chuckle. Who is this girl, and what has she done with the helpless damsel Rarity?

Taking offense to this, she crosses her arms and pouts. “Is that not what I just said?? I don’t understand what’s funny.” Actually, she does indeed see the humor in this. Normally she would pull up a chair and watch the hard work be done for her. Maybe it was all of the cleaning they did together earlier, the feeling of accomplishment a hard day’s work gave her that was incentivizing her to do more. Or maybe it was just the idea of being around Applejack.

Adjusting her leather Stetson hat to brush some blonde strands out of her face, AJ chuckled again before nodding to Rarity. She beckoned her over with two fingers. “Alright, gal. But I gotta teach you how to properly handle this thing first.” The axe handle was carved from an apple tree grown on the orchard, sanded and polished by AJ herself. She grabs a smaller, more easily choppable log and throws it on the stump.

“That’s fine! Looks easy enough. You just grab and swing, no?” She tries to take the axe from AJ, but it quickly gets pulled back.

”Whoa-ho-ho! Slow your roll there, sugar. You could pull a tendon or send this here axe flying buck wild without proper form, and I’m not tryna have any ladies hurtin’ on my farm tonight.” The axe gets placed up against the stump while Rarity gets her schooling in wood chopping. Placing her hands on her shoulders from behind, AJ guides her into position.

That same rosy pink blush from sunup today had found its way back to Rarity’s cheeks. AJ’s grip was firm yet gentle, and just one of her hands covered the entirety of her shoulder. The heat of her palms also felt nice on her skin in contrast with the crisp night air. More than anything, it was the way she effortlessly moved her to where she wanted. She couldn’t have tried to resist even if she wanted to, though she knows AJ would never actually use force on her in such a way. Regardless, the mere potential of being restrained by Applejack’s sheer strength… it made something deep within Rarity double over.

Maneuvering Rarity to the right distance from the stump, AJ then bends down behind her. She keeps one hand resting on Rarity’s waist while the other gently pushes on her thigh, manually shaping her stance. Although unusually flustered, Rarity lets herself be posed like one of her fashion mannequins. Her hand migrates from the top of her thigh to the back of her knee, using just enough pressure to force a bend. It’s taking Rarity more and more strength to stay standing, this is more touching than she expected wood splitting to warrant.

 Once AJ is satisfied with the stance, she gets up and grabs the axe, placing it in Rarity’s hands. It’s much heavier than she expected. ”Alright, now grip your left hand at the base of the helve like this… And then start with your right near the head…” As she explains, she places her hands on top of Rarity’s to guide them accordingly. AJ’s body is pressed right up against Rarity’s in doing this, with her head peering over her shoulder. A sewing needle couldn’t wriggle its way between them.

At last, this designer has been molded into the image of a lumberjack, with just an additional farmer hanging off her behind. AJ turns her head slightly towards Rarity’s and smiles. “You ready, gal?”

Still profusely blushing, Rarity nervously swallows and nods. She doesn’t feel ready at all, but she also doesn’t know how much more manhandling she can take.

Applejack, still guiding Rarity’s hands, steadily raises the axe above their heads. She then swiftly brings it down onto the little log. It splits with ease, tumbling off either side of the block. Rarity couldn’t help but smile. She got a rush of excitement at the power that chop had, even though it was almost entirely AJ’s doing.

They separated, and AJ finally let Rarity hold the axe by herself. She had the proudest grin on and gave her a pat on the back. “Well done!! Think you can handle one by yourself?” She grabbed another easy log.

Rarity nodded eagerly, readying her stance now that she knew what to do. She took a swing at the log and partially split it. AJ came over and helped unstick the head. “That swing wasn’t half bad! Give it one more go, you got it.” Her tone was encouraging in an almost motherly way. It was internally strengthening to receive praise and assurance from someone who knows what she’s talking about.

She took another swing, this time with a power-packed grunt. The log split on the second strike, sending the halves toppling to the dirt. She cheered, doing as much of a celebratory jump as she could while still gripping the axe.

AJ cheered with her, grabbing the log she split and assembling it again for a quarter split. “Hoo-Wee! That’s a clean chop, Rare! Didn’t think you packed such a punch.” That’s a lie, everyone knows Rarity is capable of going off the rails when she wants to. “Go at ‘er one more time, and we’ll have some good kindlin’ for the fire.”

”Oh no, thank you, darling, but I’ve had quite enough.” She gently sets the axe down on the stump and steps away, wiping her hands off. “I’ll give you motivational support from over here!”

Back to the same old same old. AJ chuckles and takes over, splitting the log again in one fluid motion. “Well, I appreciate the help. And I commend you for still tryin’ new things at our age. You’re always full of surprises, sugar.”

A few more split logs later and Applejack had gotten a roaring fire going. Everyone migrated outside, sitting down on whatever plank, bale, or barrel they could find. Faces were hot from the radiating heat of the fire, and backs were chilly from the cool air of Luna’s hour.

Pinkie Pie plucked an apple from the nearest tree and managed to skewer it. “I bet this will taste just like warm, sugary apple pie!” she giggled in excitement.

“I… don’t believe that’s how it works-” Twilight hesitantly watched, nervous about the fruit going up in flames.

Rainbow cackled from across the fire as she toasted a marshmallow. “You’re lacking a few ingredients, Pie.” Her mallow then proceeded to catch fire, to which she frowned and tossed it into the pit to watch disintegrate.

“No I’m not! See?” Miraculously, Pinkie held up a pie tin, already lined with crust dough. The rest of the girls took a moment to process her antics… and then all burst into laughter.

Toads chirped their song from the grass and trees, the cindering logs crackled harmoniously, and these six soulmates laughed with each other until their lungs were void of oxygen. Their riotous joy soon simmered into a quiet appreciation of each other’s company, watching the fire under the moonlit sky. Pinkie Pie shared slices of her freshly fire-baked pastry while Rainbow Dash munched on her first successful s’more, and Applejack brought her guitar over to play for everyone. It felt like an almost ceremonious closing to their reunion.

She sat on the haybale next to Rarity with her guitar, angling the neck away so as not to hit her with it. As she carefully checked the tuning of the strings, she quietly leaned into Rarity with a question. “What song should I play?”

Had she been more awake, perhaps Rarity would have gotten slightly flustered at yet another intimate moment with her shockingly gorgeous, strong, kind-hearted friend. But it was late, and the fire was cozy. Even the butterflies in her stomach were fluttering their way to sleep. She thought about the question for a moment. “...What’s that one slow song by Elvis? It’s the only thing coming to mind at the moment.” She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand.

AJ thought for a moment, a small smile curling at her lips. “I think I know which one ya mean… Does it go like this?...” She begins lightly picking the strings, and the song is instantly recognizable after just a few chords. It perks up the other sleepy heads sitting around the fire, as their attention is all directed to the music.

Rarity nods, her eyelids slowly growing heavy. “Mhm… That’s the one…”

“Alright, doll.” Applejack begins playing, gaining an audience of all her friends. The flames, dying down now, dance in a way that nearly matches the song’s rhythm.

The sweetness of her music quickly lulls Rarity into the sleep that has been prodding at her. As AJ begins softly singing the lyrics, Rarity lays her head on her shoulder and closes her eyes. The blush that had been haunting her all day transferred at the touch of their bodies, it was finally AJ’s turn. Her cheeks grew rosy, but she didn’t stop her playing. A smile brighter than the fire in front of them could be heard through her words as she sang…

“… Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?...”

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

ending song reference:

thank you all for reading, even my friends who i begged to. chapter 2 will come if enough people enjoyed this one ! ( ˘ ³˘ )♡

[xbomboi]

YOU 🤝 ME

SCREENWRITING

Could you possibly elaborate more on your EQ movies?? I'm really interested in this Cove Sunset... 👀

oh yeah actually i would love to talk more about that! so basically i wrote two movies intended to be the penultimate and the final installment in the Equestria Girls series since that’s definitely never going to get an official ending. i wanted to tie up loose ends…

i made a poster for the second one of the two that i made a few years back right here. but anyway…

the first of the two is called “Royal Nightmare.” the premise is as follows: it’s now spring of the girls’ senior year, and rarity has made the decision to run for queen of the spring fling after being robbed by sunset she tried to run for princess years ago. but when rarity gets possessed by dark magic, sunset has to confront her repressed baggage from the past if she wants to save her friend before it’s too late.

basically, this one deals a lot with sunset’s past with rarity. the film has a mix of the events taking place in the present day as well as flashbacks to the past, being the girls’ freshman year. it covers stuff like sunset arriving for the first time, her meeting flash, how she rose to power, and what she did to rarity (i changed it up just a tad because the junior novelization is a Weird book). it also has a lot of focus on rarijack as well.

the other one, intended as a finale movie, is titled “Forever Friendship.” after finally graduating from canterlot high, the girls are about to move onto the next stages in each of their lives. however, sunset still has unfinished business in regards to herself. together, the girls set out on one last adventure to uncover the truth behind sunset’s family and the sunset from their world. but could this be end?

this one is basically, like, giving sunset closure. in it i explore sunset’s origin and the truth about the Other sunset shimmer. it has an entire conflict that revolves around a discussion of the moral dilemma that comes with having magic in the human world. at heart it’s about sunset finding her purpose once and for all. i can’t say much else without spoiling it.

royal nightmare is complete in THEORY but needs a lot of, like, extra fleshing out and possibly the addition of a few more scenes. also, forever friendship is now missing a song or two because i removed one scene entirely and instead repurposed the song for royal nightmare. also ALSO, they’re a bit old now and i approached them differently than i did when writing for ever after high. i wasn’t totally thinking about completely matching the tone and more about cinematics. it’s not that i bumped the ratings up, but i let dialogue be lengthy and… idk, nuanced? i guess? more so in forever friendship than royal nightmare, at least. and there’s probably an occasional typo in them both.

i would share them, but the thing that makes me hesitant is the fact that for the songs, i made an unlisted youtube playlist of myself singing them each just for people who read them to have reference when the scenes pop up. it wasn’t so embarrassing when it was just being shared between myself and my friends, but the audio is kinda bad and there’s no music it’s just me singing. i didn’t even have the same range as i wanted for some of the songs or the characters so i sound wonky in it. and i can’t redo it now because i’m older and my voice has dropped so that’s a no-go.

idk, maybe i could give in with enough convincing.

[raspberry-and-friends]

“My job is very meticulous. I cannot risk tarnishing the years of careful planning and countless sleepless nights resulting in what you see before you today.... That being said, those obscene doodles to the right of the Ursa Major were of my doing.”

Name: Princess Ophelia Supernova Sparkle

Nickname(s): Lia, Supernova, Nova (family/close friends)

Species: Alicorn

Gender: Cisgender female (she/her)

Sexuality: Biromantic-Asexual

Age: 16

Parents: Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna Sparkle

Sibling(s): Raspberry Sparkle (half-sister)

Partner(s): Marmalade Buttercup Apple-Belle

Headcanons and disclaimers below the cut 👇👇

Personality: Creative, reserved, mysterious, confident (unlike her mother, Ophelia has no problem wearing her crown out in public, and takes immense pride takes pride in her title as heiress to the throne), and has a rule-breaking streak rivaling her Aunt Celestia.

Flaws: Stubborn, a workaholic, intimidating (she’s just about as careless with her “Canterlot Voice” as a certain other Princess of the Night), a suspiciously good liar, and rarely ever gets along with her older sister.

Special Talent: Creating constellations

Cutie Mark Story: From a very young age, Ophelia harbored an intense fascination with the raising of the moon. One night, while watching from her bedroom terrace in the Canterlot castle, Ophelia noticed just how bland the sky appeared that night. Come to think of it, hadn’t it always been that drab? Why, that simply couldn’t do!

Hoping to make herself useful, Ophelia attempted to imitate a simple constellation spell Luna taught her months prior and began shifting and rearranging the stars until they formed the distinct silhouettes of each member of the royal family.

By now, a large crowd of curious bystanders had begun to form, looking on in childlike wonder at the unusual light show appearing before them. This eventually caught Luna’s attention, and she looked up just in time to see a beautiful shower of shooting stars zipping through the night, illuminating the culprit in question as she leaned over the balcony in intense concentration. 

Before they could scold their daughter on the dangers of messing with the sky, a single falling beam of light struck Ophelia suddenly, and in an instant she jolted upright, joyously crying out, “I got my cutie mark!”

Base by SelenaEde

***DISCLAIMER: In this AU, The princesses DIDN’T hand off their powers to Twilight, and still remain the primary rulers of Equestria during the course of this story. The illustrations and writing (the latter of which has since been revised to fix previously missed grammatical errors and to more closely align with my current headcanons) were done back in 2020-2021 and posted to my now-inactive DeviantArt account. The signature ‘Hun’ reflects the name I went by at the time, Hunter.***

[ashleyfableblack]

Dressed For Success- A Eternal Courtship PRIDE Month Jam

"Mom, what're you doing?"

"Be still." Thorax' shawl floated about his head, wreathed in the green flames of his Queen-mother's magic. Her sabre-like fangs scraped against her chitinous lips in irritation. "You never have been able to get this right."

His violet eyes watched in stupified awe as she levitated a broach to clasp the rainbow material to his cavara as she tugged the fabric about. Back and forth she adjusted, snug here, loose there. "You DO want to look like you know how to dress yourself for your royal consort tonight, don't you?"

Thorax blinked twice. Yes. This was still happening. He knew Twilight had talked with her wife about respecting his new relationship with Spike but had NOT expected this outcome. "He's my boyfriend, Mom. And yes, I do." He shrank slightly as she paused to regard his tone. Even now, in his thirties, one look from her serpentine eyes and the Lovebug prince was a grub again. He gave a sheepish grin of his comparatively tiny fangs. "Sorry." Chrysalis returned to her ministrations with a huff, grumbling to herself in silence. Sometimes Thorax was glad he was never able to hear the hive mind. "But I thought you hated Spike?"

"When did I ever say that?" Her lips curled slightly with the utterance as she wove a band of blossoms between the beads around Thorax neck. He had to consider the question. She was right, technically she never had said anything of the sort. Though she had been very quick to interpose herself between them at nearly every opportunity. She placed a crown of flowers between his antlers and began adjusting it for a properly regal touch. "You're a twit. He's an insolent twit. You're perfect for each other."

Both eyebrows rose until they were almost encircling his horn.

"P-perfect…?"

The Queen lowered her gaze from the wreath of flowers. Her forked tongue flickered as she finished dabbing a final bit of her silken webbing to keep it in place to her exacting specifications. Her emerald snake eyes regarded him with an almost eerie quality he was not accustomed to seeing from her- not for anyone but Twilight. He could see something approaching a smile crossing her fangs, annoyed, but still, a smile. "Yes. I said it. Don't let it get to your foolish head."

He chuckled. It wasn't quite the more traditional pony-style family he had wanted but it wasn't only about what he wanted. She was trying. He was trying. Twilight was trying and wasn't that was family was all about? Through all the hardships, they found a way to keep trying. It was a family. His family. He lurched forward to clasp his lime-berry hoofs around his mother's shoulders, grinning ear to ear. To his surprise she barely recoiled. "Thank you, Mom. Happy Pride Month."

The queen rolled her eyes. She draped a forelimb around her wayward offspring with a flicker of her tongue. Tasting the air around him she sighed. Most creatures wore their emotions on their sleeve but Thorax sprayed his about like a garden hose. He really did love her. Shielded behind her nitwit offspring's field of vision, she let her smile grow just a bit brighter. "Yes. Yes. I'm wonderful." She broke the embrace, straightening herself and re-adjusting his crown once more with yet another dab of sticky spittle. "Now, go talk about friendship and make macaroni pictures or whatever it is you do."

The Lovebug prince beamed. His smile was bright enough to guide ships at sea as he practically pranced his way to the reading-room door. He paused in his bouncy gait for the grim visage of the twin guards framing the door. The spiky, elite soldier-caste changeling guards on either side regarded him in silence as Chrysalis voice crisply cut the air.

"My son…"

The tone was one he had not heard in years but was still all too familiar with. Not the marshmallow-soaked-in-honey doting wife of his good friend, Twilight Sparkle, nor the shrewd yet amiable tone of the regal Queen Chrysalis Sparkle of New Canterlot. This was the Hive-voice of THE Queen of The Swarm, the irresistible, unrelenting force which consumed all. The young prince nervously turned to face her. Her crown of antennae had extended, the outward expression of her wordless connection to and indomitable control of the Hive Mind. The blue tips shimmered with the same gnawing cold as the unnatural darkness within the slits of her snake eyes.

"Anything beyond second base and he gets fed to your cousins." She grinned a cold, hungry smile. From behind him he heard the two guards hiss. Suddenly he became very aware of the unsettling feeling that half the objects in the reading room had been watching his every motion and were simply awaiting the command of their Queen-mother to pounce and devour him.

He smirked. "Yes, Mother."

In her own way maybe, she was trying. Just like a real family.

[thevioletoracle]

Paranormal Log 23:1:1

Many ponies that have visited the Canterlot Castle in the past couple of months have claimed that they have been hearing strange voices during nightly strolls and events.

I am currently inside of the gardens to start my investigation and see if my services are actually needed, since there have been calls that I have received that have been false alarms.

I personally do not feel any form of spiritual bodies in the garden, nor any kind of odd creatures.

From what I can tell, I am completely alone out here besides the royal guards who roam around the castle.

While scanning the area and trying to feel any kind of presence, I found one statue that seemed to feel different from the rest... Though I cannot put my hoof on why...

As I still closer I can start to hear muffled voices that sound like faint arguing... Though the cause doesn't seem to be paranormal.

I am pretty sure there is some historical significance to this statue, though I cannot remember what the story is. I will probably have to do some more research when I get back home.

As far as I can tell, no creatures are in serious danger and there is nothing I can do about these voices at the moment, though I would not be surprised if I would be called back to this destination.

Please send in reports to me if you have heard voices in the Canterlot Gardens or see anything that could be considered paranormal activity. I'll be sure to follow up on this if I see needed.

Until then, I wish all of you a good evening.

~Violet Oracle

[ask-cinnavanillamelody]

✨ Twilight, can you start helping Sanori by punishing the one who ripped his wings off? Apparently, the one who ripped his wings off had fun doing it. Sanori had his wings ripped off while he was awake instead of being put under.

WHAT!?

*ahem* Apologies, I did not mean to use my Royal Canterlot voice. But I'm sure you can see why that enrages me.

Odd...the pony responsible for his case has been magically redacted. I couldn't find out who did it even if I tried to reverse the spell. But, if you find out a name, rest assured they will be swiftly punished. ✨

[kindheart525]

Heavenly Glow was seeing red.

She’d scoured the entire castle top to bottom and Sahar was nowhere to be found. Humiliated and disgraced, Heavenly had put herself through the trouble of explaining away her absence and searching for her and this was what she’d become? An international embarrassment? 

That mare was in for it, Gaia willing!

If Sahar wasn’t out here Heavenly would surely send the royal guards after her. The Canterlot Gardens, this was her last chance to find her unless she’d gone frolicking through the city or left the country altogether. She wouldn’t put it past her.

Then she heard voices. She could hardly make it out but it sounded like giggling, laughing, in words she couldn’t make out. Like they were in a foreign language.

Sahar!

The hippogriff’s ears pricked up as her hooves started marching, making a beeline towards the source of the voice. 

“SAHAR!”

Her voice boomed once she found her, galloping around like a careless foal with her mare-in-waiting in tow. She was part of this too! For shame!

“Your Majesty!”

Ginger Root was the first to panic, she knew this was a terrible idea and now they were paying the price for it. She practically buried her face in the dirt as she groveled apologetically.

“I mean, Grand Matriarch Princess of the Celestial Church Heavenly-“

“What in Gaia’s name have you been DOING!? This was the most prestigious dignitary dinner of the year and you skip it like it means NOTHING?”

“Why I should go and listen to you?”

Sahar retorted.

“All of the dignitaries have accused me of sin, that’s why! Word has even gotten back to Saddle Arabia, for Gaia’s sake. They say I am an unfit wife when YOU are the one who defies me time and time again! Do you think this is a joke? And you!”

Heavenly whipped around to face Ginger Root, who knelt trembling on the ground.

“You were hired to keep her in line yet you are an accomplice in this! I’m in my right mind to fire you for this!”

“NO!”

Sahar stepped in front of the unicorn mare, her face twisted in a rage that matched Heavenly’s.

“Fire her, you will NOT! She tries to make me go to dinner, I refuse! Blame her you cannot! Instead, blame me! No...blame YOU!”

She jabbed a hoof into the hippogriff mare’s chest, her voice rising in volume.

“You are a bad wife, ponies think, because you are! I try hard to learn Equestria culture, but for you it is not enough! Not ever! I work to make you happy, but to make me happy you do not care! Marriage this is not, we need to make EACH OTHER happy! At the wedding we promised it!”

Heavenly reeled back in shock. They’d had their fights but she’d never seen Sahar so angry. This wasn’t just defiance, but assertion. Like she was standing up for herself, not just her home. Heavenly couldn’t help but start to think she was right...their vows did say this was a give-and-take marriage. And she hadn’t done a whole lot of giving.

But she wasn’t about to back down and forget about the dinner debacle. 

“And you think skipping an important international meeting is the answer? You disgraced us both in front of the whole world! This is greater than you and me! Of all nights to pick a fight of course you chose this one, by Gaia!”

“How else do you listen to me? I tell you many times how I feel, and you do not listen! Embarrass for the world I do not want also, but you embarrass just as much as me! I make bad choice one night, you make bad choice EVERY DAY!”

“Sahar, stop it! Calm down, please!”

Ginger Root wrapped her hooves around the Saddle Arabian mare, calling out to her in her native language and repeating herself in her own tongue. But neither plea did anything, Sahar was righteously angry and couldn’t be stopped at any costs.

“Marriage will not be long if you will not work with me! To protect Equestria AND Saddle Arabia, we both work! I do work always, you do work now! Do you listen!?”

Her mare-in-waiting managed to pull her back but Sahar’s eyes were still fiery hot with rage as she waited for her wife to answer her. 

Heavenly herself had almost no words, she’d never met somepony so willing to lay into her like that. She felt powerless, almost shameful, like even the God Mother herself was disappointed in her. All she could do was utter out a weak reply.

“Yes...I suppose I must.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Previous: Dinner and Don't Show Next: Moving Mountains

Background by csillaghullo

[mlpdestinyverse]

“Heir”

Feat. Nova Spark, Prince Amadeus , Princess Star Chime

Amadeus’ coronation has Prince Novis thinking about his own impending crowning. He can’t shake that something just feels...wrong. 

Previous: “Pressure”, 

~Destinyverse Archive~

Story Under The Cut!

Dresses and coats pass Prince Novis as dozens of ponies and creatures mingle and meander about Canterlot Castle's massive Great Hall. In the background, elegant ballroom music drifts about from a professional ensemble, passionately playing their instruments at one corner of the room. Louder than the music is a constant rumble of pleasant conversation and laughter from the celebration's guests. Novis himself, however, chooses to stand off to one side of the room, taking small, periodic sips from his cup of sparkling cider. His foreleg bounces as he watches a newly crowned Prince Amadeus warmly welcome distant dignitaries at the center of the room. Flanking Amadeus' sides are his mother and younger sister - Princess Luna and Star Chime - both mares respectfully dipping their heads in greeting at each approaching visitor but being sure to give the stallion the figurative spotlight. The coronation ceremony had come to a close a few hours ago. Once the afterparty had commenced, Novis found himself and his mother Twilight not only separated from the lunar family as ponies lined up to offer their congratulations, but the two of them were quickly surrounded by other attendees wishing to converse with Equestrian royalty. It was only when his cheeks began to feel numb after an hour and a half of consistent smiling (a new record, for sure) that his merciful mother gently nudged him to walk around and mingle with everyone. He graciously and swiftly took the exit, and to be fair, he tried to carry out his royal duty of entertaining their subjects. But three near-identical, boastful conversations later, Novis' mind had become too fatigued to handle one sentence more. 'If one more person goes off about how they shook Amadeus' wing once, I'm going to lose my mind.' Novis isn't sure what's worse; the mindless idle conversation, the citizens gushing over members of the royal family, or the noble ponies' and their not-so-subtle gloating as they take the opportunity of a grandiose event to discuss business propositions with one another. Each kind of exchange meets his ears in a rise and fall of voices from where he stands. What Novis really wants - what he's waiting for - is one chance to just say hello to his best friend. They hadn't spoken in months due to the preparation and rehearsal the stallion's coronation required. And Amadeus had been too occupied pre-coronation for Novis to sneak in a word. Now Amadeus is preoccupied with aristocrats and leaders of other lands alike, and an opportunity to have a second of his time seems unlikely. Novis' blue eyes refocus, noticing a group of strangers waving enthusiastically a few yards away. By instinct, a smile too bright to match his inner discomfort stretches across his muzzle and he waves back. Just smile and wave; the basics of royal etiquette. Immediately his smile falls once the ponies have looked away, and he ducks his head to take one long sip, as if that'd be enough to avoid any more social contact. It's then that he feels a rumble in his stomach and he remembers he hasn't eaten since he and his mother arrived in Canterlot. As he maps out a route to the nearest snack table, one with the widest berth around groups of partygoers, a familiar voice reaches his ears. Novis immediately has to fight that urge - the temptation to pretend you didn't just hear someone call out to you, but the voice in question is too close for them to be addressing anyone else so unless you want to feign hearing loss, ignoring the voice would be impractical- "There's Prince Novis! We've been looking for you!" A young male unicorn - one of the many noble children he's been forced to converse with, so who-in-Equestria-knows what his name is because Novis certainly doesn't - and two unfamiliar unicorns approach. 'Oh my God, leave me alone.' "Friend! It's good to see you!" Novis's fake grin and saccharine voice greet them. In Novis' mind, there's no way his forced friendliness is convincing. But people are too self-absorbed and eager to hear themselves talk, so he's proven wrong every time, watching the male unicorn proudly raise his head high. "Good to see you too, friend!" The unicorn preens, tossing his head and his coiffed mane with it. Novis hears the two ponies accompanying the other stallion exchange impressed whispers and giggles, and even someone as oblivious as himself can read the situation and recognize a pony flexing his connections. Novis feels distaste form on his own tongue. "What a gorgeous coronation that was! Truly worthy of everyone's envy!" The unicorn leans in with a smirk. "Even your own~?" '...what kind of arbitrary-ass question-" "No, no, never!" Novis isn't sure whether to take it as a joke or a jab, so he settles on a weak laugh. "Amadeus is my bro- brother. My brother at heart. Why be jealous when I can be proud? He's come so far and worked hard for this." "Does that mean your coronation will be even grander, Prince Novis?" One of the other unicorns pipes in curiously. Novis barely conceals a flinch. His voice gets stuck in his throat, his eyes darting between each pony's expectant face. "Um-" "Prince Novis," his savior speaks in the form of a butler, whose magic hovers a tray in front of them. They dip their head respectfully, tilting the tray in his direction and revealing miniature orange cakes with soft, cloud-like white icing. At the sight, Novis perks up. "As requested by your mother, we've arranged your favorite carrot cake treats. Please, enjoy yourself." A sense of delight fills the young prince's chest, his belly feeling that much more hollow while breathing in the sweet scent of carrot and cream cheese icing. Just as he intends to push his magic forward and pick up a delicate treat, he doesn't miss the chuckle from the stallion next to him. "I'd say to watch your figure, but I suppose you won't have to worry about your coronation for another few years." Novis glances at his company, only to find their eyes boring into him. Despite wearing his formal attire he feels a shiver run across his pelt, causing hairs even under his dress wear to rise. The other unicorn just smiles back. "Don't mind us, your highness. Go on! You can probably afford it." That's when Novis catches the unconcealed movement of each of their eyes, darting between his face and his body, and his stomach churns in realization. The sickening feeling crawls under his skin, making even tailored clothes feel tight around him, making him feel exposed enough to take a step back from the platter and say, unthinkingly; "Thanks, but I'm not hungry." That's enough to dismiss the butler, who bows one more time before wandering away. The three other young unicorns pick up their laughter and chatter, but Novis hears none of it. The quiet bitterness simmering at his core brings him to block out their noise, yet simultaneously, his royal training puts him on autopilot. Not that it takes much effort to converse with nobility so self-absorbed, they'll put others down in every subtle way they can just to bask in a sense of superiority. He just has to be pleasant; smile and nod, laugh when everyone else does, 'ooh' and 'aah' as the other party boasts- Rinse and repeat. A robotic loop for...the rest of his life, Novis supposes. The aristocracy is a crowd Equestrian royalty has always strived to maintain a cordial relationship with, being collaborative partners and descendants of long-gone, highly esteemed wizards who once aided the crown. 'This is just the company I'll have to keep.' With his mind lost to a dull buzz of trivial exchanges, Novis would have missed the movement in his periphery had he not noticed the shift in the murmurs around him, now light and filled with reverence. Halfway across the room, Amadeus gracefully strolls away from his family, approaching a table of refreshments on the sidelines. The male Alicorn smiles and dips his head to the groupings of ponies he passes, who eagerly bow and curtsy in return. Novis sees his chance. "Uuh- excuse me, you three, I just remembered there are important matters I need to address, good day-" Novis quickly echoes what he remembers reading from his mother's list of "Common Phrases for an Eloquent Exit", the riveting sequel to her initial gift,  "Helpful Responses and Phrases for Pleasant Conversation." Novis doesn't bother waiting for an answer, throwing common courtesy to the wind in favor of making a beeline for his friend. It takes a moment of weaving and excusing himself, but Novis' eyes stay locked on that starry mane of blues and purples. A tinge of nervousness settles in him at the idea of not reaching the older prince in time, but to his own relief, the purple stallion finds his hooves past the crowd. Novis lets out a heavy sigh he's been holding in for far too long, and it's loud enough to catch the ear of the larger stallion. When Amadeus' lavender eyes fall on his smaller form, the other prince's whole expression brightens. "Ammy!" Novis greets first, grinning toothily and closing the last few steps between them. Amadeus surprises him by placing a hoof over his own chest and bowing deeply. "Novis, my friend! How wonderful it is to see you in good health!" He proclaims, standing up straight with a polite smile. Novis' face crinkles at the odd greeting, only for realization to hit him when he very much sees the mischievous twinkle in his friend's eye. The noise Novis releases is a sophisticated mix between a scoff and a laugh. "Hey, hey, hey! Don't you use your formal voice on me!" Amadeus' polite smile immediately splits into a cheeky grin. Horn glowing a similar shade to his eyes, the blue-splotched Alicorn levitates and tips his newly earned black and white crown at the purple stallion. "Mmmmm-m'lord~" This time unrestrained laughter bursts out of Novis, and he shakes his head vigorously. Oh, he missed him. "My Gods you're so stupid, come here." Amadeus is squeezed into a hug before another cursed phrase can leave his muzzle, and the silver-pelted prince chuckles low, surely aware of this. Novis feels the weight of one of Amadeus' shimmering wings return his hug (two wings would smother him, good thing his friend is thoughtful). Upon pulling away, Amadeus' face practically glows as much as his hair does in the night. "I made it, Nov..." "'Course you did." Novis' mouth quicks up in one corner. He lightly thumps the back of his hoof against the Alicorn's chest. "Like me or anyone ever doubted you, man. Congrats." "Thank you..." Amadeus sighs out. Novis can see a few tired lines under his friend's eyes, but he also sees relief in his relaxed features. A weight has been lifted; irrational fears and insecurities Novis knows the stallion has been holding onto, ever since... 'Your dad would be proud', he doesn't say. Novis can imagine the dozens of times Amadeus has to have heard that exact phrase within the hour alone. But meeting his friend's gaze, Novis sees warmth emanate from Amadeus', and the young stallion knows the sentiment is understood. "Sooo..." Novis rocks back and forth on his hooves, the awkward and mushy silence beginning to make him antsy. "What was your coronated name again? 'Amadeus Sirius Altair'?" He exaggerates a thoughtful hum. "Pretty cool, but uh....maybe leave some star names fooor, I dunno, Star Chime?" Amadeus laughs heartily, easily breaking away from the heavy atmosphere. "Sister has plenty to choose from. And she has as many years as you do to choose her new name. You're both up next, after all." It happens again. Like a sack of rocks being forced down his throat to weigh in his chest cavity, Novis feels like he's physically recoiling away from the topic despite standing completely still. The sheer agitation catches even him off guard. 'It's just a coronation. You get through a big fancy ceremony, you're given a gaudy crown, then it's over. You move on with your life.' ...he knows it's not that simple. "That reminds me!" Novis puts every shred of energy into a completely natural topic change. "Now that your coronation is over, we should have a game night this week! It'll be a celebration between us! It's been WAY too long." Novis' hopeful smile falters upon hearing a nervous laugh tumble out of the Alicorn. "Oh yeah...sorry Nov, I wish I could, but it sounds like I'm going to be busier than ever now that I'm crowned. Mother informed me that there'll be responsibilities I'll be officially taking over, full-time. But!" Amadeus perks up. "But once things settle down in a few months' time, I can probably schedule something in!" A few months. Novis isn't sure what shifts in his own expression, but whatever it is, Amadeus catches it. The older prince's eyes soften, and he offers an assuring smile. Leaning down, Amadeus nudges the top of Novis' head with his nose. "Hey, it won't always be like this, Nova. Don't worry. We'll make time, I promise." "Yeah..." he returns in a weak attempt to agree. Novis tries to find the faintest bit of assurance in his friend's words, but the unease in his chest weighs heavier. "Oh, mother is waving me back over. I suppose I have more leaders to meet." Amadeus chuckles softly. Before Novis can look up, a single glimmering feather gently flicks his nose, startling him. The offended look he shoots the other stallion earns him a delighted laugh. Novis' suppressed smile betrays his feigned annoyance. But boy, Amadeus is lucky they're in public. It's like he forgets that lightning magic and pretty, manicured galaxy manes don't exactly go well together- "Cheer up, okay? We'll go all out and stay up as long as we want the next time we get together. And then you can tell me about all the progress you've made on your game! Believe me, I'm looking forward to it!" Right. His game. Novis presses his mouth into a tight line, but he manages a smile and a small salute when Amadeus glances back at him. "Yeah, yeah. Go get'em, prince." Amadeus reciprocates with a playful salute of his wing before striding back in the direction of his family and a cluster of attendees. With his back turned, Novis feels his smile vanish. 'Right...I'm next', he thinks, in a room full of carefree partygoers all gathered to celebrate the inauguration of their beloved lunar prince. A coronation is a joyous occasion, for the royal family and their subjects alike. Novis tries to imagine his own. The weight in his chest remains. -------------------------------- 'Where did she go?' Novis travels down another hallway, nearly identical to the one before it. Were it not for the years he spent exploring the castle during his and his mother's frequent visits, Amadeus acting as his tour guide, he would have absolutely gotten lost in the maze that is Canterlot Castle. Thankfully, he has a decent map of the layout in his head. It's been an hour since Amadeus' afterparty ended, and Novis was surprised by how fast everyone had scattered. One minute his mother and Princess Celestia were conversing in one corner of the Great Hall, and the next, they were both gone. His mother most likely assumed he would have rather stayed behind to see his "friends" off, as opposed to the reality of him ducking behind the snack tables to sneak his way behind the crowd with the precision of someone who's played one too many stealth games. Novis originally opted to retire to his guestroom for the night. But the discomfort he'd felt during the party had failed to leave him. He can't shake it. He can't pull his mind away from the reminder that in three years' time, he'll be faced with the finality that is his crowning. And the fact that this is his knee-jerk reaction to the mere thought has made it obvious that something is very wrong. He knows he won't be able to rest, not until he tries talking it out with her. And the only place his mother and Celestia would head off to would be... Beyond him to his left, Novis sees the large, open doors of the pillared corridor that leads straight to the throne room. When he turns to walk through the colossal doorway, he expects his eyes to lock onto the set of double doors on the far end of the hall. Instead, his deep blue orbs flicker toward a figure, standing off to the side. Princess Twilight Sparkle, framed by the towering windows and panels of stained glass lining both walls of the corridor, is gazing up towards one of the artistic glass panels. The light beyond it shines through, reflecting colors off of her tranquil face. Novis approaches wordlessly. If he's honest, he rarely pays any mind to the stained glass windows in this hallway, always shrugging them off as relics portraying events from far in the past. But as he slows to a stop beside his mother, the young stallion tilts his head back, eyes wide as he fully takes in the regal majesty that is his mother's stained glass portrait. The glowing, immortalized image of his mother on her coronation day, powerful wings outstretched, smiles elegantly back at him. "Amadeus will have his own panel built tomorrow. It'll be constructed next to Lumina's." Novis turns towards the sound of his mother's voice, now noticing that she's smiling warmly at him. He peeks past her and further down the corridor. Where there once was a panel that depicted the defeat of Lord Discord by the royal sisters now resided a more promising display; Princess Lumina in all her Celestia-like grace, with brilliant gold and orange glass illuminating the space around her half-Alicorn, half-Draconequus form. "And if I'm right," Twilight continues, a tinge of excitement in her voice. Her wing wraps around him and pulls him into her side. She gestures her hoof towards one of the normal windows next to her glass portrait. "Celestia plans on assembling yours right beside mine!" "A-ah..." he struggles out. "That's...great, mom." His mother's wing squeezes his side at the same time she grins down at him. "I'm beyond proud of Amadeus. But I have to admit, today has made it impossible to stop thinking about your coronation!" "S-same here." A painfully stilted laugh shakes his shoulders. "Actually, um, mom...that's what I came here to ask about, if-" Novis cuts himself off, because Twilight's eyes practically shine at the prospect of questions. She pulls her wing back and straightens her posture, taking on the stance of a wise, experienced teacher. "Ask away, Novie~" she answers with an almost sing-song cadence. A smile threatens to tug at his muzzle. He takes in a deep breath instead. "Well...today it's come to my attention that I'll most likely have less time to myself once my coronation has passed. There's..." He pauses because no way in Tartarus will he suggest to the Friendship Princess that the Friendship Prince has been spending his spare time and resources developing a video game. As if just bringing up the subject to his "friends" has ever ended positively. He's had quite enough of being subtly ridiculed. "...there's a project I'm trying to work on- not an invention, just for fun. It's a lot of meticulous work and I'm honestly worried I won't have time in the future to give any projects like it the attention they need. Am I wrong?" Law amendments, passing legislation, working with representatives and leaders; meetings, paperwork, hosting festivities, bringing ponies together and spreading the values of friendship; a long-winded list that barely scrapes the iceberg of duties Novis knows will be completely his one day. Novis' studies on those subjects and the times he's shadowed his mother alone have left him with only small windows of time to himself. And half of that free time is usually spent on everyone's long-awaited magi-tech research. It's not unlike the free time his mother sets aside to aid Sunset Shimmer in the mare's magi-tech pursuits. 'Maybe I'm overthinking this...once studying is out of the picture, I'll have more time than I'm imagining to-' "You're right that you'll have less time than you do now! You'll have plenty of fun work to occupy you, but that's the joy of making a schedule!" Twilight gushes, and oh, his mother speaks that single word like it's a holy phrase. "Once all of your duties for the day are organized nice and neat, you'll find yourself with at least an hour of downtime here and there, for any extra activities you want to fit in! Since your activities are just fun side projects, the work will be gradual, sure, but it'll simply be a matter of patience at that point." Oh... Novis really thought getting a straight answer would ease his gnawing anxiety. Instead, it feels more like his worst fears have been realized. An hour "here and there" won't be enough. The feeling in his chest shouts this at him, at her. It's not enough time to dedicate his...his attention and passion to his work. He doesn't want to just "fit it in", like a trivial hobby he'll drop the moment he's bored. He... "Is something wrong, Novie?" He's been quiet too long, he realizes. Twilight's looking at him, puzzled. "...I don't know, I've been feeling kind of..." Out of my mind. Restless. Terrified. "...nervous. Thinking about my coronation. I-it just feels like a lot, I guess." Novis bites his lip. "Almost like I'm...panicking inside." His mind feels scattered. He thinks back to earlier in the day; the forced socializations, the hollow friendships, his fake laughter and royal courtesies. Everything he's played along with until now...everything that'll be a permanent part of his life once he takes to the throne- And now he knows that the singular passion that gave him an escape will barely have a place anymore. Twilight's awkward chuckle snaps him out of his spiraling thoughts. "Oh yeah, you...might have gotten that from me. I used to panic ALL the time." Novis pauses, taking a solid moment to eye his mother. "...you still kind of do." "Alright, you got me there. But my point is that I developed a far better grasp on it once I settled into my role! You're quick to adapt, Novie. It'll get easier for you too, I'm sure. I can even teach you the breathing techniques I use to calm down-" Something crosses Twilight's face, as if she's been reminded of something. That eager shine returns to her violet eyes. "But fiiirst...I want to share something with you. I was planning on waiting a year or two, but maybe this will be an exciting source of encouragement!" A spark of magenta magic manifests a black velvet box between them. Her horn alight with energy, his mother wastes no time in presenting it to him before opening its lid slowly. Inside is a golden crown. It's covered in intricate carvings and adorned with evenly spaced blue gemstones. His family's six-pointed star sits neatly at the front, carved out of a red jewel that glimmers under the light of the stained glass. Novis feels an icy wave overtake his entire body. "May I?" His mother asks. He numbly nods, despite himself. He feels the metal settle on his hair, and when the Alicorn before him stands back to take him in, her expression is soft and prideful. A small mirror sparks into existence, blocking out the sight of her and replacing it with his reflection. He sees himself for the first time that day and sees creases under his wide eyes. The sight of that crown accompanying his face brings back the churning in his stomach. "A perfect fit." His mother declares. "I decided to have this custom ordered early! Rarity helped with the design. She used the highest quality gemstones she could find." She then playfully curtsies, dipping her head as an exaggerated fancy accent takes over her voice. "I'd say you look quite dashing, Prince Novis Noctis Spark." -the name he settled on for his coronation. Twilight lifts her head up to look at him, her expression expectant and playful. Novis tenses, his eyes flashing between her and his reflection. She's trying to get him to laugh. She's expecting a reaction. "It's...good." The words come out strangled, but clear enough. He tries to smile. The mirror reveals a grimace. "It's like a...new me." The mirror disappears in another spark of magenta magic. His mother's face is now clearer to him, and there, he sees a worried frown. The weight of the crown leaves his head, and he watches her carefully angle it back into its box. A soft sigh leaves her as she teleports it away, back to her room or whatever pocket dimension her powerful magic pulls items from. "Oh Novie..." she murmurs, catching him off guard. The tips of her feathers reach out and smooth back his hair. Novis meets her sympathetic gaze, feeling more vulnerable than ever before. A small sliver of hope manifests in him. Maybe his mother understands his fears better than he does- His hopes are dashed. "A coronation is a big change. You might feel like you're not ready for something that feels bigger than you. I've been there." Her feathers move to his cheek, holding his face there. "But I promise you, Novis; fulfilling your destiny is the most freeing experience. Soon you'll realize that there was never anything to be nervous about in the first place. You're more capable than you realize. You'll see." The gentle caress of her feathers ends at his forehead. She shoots him one last, loving smile. "Hey. Celestia told me dinner would be ready soon. We should get going; I'll teach you those breathing techniques after." Novis nods, because he isn't sure what else to do. With that, Twilight turns towards the archway exit of the hall, her regal white and blue gown flowing out behind her as she strides away. While he turns to follow, the young prince pauses in place. With a tilt of his head, Novis looks up one last time at the immense stained glass portrait. Celestia's fading sunlight illuminates her faithful student's panel from behind. The radiant purple and pink hues of his mother, in turn, fall on him in streams of colored light. His shadow hides behind him. A sharp pang hits his chest, and his ears pull back as his mother's words return to him. Fulfilling your destiny is freeing. Novis wonders, then, why he feels trapped. ________________________________________ Twi be out here like "It worked out for me, so it'll work out for you!" She's trying, guys. A bit of lore I ended up leaving out in this chapter, because it interrupted the flow: the "coronated name" is a tradition that started with the oldest of the royal children, Fleurence Valentina Heart of the Crystal Empire (AKA Flurry Heart). It continued onto Lumina Alice Solae, and then Amadeus Sirius Altair. As mentioned in his bio, the "Noctis" in the name Nova picked out is a nod to his soul brother and lunar prince, Amadeus. The tradition was intended to help each royal heir fully embody their ascension to the throne. I'm so happy with this art piece. Twilight's stained glass window from the MLP movie is one of my favorite MLP visuals of all time (I have a poster of the full version that includes her friends on my wall~), so getting to recreate it was such an honor. Also, you may notice that this illustration is an absolute parallel of a certain back shot of Twilight from the movie~ It was heavily referenced when making the background! But yes, this chapter is more of a transitional one, meant to fully establish Nova's inner conflict. ; w ; Very important nonetheless.

[skybrushus]

Another moment from my Royal Equestria Security Forces (RESF) anthro MLP dreamscape. In this dreamscape Chrysalis has moved her main base of operations to the Ft. Trotterdale. Being a port city at the southern most tip of Equestria it has proven a most suitable location for her various smuggling and trafficking operations.

   Chrysalis looked at herself in a full length mirror as she made final adjustments to her swimsuit. What she saw pleased her. She could take on any form she wanted, but she definitely felt this was her most glorious form.

    "Hail to the queen." She growled.

    Picking up her purse and resting a pair of sunglasses on her head Chrysalis prepared to get some sun. Before she stepped out on to the deck of her sprawling mansion and down to the swimming pool the Queen of the Changelings consulted a security panel by the sliding glass door. The entire property had a complex, interconnected network of sensors, wards, and spells set up to provide maximum privacy and security. Many had been installed by the original owner, but since purchasing it she'd discreetly expanded and upgraded in their capabilities.

   Even overhead recon satellites would have trouble piercing this veil. Perhaps even more important the security system wasn't designed to just block or obscure detection, but instead to present the image of a perfectly normal, if opulent and rich, household. To anypony looking, either directly or remotely, all they would see as she stepped out they would just see a young, beautiful unicorn in a swimsuit. However here Chrysalis could let her guise drop and just be herself.

   Many a pony around her complained about Ft. Trotterdale's heat and humidity, but Chrysalis found it rather pleasant. It seemed to benefit her complexion. Stepping out on the deck she immediately spied one of a dozen changelings who made up her personal security detail. She'd raised, nurtured, and trained them all from birth. Her will and wishes were there's. As a general rule they always kept up their disguised forms when outdoors. She watched as the apparently deep brick red unicorn stallion silently acknowledged her presence with a nod his head.

   Chrysalis had begun walking toward the pool when she heard and felt her cellphone begin chiming in her purse. Like many things in her life this phone had numerous security and encryption protections installed. Recognizing the phone number and seeing that phone was verifying the authenticity of the caller she answered it. It was from her top security officer.

   "Yes." She said.

   "Your Majesty." A deep ,deliberately faked, male voice came through the phone. "I have information concerning 7228B status." 7228B had been one of Chrysalis's top lieutenant's before they had been captured recently by the RESF. Link

   "I'm listening." The queen said with a neutral voice. "What news do you bring?"

    "Your Majesty. As of right now according to our sources 7228B has remained loyal to you, and has resisted all attempts by the ponies to get information from them. However we both know that with enough time they will succeed. We've taken appropriate measures sever, remove, and compartmentalize all knowledge that 7228B knew concerning our operations. In few days time any information they will have known will be totally obsolete and of not much use to the Royal Sisters. However that doesn't mean that 7228B's knowledge will be completely useless."

     Chrysalis made her way down steps to the pool. "What are you proposing as a course of action then?"

      "Your Majesty. 7228B is slated to be transported to Canterlot in 48 hours. Once they are in the direct custody of the Royal Sisters our ability to have control of the situation will be nonexistent. I've considered the possibility of a rescue operation, but at best all it would result in is more your subjects being killed or worse captured and 7228B still in RESF custody. However there reasonable chance we can get an operative close enough to 7228B that we could deal with them."

     Chrysalis's pace slowed. Even though she was in her inner sanctum the Queen of Changelings scanned the surroundings before she replied. "And this operative would be able make their successful exit after completing the task? I don't want lose another highly trained, expensive operative on a fool's errand."

    "Yes your Majesty. The operative would only have to get close enough to 7228B to administer a powerful but time released toxin that when it activates will kill the target in less than a minute. The toxin can be administered through skin and takes 30 minutes to take effect. That will allow the operative time to vacate the premises. Once the toxin takes effect there is no known way to counter it."

    Having reach the pool the queen set her purse down on a poolside table and looked but at the brilliant cobalt blue sky littered with great puffy white clouds. For a moment Chrysalis was silent. She closed her eyes and then spoke.

   "Then you have my permission. Proceed with the operation and deal with them."

    There was a moment silence on the other end of the line. Then voice replied. "Understood your Majesty. I will make the necessary arrangements." There was another pause. "Your Majesty. I believe that 7228B will understand that this is a necessary action, and it is possible that the operative may be able to convey a short message to the target.  Do you wish to tell them anything?"

   Chrysalis closed her eyes again and pinched her brow with a free hand. Taking a deep breath she slowly let it out.

   "Tell them that they served me and the hive well, and they will be remembered."

   "Understood your Majesty." The voice said softly. The up phone call abruptly ended. Chrysalis tossed it on the phone on the table. She stared again out at the sky. After a moment she said to herself.

    "The title of queen is a heavy burden to bear."

[ask-the-chan-family]

Hi, Uncle! I just realize that I not send you any tea in quite some time. Must have been taken by Amazon porch pirates. Any take this one without ask and make it up have BAAA D Time!

Thomas the writer: it no problem at all, Tia and I had some minor problems getting any our packages delivered to the castle for a while.

Princess Celestia: Tommy Wommy, have you seen the delivery pony with our package. I been waiting for an important item to stop by and I haven't seen it yet.

Thomas the writer: sorry Tia I haven't seen them yet. Even De-Writer sent us something but haven't seen them yet.

Dashie Writer: hey dad, have you seen Sans. I haven't seen her anywhere all day.

Thomas the writer: sorry Dashie I haven't seen her, have you check his petting room.

Dashie Writer: check there twice and don't seen her at all.

Thomas the writer: well she might show up somewhere later.

Dashie Writer: *she sigh* I guess so, thanks for the help dad.

Princess Celestia: sweet heart, who they hay is Sans?

Thomas the writer: oh yeah, that Sans is Dashie pet goat. She got her from Ponyville town fair as a prize and named her after a character from the video game.

Princess Celestia: oh yes I nearly forgot about that goat. I do remember Rebecca and Mia are a little frighten by that goat.

Thomas the writer: there nothing weird about Dashie pet. It even like some of De-Writer tea whenever we give her some.

Princess Celestia: that what I'm afraid about her, but is this the first time Sans gotten lost.

Thomas the writer: she dissappear only for a moment and come back. But this seem like the longest she been gone. I wonder where she could be.

Somewhere at the other side of Canterlot, a random thief was trapped in the back alleyway nowhere for him to escape. Right in front of him a mysterious female goat standings in front of him while holding a package by her side. The mysterious female goat look at the thief and said a few pun comments

Mysterious goat: well then, it look like the cat is out of the bag *she chuckle*

Thief: ....

Mysterious goat: come on, you can't say that joke was puntastic *she chuckle even more*

Thief: ok ok I get it, you got the package back and I promise I won't steal anymore. Can I go now.

Mysterious goat: sure you can go, but just remember one thing. Steal from my master again. You going to have a BAAA D TIME.

The mysterious female goat snap her fingers and disappeared without a trace. She teleported back to the royal castle and landed at her petting room. The mysterious female goat became a feral goat without anyone be the wiser. Before she could do anything else she heard a familiar voice stop by.

Dashie Writer: there you are Dans, I was worried about you.

Sans: *she throttle towards her owner*

Dashie Writer: ok I'm not made at you, just don't wonder off too far. Hey it the package Princess Celestia was looking for. Oh neat even De-Writer tea are safe too. I wonder how they got here.

Sans look innocent for a moment until she wink at the audience.

[activistvictor-blog]

Kevin the villain assistant from Dorkly is hired to assist nightmare moon with her evil plan. And by assist, I mean literally tear about everything about it due to logical inconsistencies.

“Mwah hahaha,” nightmare moon laughed maliciously. “Finally, the thousand years of waiting are over, and we shall enact my master plan to rule equestria and bring eternal night!” Suddenly however, her monologue and malicious laughter were stopped by a splash of water to the face by her newly hired villain assistant, Kevin. “Kevin, what in the Tartarus was that!? We shall teach you better than to mess with.” But Kevin cut her off mid tirade.

“Oh yeah, I’m a big and scary alicorn of the night using the royal Canterlot voice to intimidate people and show how angry I am blah blah BLAH !.”

Kevin cynically replied, “I’ve heard it all before, so if you are willing to cut through the horse apples, I’d like to have a chat with you about your good old master plan!”

“Ah, so you wish to stroke our ego about the greatness of our plan 1000 years in the making?” Nightmare moon boasted, “Well then we might just be willing to look past that little splash!”

“Oh ho no, I wasn’t here to congratulate your plan, I’m here to tell you how much it FUCKING SUCKS!” Kevin replied angrily.

“What, our plan sucking? How dare thou !?” Nightmare moon angrily clapped back. “We have worked for a thousand years in exile to make sure it is absolutely foalproof! I challenge thou to find one single flaw with it infidel!”

“Oh yeah? Well I challenge myself to NOT find a flaw in EVERY part of it!” Kevin retorted! “For starters, your plan to do grand reveal as soon as you’re free! I mean really, your first order of business after being gone a thousand years is to just launch yourself at everyone in the middle of the festival to announce your return by yourself? What the hell kind of stupid idea is that!?”

“Stupid? Ha!” Nightmare moon angrily replied. “I must instill fear in my new subjects and let them know who their new ruler will be! The best way to do that is to announce my arrival and show my powers in spectacular fashion!”

“Oh it’s the best way to do SOMETHING alright! The best way to get your ASS…. er um FLANK kicked!” Kevin snapped back. “For one thing they HOPELESSLY outnumber you. What if one of them is a sly dog and catches you monologing as a chance to sneak behind you and strike you with a blunt object?”

“It will take more than blunt objects to stop…” Nightmare Moon clapped back before Kevin cut her off again.

“Or how about if they shoot you with a GUN!” Kevin replied, “Which in case you weren’t aware, is basically a device that can propel a lethal projectile at you faster than you could EVER hope to dodge or stop it. It’s literally a device made for killing, and for all you know that entire room could have those on them! The town you’re planning to do that in IS a country town after all!”

“A gun? Surely no such device could EVER exist?” Nightmare moon replied.

“Oh and this is coming from someone who lives in a world where ACTUAL magic exists!?” Kevin said. “If you can use magic to raise the sun and create force fields and whatnot, then I certainly think such a weapon, or at the very least a lethal spell which can avada kedavra your ass, is within the realm of possibility, and dare I say even LIKELY given how long you’ve been absent. And that applies to your sister the literal goddess Celestia and her guards as well. “

“But then how are we to take control if we cannot stop Celestia?” Nightmare Moon said, “I cannot rule while Celestia does!”

“I agree.” Kevin replied. “Which is why you need to go about it differently. The way I see it, you’ve been gone been so long you probably have long since faded from public mind, so why not use that to your advantage and sneak under the radar, Celestia is so busy handling politics and raising the sun and moon in your absence she probably won’t even remember the exact date until we’ll after it’s passed if she does at all! And even if she does remember, you can literally SHAPESHIFT! Become another pony like you did with that Shadowbolts plan demonstration you did last week! Or better yet, just transform into some nameless nobody no one will notice suddenly came into being and bide your time while you learn about new technologies, spells, snd geopolitical rivalries and how you can use those to your advantage when you do choose to strike! Heck, maybe you could even take a more proactive approach while your st it and infiltrate the government and bring it down from the inside without ever having to fight like Neighdolf Hitler!”

“Preposterous!” Nightmare replied,” “Neighdolf Hitler has an army backing him up, and no pony would ever actually want to aid me in bringing everlasting night!”

“Oh I think you overestimate the intelligence of the general public quite heavily” Kevin replied. “There’s LITERALLY an entire group of people where I come from who think the planet they live is flat.”

“Wait…. You’re kidding right ?” Nightmare Moon said aghast.

“Nope, you can’t make this shit up”” Kevin replied. “And there’s an even larger population of idiots around than just them. Did you know a fair number of people in a fandom about friendship based on your show seem to get a sick enjoyment in others’ misery and have missed all the morals it’s supposed to teach…. Especially on fanfic sites! Or that half of my entire country literally voted for a fascist a few years ago and got him elected despite him CLEARLY outing himself as horrible and saying things directly counting their own best interests? Actually, speaking of which, I actually have an appointment with him coming up next.” Kevin said, before he shook his head realizing he went on a tangent.

“Point is though” Kevin continued, “There’s always someone, er um somePONY, who will follow you if you look hard enough and know what to say, which slipping under the radar and NOT immediately exposing yourself in some stupid grand reveal gives you plenty of time to learn and enact on countless palookas looking for someone to follow and who you can throw under the bus if the plan fails while you escape and try again. Sure it might take a few years to do it, but what’s that compared to the thousand you were imprisoned for? If you’re gonna get revenge may as well do it right I say!”

“Ah…. I see, we thank thou Kevin for the valuable insight, we shall now go and engage in your master plan and use it to bring eternal night and rule Equestria.” Nightmare moon said, before Kevin splashed her again. “Grrrr! I swear to Celestia, soon to be myself, if you do that to us again…”

“Uh, no! You will not be bringing eternal night when you take over because that is the stupidest idea EVER!” Kevin snapped at her ignoring her threat.

“But we must show our might to the land and make others know how powerful we are in their everyday lives just by going outside.” Nightmare moon replied angrily. “And since the grand reveal instilling fear is out that is all we have left!”

“Look, I do respect the desire to be respected…. Something I never was from my two ex wives, but that is a HORRIBLE way to go about it!” Kevin replied. “You do realize you need sun to do some minor teeny weenie SUPER IMPORTANT things like, oh I don’t know, grow crops, make clouds for pegasi to shake rain from due to heat causing convection, or get sufficient vitamin D for example! If you take away the sun, you’ll be looking at a wasteland in ten years if you’re lucky! And how are you going to be respected if everyone who could do so is DEAD!? Assuming of course they don’t just French Revolution you and ffoverthrow you before that point and kill you instead. Let them eat moon cake as it were!”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Nightmare Moon replied.

“Oh yeah, forgot, alternate dimension! Doesn’t really make knowing French history all that easy.” Kevin mused, “The point is, don’t take away the sun, you’ll actually kill everyone and likely yourself due to starvation, drought, vitamin deficiency or an angry mob, and even if you don’t die for some reason, you’ll just be ruling a wasteland by yourself with NO ONE to respect you! No, what you do is use the sun as leverage! Demand the citizens follow you OR you don’t raise the sun. That will give them plenty of motivation to not try anything funny, because it’s not like they have the magical ability raise the sun if you’re out of the picture! So that leaves them two choices, either they overthrow you anyway and doom themselves to a slow painful death, or do your bidding for their own sakes, and if they’re anything like the people where I come from, when faced with an existential threats they will most certainly do the latter!”

“That…. Could be a potential solution too..” Nightmare Moon said.

“Uh huh” Kevin replied smugly. “But anyway, I gotta go, if I’m late to my next appointment he’ll grab me by the pussy! But before I go, is there is one thing I want to ask. Why are you so vehement about the night being a staple anyway? Like I know your whole schtick is night time so I could understand some desire, but you have an obsession so I’m thinking that isn’t the only reason is it?”

“Um….. you won’t judge us will you?” Nightmare Moon said.

“I’ve worked with people who LITERALLY snapped half of all living things into oblivion and who tried to kill a baby, there is NOTHING you can say which will faze me at this point.”

“Um….. we may or may not enjoy nighttime donkey shows” Nightmare said sheepishly.

“Aaaaand I stand corrected…..” Kevin said, “On the plus side though, at least you’ll fit right in with the sexually frustrated teens and spiteful miserable manchildren on the website I mentioned earlier!”

[glapplebloom]

Man, I got a week’s worth of ideas for this one...

The episode begins with Twilight and Spike excited about a Toy Crown. Thanks to Starlight’s query, we find out this is the Sibling Supreme Crown that her parents used to keep Shining and Twilight’s Sibling Rivalry friendly. And it explains so much about Twilight. They head to Canterlot where we find out what’s up.

Shining Armor improved the security of the castle. If Twilight can get past it, take the crown and escape without being caught, she’ll be Sibling Supreme FOREVER! If she fails, Shining Armor gets to keep it. Keep in mind one sibling missing from this. Back in Ponyville, Twilight comes up with a plan but Shining Armor knows everything she planned.

That’s where Rarity comes up with something: do something Shining Armor wouldn’t expect and have her friends do all the planning. On paper, this sounds good, if you ignore Pinkie trying to go to space via blimp, and Fluttershy being afraid of dark and cramped spaces, but when it comes to execution it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Applejack’s part did since she just needed to distract the guards and steal one of the Key Cards, I mean Guard Gems. But Pinkie Pie’s balloon popped, Rarity and Rainbow Dash got lost in the catacombs, and Fluttershy and Spike got captured by the floor trap. They regroup and Spike suggests going back to Twilight’s original plan and it works. Until at the last moment Shining Armor got in between the crown and Twilight.

Now I know Silver Quill questions the point of this, but I think this is a case of “I’m playing the role of the Princesses since nobody would be stupid enough to try to do this with them in the castle”. And since he is between the Crown and Twilight and they don’t want to get physical, that’s the end of their game. BUT NOT SPIKE’S!

For you see, while his older siblings were playing Chess, he was playing that three player variant of it and had everything set up. With his inside pony helping ensure nobody was at the Throne Room and Zephyr was the guard pony for the only opening, Spike sabotaged Pinkie’s plan and made sure everyone was there to see him with the crown. And who was his inside pony?

Princess Luna. She wanted to improve the security alongside her sister but Celestia insisted that their old Captain of the Royal Guard be the one to do so. Seeing an opening, Spike talked to Luna while everyone else was distracted with the main two. And when Shining was gloating about winning, Luna magically teleported it to Spike.

It ends with Celestia and Luna planning on reviving the security (they don’t) and Shining Armor and Twilight declaring that Spike is the Sibling Supreme. Overall, a really fun episode. Apparently this episode had the voice actresses contribute to the story by giving ideas on what they wanted to see. 

So Rarity planning a heist, Zephyr with Dash again, Pinkie in Space, Apple Cord, Fluttershy the Super Spy and the Sparkle Siblings were all suggested by their voice actresses. I think they came up with great ideas that the writers took great advantage of. A perfect send off to the 200th Episode of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Click here to see the original rewrite and how it fits in GLAB canon.

[ask-de-writer]

FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC  

(Part 66 of ?)  

18+ readers only  (sex scenes)

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FIENDSHIP IS MAGIC

or

Making Fiends and Influencing Ponies

An Anthro *Tail* of the Mane Six

Part 66 of ? (Work in Progress)

by

De Writer

75875 words (story in progress)

© 2022 by Glen Ten-Eyck

All rights reserved.  This document may not be copied or distributed on   or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

//////////////

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Users  of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights.  They may   reblog the story provided that all author and copyright information remains intact.  They may use the characters or original  characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions.

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

///////////////////////

Pinkie Pie couldn't resist aplauding, “You really pulled it off! You guys are gonna be the hit of the show!”

The dropped beak Gryphon Ambassador exclaimed, “Your Royalty really are joining in as part of this extravaganza?”

Twilight nodded emphatically, “We sure are! We aren't going to be hypocrites and just authorize the raising of funds. We are going to be a direct part of getting your Empire the money and supplies that it needs. Besides, instead of simply throne warming, it is a chance for us to actually have some fun!”

“I do see that, Your Highnesses. I am not of your species but your dances were still amazing to watch. We, not only myself, but the whole of the Empire thank you.”

Kin cheerfully agreed, “Their thanks, if they will also accept the money, we will happily accept. They've already given us the Golden Talon and made us Knife Bearers, so courteous words will have to do. And we will be happy with them.”

The Ambassador raised his crest and spread his wings as he bowed. “You are amazingly gracious. Those courteous words will be given to the Throne of Empire. What you have raised already in hard cash is the largest donation that we have received so far. The Throne of Empire is working on plans to best use this vast sum. When the matching grants come in, I make the total to be in excess of a million golden bits, and that is not counting the gate from the performance.”

Pinkie nodded, “Something like that, I expect. In some,” she lifted both hands and flexed her fingers in air quotes, “mysterious way," word of the Royal act got out! It only took about an hour for every available hotel in all of Ponyville to be fully booked! Rooming houses with empty spaces are going fast and so are private room rentals!”

She paused to grin and added, “Those who think Ponyville's a backwater are in for a surprise! We have almost a quarter of the total population of Equestria living here. I do expect a substantial gate!”

Princess Luna looked up from her Magic Net mirror and said in an awestruck voice, “I just had to authorize twenty more cars each for the Canterlot Flier, Baltimare Flier, the Manehatten Flier, and the Trottingham Express for all runs through the day after tomorrow. We have sold that many tickets! We have a request for ten more cars on all runs from County Corbiestep too! I think that we may be having a solid part of the whole kingdom coming to see this show!”

Grinning ear to ear and bouncing, Pinkie exclaimed, “Of course they are coming! This is the biggest Pinkie Pie Party ever!”

Kin expertly corralled Pinkie and gently pressed her down until she stopped bouncing and snickered, “What are you planning to do for housing this incoming multitude?”

Pinkie shot back, “Oh, I don't know! Um, the Dawnguard temple is empty now. Perhaps we could put it to use to further our 'Evil Act of Lewdness' by running in about two or three hundred sleeping cots?”

Princess Twilight snickered thoughtfully, “You know, that is really not a bad idea at all. There is some paperwork to be done but that is why I have bureaucrats. They handle the paperwork. I will set them to it.” She put words to action by calling the Ponyville Bureau of Buildings on her Magic Net mirror.

Looking up, with a diabolical grin, she announced, “It will take several hours to get done but, counting the basement, their loft, and their priestly dorm building, as well as the main floor, dressing rooms, offices and all, the Bureau of Buildings will be clearing the structures for temporary occupancy by three hundred and twenty ponies!”

Pinkie put a hand to her snout as she giggled, “Not enough, but it will be a big help!”

Luna looked up from her Magic Net mirror and told them all, “The Ducal Council arrests have been completed and the casualty train from the Empire is on its way. It should be here in another hour. Getting the injured Gryphons to the hospital and settled in can be done in only another hour. That's when Kin and I are going to be busy for several hours more.”

Fluttershy nodded and flexed her wings. “Got it. I will go and get Bruin and Breakfang over to the station. That will help with the unloading.” She strolled out, drawing most eyes, both male and female, after her.

Pinkie shook her head sadly, “She doesn't want to dance. I already asked.”

Rarity showed up shortly afterwards, carrying Carousel Boxes. She smiled, “Let's get you lovely mares into the dressing rooms. I have what I need to do alterations if we need them.” She gently herded Equestria's Royalty off to try on their nice new stripping outfits.

The full dress rehersal of the Royal strip went even more smoothly and effectively than the first. The cunning design and colors of the stripping outfits improved and enhanced their every move.

When they finished, all the watchers were stiff of wing, had hard raised tails, or both! Pinkie snorted, “When this goes public, nopony is ever going to see Equestria's Princesses the same again!”

The Gryphon Ambassador bobbed his head, crest up in amazement. He held out his Magic Net mirror. “Her Highness, the Empress and her Strong Wings of the Throne paused their flight to watch this rehersal. They are all amazed at the efforts that Equestria is making on behalf of the Empire.”

Celestia nodded graciously as she replied, “This is what being good neighbors is all about. The Empire and its Throne have been by our side in both natural disaster and war before this. Now, it is we who can assist them. This all has sprung from the goodness of the hearts of Ponyville's dancing mares and the clubs that they work in. Now it is the whole of the Principality of Ponyville. The goodness that you planted over many years has grown and is being harvested to aid you in your need.”

TO BE CONTINUED

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[icarusthelunarguard]

I saw someone suggesting we should reblog / repost our writings so we can get more attention, more people enjoying the worlds we've created. Well, I'll add to the mix.

The story I've been TRYING to get back to work on, "Dreams" is set in the MLP FiM Universe, centering around "Icarus the Lunar Guard"... because why wouldn't I? He's a batpony who's lost more than most could understand and trying to cope and find a way through his place. There will be some very dark themes, uncomfortable topics, graphic depictions of sex and relationships, so Viewer Discretion will be advised. (Chapters will have some warnings on them at least.)

Chapter 1, "Summons" follows. The link to read the rest will be after.

“ICARUS. I WOULD SPEAK WITH YOU.”

That first sound, that “IHK” that starts my name... Hearing that gave me a fear I have never experienced before. It was as if the iced waters of the Crystal Empire raced from the base of my skull to the tip of my dock. Guard training said I should have dropped into a defensive position for protection. That reflex wasn’t triggered, I was in such shock.

My personal dreamscape, my get-away from everything and everypony, my One True Home of Peace, my personal playground of decadence didn’t evaporate when I heard the first phoenem of my name. It didn’t crumble or even shatter. It simply… “Turned off”?

I can’t describe it better than that, except to say that it was “unnerving”.

The voice that called to me, that cut through my serenity and lanced through my being with The Royal Canterlot Voice, was that of The Supreme Lunar Guard Commander herself.

Her Majesty, Princess Luna.

Her voice was a moment of both clear sound and intent. She hadn’t made a request; She stated a fact as obvious as “rain is wet”. And just as precise, the sound of her voice simply stopped at the end. There was no lingering echo or ringing like every other sound has. It simply died in the blackness around me.

I had never experienced a “sound shadow” before. I don’t want to again.

The Princess knew me just as she knew all��her guards. She’d made it a point to meet the Lunar Guardsponies when they’re commissioned into service. She’d bow her head, thank us for our hard work and success, levitated our royal scroll acknowledging our rank and posting after having passed guard training…

--and too quietly for anyone else but us to hear, She said to me, “I hope I am always worthy of your service, Lunar Guard Icarus.”

She congratulated us all the same way: personally, by name, and letting us know She understood the responsibility of her authority over us.

As individuals we aren’t special batponies to her or anypony else. There was a class of about thirty of us that season, all uniformed characters, identically dressed, which serves to make us less an individual and more a collective. But at the moment of our commissioning, for a brief few seconds, we were given to feel that we were the most important batpony in all Equestria to Her.

And now Her Majesty, Princess Luna of Equestria, the Ruling Sovereign of the Night, the Guardian of the Dreamscape, the Living Avatar of the Moon, who once challenged Princess Celestia for control of all Equestria, and nearly succeeded, had a special intent on me.

I stood where I was, beyond rock still, unsupported in the blackness; not even hearing my own breathing.

Her Majesty would know I heard her; it would be impossible not to in such a situation. She wouldn’t need to wait for any kind of acknowledgment; we guardsponies are trained to obey any order coming from the Sovereign Herself.

She had spoken to me. Protocol needed to be observed.

I straightened up and replied to the Nowhere, “At your discretion, Highness.”

Since she hadn’t said “NOW”, I allowed myself to slip into sleep. She would order for me when She wanted my attendance.

Mercifully I was permitted a full-day’s dreamless sleep to rest after my night’s delivery work.

Mercilessly it became a week’s worth before I was back at Canterlot Castle and summoned for.

Author's Note:

This series is something I've had bubbling in my head for a while now. I want to explore some dark, VERY dark parts of who Icarus has become in my mind. And truth be told, I'm not sure of where the ending point is just yet. BUT I want to start exploring, start looking around at an idea that popped into my head and made this series almost needed.

The next chapter should cover the groundwork of what caught Princess Luna's attentions and how Icarus will be permitted to proceed.

--and the ramifications of it.

[ourrechte-blog]

Danny then turns to his clone and speaks, "Not that I'm not grateful, but how are you here?"

Dani took a deep breath and answered, "I was with Clockwork when the change hit and he put me in a bubble so he can make me watch a video to get caught up but I broke it and then he froze time to put me into another bubble, but I have your power that lets me move in frozen time so he couldn't do anything and then I used the Royal Canterlot Voice and demanded to see you and then he froze time again and then I hugged you before he unfroze time"

Dick's only thought was, "Yeah talking like that's definitely something she got from Starfire"

"...Royal Canterlot Voice?" Danny asked, already dreading the implications

"ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE!" she spoke loudly, cause Danny's hair to be swept back before he forces everything back into position

"Yep, that's my kid alright," Danny says

Future Son????

It has been a while since I have done an original prompt. So DCxDP prompt #2

Danny gets into a fight with Impulse/Bart about Bart changing the timeline messing things up for Danny and effectively erasing his family, because the change made it so Maddie and Jack never got together. But because of Clockwork sending him on a mission to the past while Bart changed the timeline and the medallion Dan had phased into Danny he remembers the old timeline. Also he has access to his powers but for some reason can’t change into ghost form.

This fight happens in front of the rest of the young justice team. And Nightwing was coming there to teach a training lesson and over hears half of what Danny is shouting.

From Dick’s point of view there is a black haired, blue eyed kid with powers that are suspiciously like a Tamuraneans, yelling at Bart about losing his family because his parents never got together. Also Dick and Kori had recently broken up. (Feel free to make up a reason.)

Due to a misunderstanding Dick is going to help his time displaced “son” adjust to the new reality.

Do I tag people too much? @azulhood @bianca-hooks123 @bloggerspam @confusedshades @dragonsrequiem @evilminji @flamingpudding @fightmebissh @ghostbsuter @hypewinter @help-itrappedmyself @hdgnj @kizzer55555 @menolly5600 @ourrechte-blog @puppetmaster13u @rboooks @starlightcat04 @stormikitty @virgamsysxvolumes @zeestarfishalien @zylev-blog

[alicorn-on-the-cob]

Hot take: The one negative to Sombra avoiding possible reformation by leaving Grogar’s team is that he didn’t get to be part of the “A Better Way to Be Bad“ musical number.