My Little Pony XXX: Trixie Treats!

[the_druid_droid]

Can I sig that?


Absolutely!

Hmm, I think this is the first time I've made it into a sig...this calls for A PARTY!


The Nostalgia Chick, in her most recent video, mentioned the phenomena of media being forgiven for being terrible because it's 'for kids'. But which are the things we remember? Do you remember every lazily thrown-together animated Disney knock-off you saw when you were a kid? Hells no. It's the good ones that leave a lasting impression on you. I truly believe that years from now, even if the show has long been canceled, I'll still put on a '20% Cooler' shirt with pride, and people will actually get the reference.


Yeah, this most definitely should not be an ok excuse for shows to use.

Also, good luck with City of Unicorleans!


I do

You know, thinking a little more, I suppose maybe the names aren't usually that closely related to cutie marks or special talents, so maybe most ponies don't think to look at their name for what their cutie mark is likely to be.

Most ponies, if you were given just their names, I don't think you could guess their talent or cutie mark. The apple family is probably a major exception, but given that they all deal in apples one way or another it's not big surprise. I hope Applebloom will break the mold and not have an apple-related talent; so far it looks like that might be the case.

Maybe the namer just looks at the foal and what they look and act like, and maybe the family as well. Rainbow Dash, for example, has a rainbow mane and probably acted a little wildly even as a foal, so easy name there.

Still, if I were a pony, looking for my cutie mark, my name would probably be the first thing I considered. Even if it didn't tell me much it might give a few hints and narrow things down.


I personally am a fan of the idea that names should have meaning to them; it's an idea that's faded, at least in the post-Industrial Revolution west, but to my mind, that's a tragedy. Perhaps ponies still have that tradition - that a name is meant to say something about the person/pony it names.


To the various peeps who helped me come up with a humanised Charger, I think I finally did it (http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/843/day170a.jpg). So thanks!

Looks very nice! I think you captured a lot of the qualities you threw out in that picture.

[Topaz]

Here's a silly little story, I'd love if anypony would read it and tell me what you think.
It is silly. I liked it (though I could see some ponies not being happy that it could be taken as making fun of dysphoria).

[Neoseanster]

I'm fine with most viruses, but with chicken pox I have to face the unnerving fact that it's there in my nervous system just hanging out and waiting to inflict more suffering...

I-I don't handle that knowledge well...



Aye, I find myself doing this, but then I'm kinda weird about maintaining separation between avatars and people anyway...but enough about my spaghetti bowl of a psyche. On to more pony!

(Also, I blame you for making 'aye' part of my everyday parlance...)

I confounded my pediatrician by getting chicken pox not once, but three times as a kid. http://i.imgur.com/JmPL5.png Looooots of time home from school for it.


Here's a silly little story, I'd love if anypony would read it and tell me what you think.

It's a story about Big Macintosh trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a real puppet, and his friends not quite understanding this unusual wish. Features Smartypants, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Trixie. It's meant to be silly and not to be taken very serious.

Let me know if it is any good (or if it's garbage and I should be ashamed), and whether I should send it off to EqD once it's finished. If so, I'd love some thoughts on the exact tags and other keywords too. It doesn't really contain any real shipping IMO, just a bit of unreciprocated flirting. And it wasn't meant to be sad either, but I figured maybe some might find the ending sad or disturbing maybe.

Oh, and maybe implied attempts at mind-altering magic, for those who aren't comfortable with that sort of thing.

Mostly it's just meant to be a silly little story about a pony who wants to be something he's not. I'll stop babbling now and just let you read it.

The Pony Who Wanted to be a Real Puppet
[Random][Possibly Sad][Light ShippingFlirting]

Big Macintosh wiped the sweat from his brow and quietly wondered what in Equestria he might have done to the princess to deserve such a blazing heat on the day he had to plow the fields. Looking up at the clear blue sky the sun seemed to gaze down upon him with radiant glee. It was a day more suited to lounging under an apple tree with a cold bottle of juice than working the fields, but work was work and it all had to be done. The big pony moved his straw to the other side of his mouth in a determined expression and continued his slow trot over the field, the plow creating a deep cut in his wake. If he worked hard he could be done before dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening under that tree. A reward for hard work well done was always welcome.

Working the fields was a slow and monotonous task, which left the stallion with ample time for daydreaming, something he often did. And as usual these days, he found his thoughts drawn to the raggedy doll riding along on his sturdy back. He smiled to himself despite the hard work, “Eeyup, yours is an easy life, mister Smartypants.” As his hooves trotted along in the field, his mind drifted off to stranger places, imagining all the possible lives of a doll or a puppet. If he was a puppet, he could be anything. One day a humble work horse, the next a great adventurer seeking glory and gold in mystical lands, or a grand vizier in the court of the princesses. Such tales the telling of which he could be a part of. Endless possibilities, if only he was a puppet.

“Eeyup!” he drawled. The more he thought about it, the more it always felt like the life of a puppet was the life for him. What a curse it seemed to have been born a simple pony, when he could have been a real puppet in a real play. His daydreaming, however, was abruptly shattered by a cry from above.

“Look out below!” came a drawn out voice moments before a rainbow blur streaked past him and crashed into the ground, plowing violently through the field before coming to a stop several yards away under the shadow of a big chestnut tree which stubbornly refused to step aside for any pegasus.

Big Macintosh stared with a slack-jawed expression at the massive ravine of rocks and dirt that had appeared in his beautifully plowed field. Resetting his jaw into a firm scowl he released himself from the plow and strode purposefully along the ravine to the crash site under the chestnut tree. Sticking his hoof into the crater he pulled out a grinning pegasus. “Rainbow Dash! What have you got to say for yourself?” he asked, throwing his head in the direction of the wrecked fields.

The rainbow mare grinned apologetically, “Heh heh, uh, sorry about that?” She rubbed her shoulder a little at the stare she received, “We were just having a friendly welcome-to-the-weather-team match of sky polo for this new pegasus, and I wanted to show her how it's done here in Ponyville. Heh, I guess I overdid it.”

Big Macintosh switched the straw to the other side of his mouth, “I bet you did,” and turned around, dragging her with him back towards the plow.

Rainbow Dash blinked, “Uh...where are we going?”

He sat her down by the plow and took off his harness, throwing it over her shoulders. “You're gonna fix your own mess,” he said and pointed a hoof at the ravished field.

Rainbow Dash sank a little under the heavy harness, which was at least several sizes too large for her. “Oh, I-I'm no work horse. It would take me forever.” She chuckled a little uncertainly.

“I say, you better get started then,” Big Macintosh said plainly, “Iron Pony.”

“Come on. I'm sorry,” Rainbow Dash's ears drooped, “You can't be serious... Are you serious?”

“Eeyup! Dead serious.”

****

“So uh, thanks for the drink,” Rainbow Dash said.

Big Macintosh just gave a single nod of his head as he took a swig of his juice. The field was once again nicely plowed, and the two ponies were taking a well deserved rest under the big chestnut tree, each with a chilled apple juice, enjoying the last rays of sunlight. Big Macintosh found himself once again adrift in the lands of puppets, this time playing a noble knight with his loyal friend, Smartypants by his side. He sighed at the thought of the great quests they would undertake together.

“You seem a little blue,” he heard Rainbow Dash say, “not that being blue is bad, you know, because it's such an awesome color,” the pegasus continued, apparently having lost the initial line of thought in the boastful rambling that followed. Big Macintosh opened his eyes and gave her a quizzical look. Rainbow Dash grinned, “anyway, you all right there buddy?”

Big Macintosh returned to his half-slumber. “None of your business. You'll just laugh at me, like with my Smartypants doll.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and gave the stallion a friendly jab on the shoulder, “Hey, it's all in good fun. You know I never meant anything with it. It was just a little funny the way you carry him around all the time. So what's the deal, big guy?”

“You wouldn't understand,” Big Macintosh said.

The rainbow pony lit up, “that sounds like a challenge! Try me.”

Big Macintosh sat up with a sigh. “Sometimes I wish I was... different, that I was something else,” he said, a little evasively as he glanced down at the old, raggedy doll leaned against the tree next to him.

Rainbow Dash followed his gaze and pondered the answer, a look of surprise understanding on her face. “Really? Wow... I, you know, just between you and me, I've always felt kinda the same. I didn't know you... I mean...” She smiled, “But hey, you shouldn't be so sad about it. I always thought I was different and, you know, wrong, but then at flight camp I met this really cool person...” her eyes showed a brief sadness, “well, she WAS cool... anyway, she showed me that I wasn't alone and that my dream was worth following. Maybe one day I'll take the step and convince Twilight to look into a spell, you know...” she grinned and gave him a nudge with her hoof, “because dreams are there to be followed.”

He glanced at her for a long time, then nodded, “Eeyup!” It was rare for the rainbow mare to make so much sense, Big Macintosh thought to himself.

****

Big Macintosh hesitated as he stood before the door to the Ponyville library. It had seemed so clear this morning. After pondering on Rainbow Dash's words of the previous night he had made the decision to seek out Twilight, but could he really go through with it? He lowered his hoof again, settling it back down on the ground and glanced over his shoulder at the doll riding along on his back. The old thing looked back at him with its beady, unblinking eyes. There was a certainty in those eyes, their unchanging gaze inspired determination in the big stallion's heart and with renewed purpose he lifted his hoof once more to give the door to the library a firm rapping.

Twilight's voice was heard clearly through the door. “Spike! Could you get that, please?”

There was a bit of shuffling, then the door opened and Twilight's young assistant looked out at him. “Yes? Oh, hey Big Macintosh. You here to see Twilight?”

Big Macintosh nodded, “Eeyup. If she ain't too busy.”

The young dragon paused and glanced over his shoulder. “Well, perhaps I could help. You need a book or something? I'm the one who always gets them for Twilight anyway,” he said proudly.

The big red stallion shook his mighty head, “Nnnope. I would like to speak with Twilight... in private.”

Spike grumbled and called for Twilight before disappearing up the stairs. Big Macintosh stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He looked around at all the books and shelves. It wasn't often he came to the library, even his sister only came here because of Twilight. He randomly picked a book from a nearby shelf and examined the cover. “Contemporary Magic Analysis” the title read boldly. Flipping to a random page Big Macintosh gazed at the tight script and arcane symbols.

He smiled as his imagination took over, whisking away the dreary drapery of the real world to make way for the fantasy. “From careful analysis we show that the common Come to Life spell does not satisfy the conditions of Marera's theorem,” the distinguished old scholar spoke to his eager student, the young but brilliant mister Smartypants who was taking copious notes in his little notebook, “and in fact produces undefined results for some objects within its domain.”

He was broken out of his dream by Twilight's friendly voice behind him. “A fascinating topic, isn't it? If you wish a more rigorous examination I would highly recommend some of Coltshy's original work,” the lavender unicorn rambled on as she pulled out an old book from the shelf, “contemporary is fine, but you can't go wrong with the classics, as I always say.”

Seeing Big Macintosh's face, Twilight's own lit up in realization, followed by disappointment. “Oh, you're not here about magical theory. I'm sorry, I should have known you weren't... well, since you're not a unicorn.” She shuffled her hooves a bit, clearly sad that he wasn't going to discuss the esoteric details of magic with her, “Not that that has to stop you, of course! You'd be surprised how many non-unicorns study the theory. Why, Starswirl the Bearded was an earth pony too and one of the great masters of the pre-classical era. His work on the theory of magic led to the development of many unique and diverse spells.” Noticing the patient, but increasingly blank look of the large stallion, Twilight coughed and blushed. “Sorry, I get carried away. What can I do for you today, then?”

Big Macintosh decided to be blunt and get straight to the point. He needed to get this out, and he had never been one to stall anyway. He took a long breath to gather his nerves before speaking. “I was wondering if you could turn me into a puppet.”

“Well, I... what?” Twilight looked up at him with a look of mixed confusion and concern. “Turn you into a... puppet?”

“Eeyup. Like mister Smartypants here,” he gave the doll on his back a nudge with his head.

“And... why would you want that?” Twilight was obviously not grasping the request.

“It's what I've always wanted to be. I wish I was a puppet,” the big stallion said plainly. He wasn't one to meander around the point, even if he felt very uncomfortable talking about it, “it feels right.”

Twilight examined him with a worried look. “I see. I think perhaps I know what your problem is, Big Macintosh. I would be happy to help you.”

Big Macintosh followed her with his eyes as she walked around him. He wasn't exactly sure of her choice of words. “My... problem? That I'm not a puppet?”

Twilight smiled sympathetically. “I'm really sorry, Big Macintosh. It appears that you are suffering from lingering effects of Discord's manipulations, or perhaps of my own Want It, Need It spell.” She looked somewhat ashamed at the mention of that whole incident, even Big Macintosh knew that the princess had been tough on Twilight for it. “It could even be a combination. Magic sometimes has unexpected results when mixed, and Discord's magic was, of course, pretty much by definition unpredictable. But don't worry, I promise I'll find a way to cure you of these... delusions. If nothing else I am certain the princess will know of a way to help you, if my own studies fail.”

Big Macintosh stared at the unicorn as she scrutinized him, supposedly looking for some lingering magic. “I am not joking, and I am not insane.”

“Oh, I know. And trust me, I am terribly sorry if my magic has caused you such problems. I promise I shall make it up to you, you'll be back to your good old self in no time.”

“I am my old self, and I don't want it. I want to be a puppet. A puppet, not a pony!” Big Macintosh felt himself growing frustrated at the lack of understanding. Why couldn't she understand, he was speaking plainly was he not?

Twilight bit her lip. “I'm... sorry, Big Macintosh. I can only imagine the kind of confusion you're going through. But even if I could, it would not be ethical to turn a pony into a puppet, even temporarily. The possibility, however small, of permanent damage, both physically and emotionally... No, I'm sorry.”

Big Macintosh sighed and turned around. “Sorry for taking your time, then,” he drawled.

Twilight rushed in front of him, pushing him back. “Oh my... Please, you are not well. I don't know what effect Discord or my spell might have had on you, but it is imperative that we find out so that we can prevent any further complications.”

“But...” Big Macintosh began, but was cut off.

“Don't worry, I'll help you. Now just stay here, don't go, I need to find a book... SPIKE!” Twilight turned and began scanning the shelves for some book. Seeing his chance, Big Macintosh bolted out through the door and galloped down the street, away from the library and the crazy unicorn. He felt terrible. He had hoped Twilight would understand, that she would help him fulfill his dream. Instead she thought he was just making it up.

Big Macintosh ran. He wasn't sure where he was going, but he needed to be away from Ponyville, away from all the ponies looking at him, away from all the ponies who couldn't see him as anything but another pony.

****

He slowed down and trotted along a lonely road outside Ponyville, walking for a bit before stopping to sit down under a tree by the side of the road. Out here the world was quiet, out here he could sit and just be, without having to be anything. He leaned back against the tree and looked up at the sky. Was it really so odd that he wanted to be a puppet, not a pony? And if Twilight wouldn't help him, who would?

His thoughts were disturbed by a sound some distance away. His ears perked up as he listened. Somewhere somepony was complaining loudly to themselves.

“Stupid wagon, stupid ditch, stupid wagon getting stuck in stupid ditch! Stupid Twilight Sparkle who would lift the stupid thing out of there with her stupid magic! Oh how she would gloat if she was here now!”

Big Macintosh got up and followed the voice. Coming over a small hill he saw a lonely unicorn trying to get a large wagon out of the ditch all by herself, a hopeless task it seemed. Her azure coat was muddy and her nearly white mane a mess from the frantic work. She didn't notice Big Macintosh as he walked up behind her.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get free this instant, you stupid wagon!” She cried in frustration and kicked the wagon, to which it remained completely ignorant.

Big Macintosh cleared his throat a little. “You need any help there, ma'am?”

Trixie, which seemed to be her name, jumped and spun around. “Ah!” Self-conscious about her display of surprise, the unicorn quickly switched tone, “Didn't somepony ever tell you not to sneak up on ponies, hmm? No matter,” she gave the stallion an appraising look, “you appear capable. The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get her wagon out of this ditch for her. Perhaps she could be convinced to...” she looked him over again, smiling, “reward such a handsome pony for the trouble.”

“Eeyup,” the stallion said, ignoring the friendly wink, and took quick stock of the wagon. The unicorn watched hopefully as he walked around the carriage and gave it a good push, his muscles flexing as he put all his strength behind it. The wagon gave a little, then began slowly rolling back out on the road.

“Yes, yes, that's the stuff!” Trixie cheered as Big Macintosh pushed the heavy wagon free of the ditch. “My, you are a strong one,” she grinned, “a proper stallion aren't you? Not like those sops Trixie paid back in Hoofington to pull the thing, if she ever see those two again...” Big Macintosh stopped the wagon and wiped his brow. Trixie winked at him, “so how can the Great and Powerful Trixie reward you? Perhaps you would like to come in for a... drink, hmm?”

“Nnnope,” he drawled and turned to walk back the way he came. The last thing he wanted was company right now.

Trixie watched him for a moment, before rushing after him. “Wait, don't go. Surely there is something... anything that Trixie can offer as thanks?” She puffed herself up a little, “It is not often that she offers such, and certainly not to anypony, you should know.”

“You wouldn't understand,” he said plainly, keeping his pace and hoping the stranger would leave him be so he could return to brooding under a tree.

“Oh? Perhaps Trixie did not introduce herself properly? It is not for nothing that she is called the Great and Powerful Trixie. Whatever your problem, good sir, Trixie will know the cure!”

“Nnnope! I need no cure,” he said, holding back his annoyance at the persistent mare, “Twilight Sparkle didn't understand either.” There was silence at last. Big Macintosh drew a slight breath of relief at the peace, but it was short-lived.

Trixie stormed past him and stopped in front of him, eyes wide and insistent, “Wait! Twilight Sparkle, from Ponyville? She couldn't help you?” Trixie looked at him intently, “Then the Great and Powerful Trixie will do it! Whatever it is, whatever Twilight couldn't do for you, Trixie will do instead! Just ask, and she will do it, and you better not doubt it!”

Big Macintosh stared at the crazy mare, then sighed. “Can you make me a puppet?”

Trixie blinked, then thought a bit, “is that all? Trixie can... can make you a puppet, sure. She already has a few in her wagon - for her shows you understand, purely for show! - maybe you'd like one of those? It would be a small thing, Trixie would give you one gladly.”

The big red stallion shook his big red head, “Nnnope, I want you to turn me into a puppet.”

Trixie looked utterly lost now. “You want me to... why would you want to...?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “Sorry for your time, miss,” and walked past Trixie. Maybe now he could get some peace and quiet to mull things over. It was certainly proving a challenge.

“No, wait!” Trixie called, a hint of desperation in her voice. “I'll do it! I mean... the Great and Powerful Trixie will do what Twilight Sparkle couldn't. The Great and Powerful Trixie promises to turn you into a puppet, because she can!” Big Macintosh turned around to see if she was joking, but Trixie looked serious. “Come back tomorrow, Trixie will be here.”

Big Macintosh smiled, “Eeyup!”

****

The farm was quiet as he returned, stepping carefully to not alert anypony. They were probably worried, but he could explain it all tomorrow. He just hoped they would accept his wish. He continued up the path and through the gate, but stopped when he spotted a familiar pony sitting outside the barn, leaning against the wall under the shadow of her hat.

Applejack lifted her head and pushed the hat up to look at him. “Ah was gettin' worried, big brother, ah thought ya ran off there. Very unlike ya.”

“Nnnope,” Big Macintosh said, trying to avoid getting into further discussion of the topic.

Applejack stood up. “Well, that's good an' all, 'cause I spoke to Twilight and she was very worried for ya too. We also had a little talk with Rainbow Dash, an' she was real sorry for givin' ya such ideas, ain't that right RD?”

Big Macintosh turned to look at the rainbow mare who had been standing nearby without him noticing. She scraped the ground with one hoof, ashamedly, “Yeah... yeah, I'm really sorry. I thought we, you know, were talking about something else. But, you know...”

“She thinks ya should let Twilight help ya, so ya can forget these silly ideas, isn't that right?”

Rainbow Dash looked down and nodded quietly.

Big Macintosh glared at his sister, “I don't need no 'cure', and that's that!” With that he trotted past her towards the barn.

“Ah'm sorry, big brother,” Before he could react to what was going on, Applejack had launched herself at him, trying to tackle him. “It's for your own best. Twilight, quick, ah got him!”

Twilight appeared in a flash before him and lowered her horn towards him as he fought with Applejack. He wasn't sure where this was going, but he knew for sure he wanted none of it. “Nnnope!” He roared and kicked off Applejack before trampling over a surprised Twilight. He could hear them calling angrily for Rainbow Dash behind him as he ran, jumping over the fence to the apple orchard. He knew he couldn't outrun them, but maybe he could lose them among all the trees.

A rainbow blur hit the ground in front of him like a prismatic bolt of lightning from the sky. “Run north!” Rainbow Dash said quickly, “I'll lead them the other way. Go!” And with that the rainbow mare was gone again. Not stopping to wonder at the unexpected aid, Big Macintosh turned and galloped north among the densely growing trees.

He didn't stop until he could no longer see the farm behind him or hear the distant calls of his name.

****

“Good, you are here. Trixie was getting worried you wouldn't show up, but Trixie promised she would turn you into a puppet, and Trixie is a mare of her word. She has prepared and soon she shall show that obnoxious little Twilight who is the better unicorn, oh yes!”

Big Macintosh shook his head heavily, “Nnnope, Twilight can't know. She doesn't understand.”

Trixie frowned, “You're asking an awful lot now, big guy. The Great and Powerful Trixie was looking forward to showing up Twilight Sparkle, what is in it for her now if you won't let her do that?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “You promised. And I helped with your wagon.”

Trixie scrunched up her face, “Trixie did, and so you did.” She looked him over thoughtfully, “Trixie thinks it is a great shame to turn such a strong and handsome stallion into a mere puppet, but she did promise.” She tilted her head as she pondered, muttering to herself, “Perhaps Trixie could show you off in her show, yes... yes,” she lit up, “Trixie will grant your wish, and in return she shall be your new mistress. Together we shall tour the lands and tell such grand stories, of the Great and Powerful Trixie and her enchanted puppet.”

Big Macintosh neighed and nodded vigorously at the prospect of finally being a real puppet in a real puppet show. Oh the lives he would live and stories he would tell.

“Good. Good!” Trixie chuckled with glee, as she moved him into place. “You stand there, stand very still and be quiet. This will require Trixie's full attention. Ready, big guy?”

“Eeyup!” Big Macintosh felt ecstatic but stood as still and quiet as only he could. Trixie's horn glowed, the light quickly increasing in intensity as the stallion felt himself lifted into the air. Soon... soon his greatest dream would come true. Soon he would finally become what he had always dreamed of. A deep smile spread across his face as he embraced his destiny.

Trixie clenched her teeth in an expression of intense concentration, tiny beads of sweat forming on her brow as the magic coursing through her grew to new heights. This was it, her greatest moment, outshining that little miss know-it-all! “You may have defeated an Ursa Minor, but I turned a pony into a puppet. A real puppet! Hahah!” Trixie collapsed with a cry of success. She had done it!

****

“Trixie is pleased, my puppet!” Trixie laughed as she held up the wooden stallion by its threads, “All stallions should be as willing to please their mistress, don't you agree?” The puppet nodded enthusiastically, “Good! We'll make a fine pair, my puppet. A fine pair! And Equestria, neigh the very world, will bow down before us in praise and adoration!”

A running of hooves on the road behind her made Trixie turn around with an annoyed expression. “What now? Trixie is not in the mood to be disturbed, she is far too busy being pleased with herself!” She frowned as a purple unicorn came running down the road and stopped when she saw Trixie.

“Greetings friend, have you seen...” The unicorn broke off as she looked closer at the pony in front of her, “Oh, Trixie... hello,” she frowned a little, “have you seen a big red stallion around here? He ran away and we're very concerned for his well being.”

Trixie quickly hid the puppet behind her and straightened up, puffing out her chest and giving Twilight a haughty gaze. “The Great and Powerful Trixie knows not of what you speak, Twilight Sparkle. Now run along, Trixie requires peace and quiet so she can practice her amazing magic without your pointless distractions.”

Twilight looked at her, before finally shaking her head. “Right. If you do see him please tell him we're sorry and want him to come back.” Without wasting any further time, Twilight galloped off down the road.

Trixie smirked as she watched her nemesis run off without a clue of what had transpired. “You know, my puppet, Trixie thinks it is even more satisfying to leave the foal in ignorance than to show her up in front of everypony. She will never know what Trixie knows. Poor ignorant Twilight,” she said as she stepped inside her wagon, Big Macintosh dangling in his threads behind her.

I bet a psychologist would find this interesting...

I... hm. Well, that's certainly... different. http://i.imgur.com/1aYkh.png

I'd say to go ahead and submit it. It was a good read, if a peculiar... and indeed, somewhat disturbing concept.

I... I don't think there was anything in my psych textbooks about what to do for a patient who wants to be a puppet... maybe I need to check again. o.o;


So is anyone else worried about the official background ponies names starting a small rift in the fandom?

Ive already seen signs it. Deviant art exploded with pictures of Lyra choking HeartStrings. Blues and Noteworthy in sing off's Carrot top and golden harvest staring each other down...

Nah, I'm not too worried. There's a /new episode/ Saturday. All will be well in twenty one hours, fifty four minutes, and twenty four seconds.

[Deadly]

I personally am a fan of the idea that names should have meaning to them; it's an idea that's faded, at least in the post-Industrial Revolution west, but to my mind, that's a tragedy. Perhaps ponies still have that tradition - that a name is meant to say something about the person/pony it names.

Yeah, I like the idea too. I'm not sure how much meaning pony names would have, however. Clearly a little, but maybe on the other hoof they aren't great prophecies either


It is silly. I liked it (though I could see some ponies not being happy that it could be taken as making fun of dysphoria).

:smallconfused: How so? I don't want to give the impression that I'm making fun of anypony.


I... hm. Well, that's certainly... different. http://i.imgur.com/1aYkh.png

I'd say to go ahead and submit it. It was a good read, if a peculiar... and indeed, somewhat disturbing concept.

I... I don't think there was anything in my psych textbooks about what to do for a patient who wants to be a puppet... maybe I need to check again. o.o;

Thanks.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was a known condition, if probably not very common. Maybe not puppets specifically, but inanimate or at least non-human things in general.

[Lix Lorn]

Our fandom is becoming more and more manestream. :smallcool:
It is?
Whelp, better find something more obscure. Nice knowing y'all.


To the various peeps who helped me come up with a humanised Charger, I think I finally did it (http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/843/day170a.jpg). So thanks!
AWESOME.

[Kris Strife]

And why in the nine hells wouldn't they love it? This is probably the first time any show of theirs has had a following as major as FiM.

Isn't Transformers a Hasbro product?

[Grif]

Oh, and maybe implied attempts at mind-altering magic, for those who aren't comfortable with that sort of thing.

Mostly it's just meant to be a silly little story about a pony who wants to be something he's not. I'll stop babbling now and just let you read it.

The Pony Who Wanted to be a Real Puppet
[Random][Possibly Sad][Light ShippingFlirting]

Big Macintosh wiped the sweat from his brow and quietly wondered what in Equestria he might have done to the princess to deserve such a blazing heat on the day he had to plow the fields. Looking up at the clear blue sky the sun seemed to gaze down upon him with radiant glee. It was a day more suited to lounging under an apple tree with a cold bottle of juice than working the fields, but work was work and it all had to be done. The big pony moved his straw to the other side of his mouth in a determined expression and continued his slow trot over the field, the plow creating a deep cut in his wake. If he worked hard he could be done before dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening under that tree. A reward for hard work well done was always welcome.

Working the fields was a slow and monotonous task, which left the stallion with ample time for daydreaming, something he often did. And as usual these days, he found his thoughts drawn to the raggedy doll riding along on his sturdy back. He smiled to himself despite the hard work, “Eeyup, yours is an easy life, mister Smartypants.” As his hooves trotted along in the field, his mind drifted off to stranger places, imagining all the possible lives of a doll or a puppet. If he was a puppet, he could be anything. One day a humble work horse, the next a great adventurer seeking glory and gold in mystical lands, or a grand vizier in the court of the princesses. Such tales the telling of which he could be a part of. Endless possibilities, if only he was a puppet.

“Eeyup!” he drawled. The more he thought about it, the more it always felt like the life of a puppet was the life for him. What a curse it seemed to have been born a simple pony, when he could have been a real puppet in a real play. His daydreaming, however, was abruptly shattered by a cry from above.

“Look out below!” came a drawn out voice moments before a rainbow blur streaked past him and crashed into the ground, plowing violently through the field before coming to a stop several yards away under the shadow of a big chestnut tree which stubbornly refused to step aside for any pegasus.

Big Macintosh stared with a slack-jawed expression at the massive ravine of rocks and dirt that had appeared in his beautifully plowed field. Resetting his jaw into a firm scowl he released himself from the plow and strode purposefully along the ravine to the crash site under the chestnut tree. Sticking his hoof into the crater he pulled out a grinning pegasus. “Rainbow Dash! What have you got to say for yourself?” he asked, throwing his head in the direction of the wrecked fields.

The rainbow mare grinned apologetically, “Heh heh, uh, sorry about that?” She rubbed her shoulder a little at the stare she received, “We were just having a friendly welcome-to-the-weather-team match of sky polo for this new pegasus, and I wanted to show her how it's done here in Ponyville. Heh, I guess I overdid it.”

Big Macintosh switched the straw to the other side of his mouth, “I bet you did,” and turned around, dragging her with him back towards the plow.

Rainbow Dash blinked, “Uh...where are we going?”

He sat her down by the plow and took off his harness, throwing it over her shoulders. “You're gonna fix your own mess,” he said and pointed a hoof at the ravished field.

Rainbow Dash sank a little under the heavy harness, which was at least several sizes too large for her. “Oh, I-I'm no work horse. It would take me forever.” She chuckled a little uncertainly.

“I say, you better get started then,” Big Macintosh said plainly, “Iron Pony.”

“Come on. I'm sorry,” Rainbow Dash's ears drooped, “You can't be serious... Are you serious?”

“Eeyup! Dead serious.”

****

“So uh, thanks for the drink,” Rainbow Dash said.

Big Macintosh just gave a single nod of his head as he took a swig of his juice. The field was once again nicely plowed, and the two ponies were taking a well deserved rest under the big chestnut tree, each with a chilled apple juice, enjoying the last rays of sunlight. Big Macintosh found himself once again adrift in the lands of puppets, this time playing a noble knight with his loyal friend, Smartypants by his side. He sighed at the thought of the great quests they would undertake together.

“You seem a little blue,” he heard Rainbow Dash say, “not that being blue is bad, you know, because it's such an awesome color,” the pegasus continued, apparently having lost the initial line of thought in the boastful rambling that followed. Big Macintosh opened his eyes and gave her a quizzical look. Rainbow Dash grinned, “anyway, you all right there buddy?”

Big Macintosh returned to his half-slumber. “None of your business. You'll just laugh at me, like with my Smartypants doll.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and gave the stallion a friendly jab on the shoulder, “Hey, it's all in good fun. You know I never meant anything with it. It was just a little funny the way you carry him around all the time. So what's the deal, big guy?”

“You wouldn't understand,” Big Macintosh said.

The rainbow pony lit up, “that sounds like a challenge! Try me.”

Big Macintosh sat up with a sigh. “Sometimes I wish I was... different, that I was something else,” he said, a little evasively as he glanced down at the old, raggedy doll leaned against the tree next to him.

Rainbow Dash followed his gaze and pondered the answer, a look of surprise understanding on her face. “Really? Wow... I, you know, just between you and me, I've always felt kinda the same. I didn't know you... I mean...” She smiled, “But hey, you shouldn't be so sad about it. I always thought I was different and, you know, wrong, but then at flight camp I met this really cool person...” her eyes showed a brief sadness, “well, she WAS cool... anyway, she showed me that I wasn't alone and that my dream was worth following. Maybe one day I'll take the step and convince Twilight to look into a spell, you know...” she grinned and gave him a nudge with her hoof, “because dreams are there to be followed.”

He glanced at her for a long time, then nodded, “Eeyup!” It was rare for the rainbow mare to make so much sense, Big Macintosh thought to himself.

****

Big Macintosh hesitated as he stood before the door to the Ponyville library. It had seemed so clear this morning. After pondering on Rainbow Dash's words of the previous night he had made the decision to seek out Twilight, but could he really go through with it? He lowered his hoof again, settling it back down on the ground and glanced over his shoulder at the doll riding along on his back. The old thing looked back at him with its beady, unblinking eyes. There was a certainty in those eyes, their unchanging gaze inspired determination in the big stallion's heart and with renewed purpose he lifted his hoof once more to give the door to the library a firm rapping.

Twilight's voice was heard clearly through the door. “Spike! Could you get that, please?”

There was a bit of shuffling, then the door opened and Twilight's young assistant looked out at him. “Yes? Oh, hey Big Macintosh. You here to see Twilight?”

Big Macintosh nodded, “Eeyup. If she ain't too busy.”

The young dragon paused and glanced over his shoulder. “Well, perhaps I could help. You need a book or something? I'm the one who always gets them for Twilight anyway,” he said proudly.

The big red stallion shook his mighty head, “Nnnope. I would like to speak with Twilight... in private.”

Spike grumbled and called for Twilight before disappearing up the stairs. Big Macintosh stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He looked around at all the books and shelves. It wasn't often he came to the library, even his sister only came here because of Twilight. He randomly picked a book from a nearby shelf and examined the cover. “Contemporary Magic Analysis” the title read boldly. Flipping to a random page Big Macintosh gazed at the tight script and arcane symbols.

He smiled as his imagination took over, whisking away the dreary drapery of the real world to make way for the fantasy. “From careful analysis we show that the common Come to Life spell does not satisfy the conditions of Marera's theorem,” the distinguished old scholar spoke to his eager student, the young but brilliant mister Smartypants who was taking copious notes in his little notebook, “and in fact produces undefined results for some objects within its domain.”

He was broken out of his dream by Twilight's friendly voice behind him. “A fascinating topic, isn't it? If you wish a more rigorous examination I would highly recommend some of Coltshy's original work,” the lavender unicorn rambled on as she pulled out an old book from the shelf, “contemporary is fine, but you can't go wrong with the classics, as I always say.”

Seeing Big Macintosh's face, Twilight's own lit up in realization, followed by disappointment. “Oh, you're not here about magical theory. I'm sorry, I should have known you weren't... well, since you're not a unicorn.” She shuffled her hooves a bit, clearly sad that he wasn't going to discuss the esoteric details of magic with her, “Not that that has to stop you, of course! You'd be surprised how many non-unicorns study the theory. Why, Starswirl the Bearded was an earth pony too and one of the great masters of the pre-classical era. His work on the theory of magic led to the development of many unique and diverse spells.” Noticing the patient, but increasingly blank look of the large stallion, Twilight coughed and blushed. “Sorry, I get carried away. What can I do for you today, then?”

Big Macintosh decided to be blunt and get straight to the point. He needed to get this out, and he had never been one to stall anyway. He took a long breath to gather his nerves before speaking. “I was wondering if you could turn me into a puppet.”

“Well, I... what?” Twilight looked up at him with a look of mixed confusion and concern. “Turn you into a... puppet?”

“Eeyup. Like mister Smartypants here,” he gave the doll on his back a nudge with his head.

“And... why would you want that?” Twilight was obviously not grasping the request.

“It's what I've always wanted to be. I wish I was a puppet,” the big stallion said plainly. He wasn't one to meander around the point, even if he felt very uncomfortable talking about it, “it feels right.”

Twilight examined him with a worried look. “I see. I think perhaps I know what your problem is, Big Macintosh. I would be happy to help you.”

Big Macintosh followed her with his eyes as she walked around him. He wasn't exactly sure of her choice of words. “My... problem? That I'm not a puppet?”

Twilight smiled sympathetically. “I'm really sorry, Big Macintosh. It appears that you are suffering from lingering effects of Discord's manipulations, or perhaps of my own Want It, Need It spell.” She looked somewhat ashamed at the mention of that whole incident, even Big Macintosh knew that the princess had been tough on Twilight for it. “It could even be a combination. Magic sometimes has unexpected results when mixed, and Discord's magic was, of course, pretty much by definition unpredictable. But don't worry, I promise I'll find a way to cure you of these... delusions. If nothing else I am certain the princess will know of a way to help you, if my own studies fail.”

Big Macintosh stared at the unicorn as she scrutinized him, supposedly looking for some lingering magic. “I am not joking, and I am not insane.”

“Oh, I know. And trust me, I am terribly sorry if my magic has caused you such problems. I promise I shall make it up to you, you'll be back to your good old self in no time.”

“I am my old self, and I don't want it. I want to be a puppet. A puppet, not a pony!” Big Macintosh felt himself growing frustrated at the lack of understanding. Why couldn't she understand, he was speaking plainly was he not?

Twilight bit her lip. “I'm... sorry, Big Macintosh. I can only imagine the kind of confusion you're going through. But even if I could, it would not be ethical to turn a pony into a puppet, even temporarily. The possibility, however small, of permanent damage, both physically and emotionally... No, I'm sorry.”

Big Macintosh sighed and turned around. “Sorry for taking your time, then,” he drawled.

Twilight rushed in front of him, pushing him back. “Oh my... Please, you are not well. I don't know what effect Discord or my spell might have had on you, but it is imperative that we find out so that we can prevent any further complications.”

“But...” Big Macintosh began, but was cut off.

“Don't worry, I'll help you. Now just stay here, don't go, I need to find a book... SPIKE!” Twilight turned and began scanning the shelves for some book. Seeing his chance, Big Macintosh bolted out through the door and galloped down the street, away from the library and the crazy unicorn. He felt terrible. He had hoped Twilight would understand, that she would help him fulfill his dream. Instead she thought he was just making it up.

Big Macintosh ran. He wasn't sure where he was going, but he needed to be away from Ponyville, away from all the ponies looking at him, away from all the ponies who couldn't see him as anything but another pony.

****

He slowed down and trotted along a lonely road outside Ponyville, walking for a bit before stopping to sit down under a tree by the side of the road. Out here the world was quiet, out here he could sit and just be, without having to be anything. He leaned back against the tree and looked up at the sky. Was it really so odd that he wanted to be a puppet, not a pony? And if Twilight wouldn't help him, who would?

His thoughts were disturbed by a sound some distance away. His ears perked up as he listened. Somewhere somepony was complaining loudly to themselves.

“Stupid wagon, stupid ditch, stupid wagon getting stuck in stupid ditch! Stupid Twilight Sparkle who would lift the stupid thing out of there with her stupid magic! Oh how she would gloat if she was here now!”

Big Macintosh got up and followed the voice. Coming over a small hill he saw a lonely unicorn trying to get a large wagon out of the ditch all by herself, a hopeless task it seemed. Her azure coat was muddy and her nearly white mane a mess from the frantic work. She didn't notice Big Macintosh as he walked up behind her.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get free this instant, you stupid wagon!” She cried in frustration and kicked the wagon, to which it remained completely ignorant.

Big Macintosh cleared his throat a little. “You need any help there, ma'am?”

Trixie, which seemed to be her name, jumped and spun around. “Ah!” Self-conscious about her display of surprise, the unicorn quickly switched tone, “Didn't somepony ever tell you not to sneak up on ponies, hmm? No matter,” she gave the stallion an appraising look, “you appear capable. The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get her wagon out of this ditch for her. Perhaps she could be convinced to...” she looked him over again, smiling, “reward such a handsome pony for the trouble.”

“Eeyup,” the stallion said, ignoring the friendly wink, and took quick stock of the wagon. The unicorn watched hopefully as he walked around the carriage and gave it a good push, his muscles flexing as he put all his strength behind it. The wagon gave a little, then began slowly rolling back out on the road.

“Yes, yes, that's the stuff!” Trixie cheered as Big Macintosh pushed the heavy wagon free of the ditch. “My, you are a strong one,” she grinned, “a proper stallion aren't you? Not like those sops Trixie paid back in Hoofington to pull the thing, if she ever see those two again...” Big Macintosh stopped the wagon and wiped his brow. Trixie winked at him, “so how can the Great and Powerful Trixie reward you? Perhaps you would like to come in for a... drink, hmm?”

“Nnnope,” he drawled and turned to walk back the way he came. The last thing he wanted was company right now.

Trixie watched him for a moment, before rushing after him. “Wait, don't go. Surely there is something... anything that Trixie can offer as thanks?” She puffed herself up a little, “It is not often that she offers such, and certainly not to anypony, you should know.”

“You wouldn't understand,” he said plainly, keeping his pace and hoping the stranger would leave him be so he could return to brooding under a tree.

“Oh? Perhaps Trixie did not introduce herself properly? It is not for nothing that she is called the Great and Powerful Trixie. Whatever your problem, good sir, Trixie will know the cure!”

“Nnnope! I need no cure,” he said, holding back his annoyance at the persistent mare, “Twilight Sparkle didn't understand either.” There was silence at last. Big Macintosh drew a slight breath of relief at the peace, but it was short-lived.

Trixie stormed past him and stopped in front of him, eyes wide and insistent, “Wait! Twilight Sparkle, from Ponyville? She couldn't help you?” Trixie looked at him intently, “Then the Great and Powerful Trixie will do it! Whatever it is, whatever Twilight couldn't do for you, Trixie will do instead! Just ask, and she will do it, and you better not doubt it!”

Big Macintosh stared at the crazy mare, then sighed. “Can you make me a puppet?”

Trixie blinked, then thought a bit, “is that all? Trixie can... can make you a puppet, sure. She already has a few in her wagon - for her shows you understand, purely for show! - maybe you'd like one of those? It would be a small thing, Trixie would give you one gladly.”

The big red stallion shook his big red head, “Nnnope, I want you to turn me into a puppet.”

Trixie looked utterly lost now. “You want me to... why would you want to...?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “Sorry for your time, miss,” and walked past Trixie. Maybe now he could get some peace and quiet to mull things over. It was certainly proving a challenge.

“No, wait!” Trixie called, a hint of desperation in her voice. “I'll do it! I mean... the Great and Powerful Trixie will do what Twilight Sparkle couldn't. The Great and Powerful Trixie promises to turn you into a puppet, because she can!” Big Macintosh turned around to see if she was joking, but Trixie looked serious. “Come back tomorrow, Trixie will be here.”

Big Macintosh smiled, “Eeyup!”

****

The farm was quiet as he returned, stepping carefully to not alert anypony. They were probably worried, but he could explain it all tomorrow. He just hoped they would accept his wish. He continued up the path and through the gate, but stopped when he spotted a familiar pony sitting outside the barn, leaning against the wall under the shadow of her hat.

Applejack lifted her head and pushed the hat up to look at him. “Ah was gettin' worried, big brother, ah thought ya ran off there. Very unlike ya.”

“Nnnope,” Big Macintosh said, trying to avoid getting into further discussion of the topic.

Applejack stood up. “Well, that's good an' all, 'cause I spoke to Twilight and she was very worried for ya too. We also had a little talk with Rainbow Dash, an' she was real sorry for givin' ya such ideas, ain't that right RD?”

Big Macintosh turned to look at the rainbow mare who had been standing nearby without him noticing. She scraped the ground with one hoof, ashamedly, “Yeah... yeah, I'm really sorry. I thought we, you know, were talking about something else. But, you know...”

“She thinks ya should let Twilight help ya, so ya can forget these silly ideas, isn't that right?”

Rainbow Dash looked down and nodded quietly.

Big Macintosh glared at his sister, “I don't need no 'cure', and that's that!” With that he trotted past her towards the barn.

“Ah'm sorry, big brother,” Before he could react to what was going on, Applejack had launched herself at him, trying to tackle him. “It's for your own best. Twilight, quick, ah got him!”

Twilight appeared in a flash before him and lowered her horn towards him as he fought with Applejack. He wasn't sure where this was going, but he knew for sure he wanted none of it. “Nnnope!” He roared and kicked off Applejack before trampling over a surprised Twilight. He could hear them calling angrily for Rainbow Dash behind him as he ran, jumping over the fence to the apple orchard. He knew he couldn't outrun them, but maybe he could lose them among all the trees.

A rainbow blur hit the ground in front of him like a prismatic bolt of lightning from the sky. “Run north!” Rainbow Dash said quickly, “I'll lead them the other way. Go!” And with that the rainbow mare was gone again. Not stopping to wonder at the unexpected aid, Big Macintosh turned and galloped north among the densely growing trees.

He didn't stop until he could no longer see the farm behind him or hear the distant calls of his name.

****

“Good, you are here. Trixie was getting worried you wouldn't show up, but Trixie promised she would turn you into a puppet, and Trixie is a mare of her word. She has prepared and soon she shall show that obnoxious little Twilight who is the better unicorn, oh yes!”

Big Macintosh shook his head heavily, “Nnnope, Twilight can't know. She doesn't understand.”

Trixie frowned, “You're asking an awful lot now, big guy. The Great and Powerful Trixie was looking forward to showing up Twilight Sparkle, what is in it for her now if you won't let her do that?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “You promised. And I helped with your wagon.”

Trixie scrunched up her face, “Trixie did, and so you did.” She looked him over thoughtfully, “Trixie thinks it is a great shame to turn such a strong and handsome stallion into a mere puppet, but she did promise.” She tilted her head as she pondered, muttering to herself, “Perhaps Trixie could show you off in her show, yes... yes,” she lit up, “Trixie will grant your wish, and in return she shall be your new mistress. Together we shall tour the lands and tell such grand stories, of the Great and Powerful Trixie and her enchanted puppet.”

Big Macintosh neighed and nodded vigorously at the prospect of finally being a real puppet in a real puppet show. Oh the lives he would live and stories he would tell.

“Good. Good!” Trixie chuckled with glee, as she moved him into place. “You stand there, stand very still and be quiet. This will require Trixie's full attention. Ready, big guy?”

“Eeyup!” Big Macintosh felt ecstatic but stood as still and quiet as only he could. Trixie's horn glowed, the light quickly increasing in intensity as the stallion felt himself lifted into the air. Soon... soon his greatest dream would come true. Soon he would finally become what he had always dreamed of. A deep smile spread across his face as he embraced his destiny.

Trixie clenched her teeth in an expression of intense concentration, tiny beads of sweat forming on her brow as the magic coursing through her grew to new heights. This was it, her greatest moment, outshining that little miss know-it-all! “You may have defeated an Ursa Minor, but I turned a pony into a puppet. A real puppet! Hahah!” Trixie collapsed with a cry of success. She had done it!

****

“Trixie is pleased, my puppet!” Trixie laughed as she held up the wooden stallion by its threads, “All stallions should be as willing to please their mistress, don't you agree?” The puppet nodded enthusiastically, “Good! We'll make a fine pair, my puppet. A fine pair! And Equestria, neigh the very world, will bow down before us in praise and adoration!”

A running of hooves on the road behind her made Trixie turn around with an annoyed expression. “What now? Trixie is not in the mood to be disturbed, she is far too busy being pleased with herself!” She frowned as a purple unicorn came running down the road and stopped when she saw Trixie.

“Greetings friend, have you seen...” The unicorn broke off as she looked closer at the pony in front of her, “Oh, Trixie... hello,” she frowned a little, “have you seen a big red stallion around here? He ran away and we're very concerned for his well being.”

Trixie quickly hid the puppet behind her and straightened up, puffing out her chest and giving Twilight a haughty gaze. “The Great and Powerful Trixie knows not of what you speak, Twilight Sparkle. Now run along, Trixie requires peace and quiet so she can practice her amazing magic without your pointless distractions.”

Twilight looked at her, before finally shaking her head. “Right. If you do see him please tell him we're sorry and want him to come back.” Without wasting any further time, Twilight galloped off down the road.

Trixie smirked as she watched her nemesis run off without a clue of what had transpired. “You know, my puppet, Trixie thinks it is even more satisfying to leave the foal in ignorance than to show her up in front of everypony. She will never know what Trixie knows. Poor ignorant Twilight,” she said as she stepped inside her wagon, Big Macintosh dangling in his threads behind her.

I bet a psychologist would find this interesting...

I... am not sure what to say of this piece. It was... certainly rather disturbing. (I believe you portrayed Big Mac here to be rather delusional, if not outright schizophrenic, if I'm not reading my Pysch textbooks wrong.) :smallconfused:

[MBI]

My Biology teacher said both the words "heartstrings" and "Semi Lunar Valve" with thirty seconds of each other today. It amused me.

[Topaz]

:smallconfused: How so? I don't want to give the impression that I'm making fun of anypony.
It portrays a character who thinks that their body is wrong (i.e., dysphoria). That can be a hot button issue; I've seen it happen before.

[InkwellPony]

Heya all you ponies! How ya doing? ^^ Sorry I haven't popped up for a bit, reality can really kick you in the flanks when you're not looking! Anyways, onto recent stuff. ^^


All my Google-fu came up with was this. Sadly way too small to make out details. Also, not Trixie

Source (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/10/nightly-roundup-118.html)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IW4ICFNtQY0/TowdlnZH-fI/AAAAAAAANSg/Eq_0IJKCCCk/s1600/FLUTTERSHY%2BCLOSE%2BUP.jpg

-(Adjusts glasses)- That is definitely a Fluttershy. Eeyup. Definitely a Fluttershy.


So is anyone else worried about the official background ponies names starting a small rift in the fandom?

Ive already seen signs it. Deviant art exploded with pictures of Lyra choking HeartStrings. Blues and Noteworthy in sing off's Carrot top and golden harvest staring each other down...

I personally... ponially... whatever. I personally think that Heartstrings is a far better name than Lyria, but seeing as Heartstrings was designed as a 'Twi-Clone' toy wise, you could potentially argue that Lyra and HeartStrings could be two different ponies all together - same coloring, same cutie-mark, different appearances.

They could even be twins! ^^


Isn't Transformers a Hasbro product?

Why, yes it is! Which is what makes Ponyformers awesome. ^^ But I think he meant a fan following for a decidedly nitched product, such as My Little Ponies, which was obviously originally designed for young girls, developing such a huge outcry of support from a wide variety of age groups, which includes the opposite gender for what they were going for.

Needless to say, yes, this is a decided victory in the Childrens Animation genre. I have been rather worried about the downhill spiral that Animation has been falling in, quality wise, but shows like MLP FiM is giving me hope for my future careers.

[Titanium Fox]

So. I sent this into EqD, but I'll post it up here too. Copy-Pasta!


Hiya Everypony!
I'm looking for some talented singers who will be attending BroNYcon January. I am going to be organizing an event titled "An Ode to Daniel Ingram", since he's one of the guests of honor at the convention. My plan is to re-create all of the 'major' pony songs with live signing (and if possible musical accompaniment, but I'll get to that later). What I need is nine females with singing voices that sound similar to the Mane Six and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. In addition, the finale will of course be "At the Gala", so I'm going to need a plethora of males to sing backup (figuring three to six, but that number is up for debate). If you're interested, please send an E-Mail to "[email protected]" with the subject line "Daniel Ingram Audition [Pony Name]" (if you're auditioning for a male part, instead of pony name just put "backup singer") containing either a link to a YouTube video of your audition, or a .mp3. Auditions can be anything that you feel portrays your abilities, but singing would be preferable. The planned song list and order is as follows (and yes, whoever plays Pinkie Pie is getting one heck of a vocal work out):

1. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Theme Song (All Six)
2. Giggle at the Ghostie (Pinkie Pie / Bit Parts: Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity)
3. Hop Skip and Jump (Pinkie Pie)
4. Cupcakes (Pinkie Pie / Bit Part: Applebloom)
5. Art of the Dress (Rarity / Bit Part: Rest of Mane 6)
6. Hush Now Quiet Now (Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle)
7. Cutie Mark Crusaders Theme (Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo)
8. You've gotta Share (Pinkie Pie)
9. So many Wonders (Fluttershy)
10. Singing Telegram (Pinkie Pie)
11. Pony Pokey (Pinkie Pie / Bit Part: Fluttershy)

-Small Break-

12. Winter Wrap Up (All Female Singers. CMC act as female backup.)
13. At the Gala (All Singers. CMC act as Female backup.)

If anypony has any questions whatsoever, feel free to E-Mail me at the same address above, "[email protected]". As for musical accompaniment, here's the deal. Right now, the plan is to use the vocal free versions of these songs readily available on YouTube as backup. If you have talent with an instrument that is used in one of the songs, let me know and send me a cover. If you will be at BroNYcon, we can most likely set something up for you to be involved and work accompanying the singers, the more the merrier!

Channeling his Inner Twilight Sparkle,
- Haybuck

...:smallbiggrin:

[Mando Knight]

Why, yes it is! Which is what makes Ponyformers awesome. ^^

Ponybots wage their battles to destroy the evil forces of...
the Decepticolts!

[Deadly]

I... am not sure what to say of this piece. It was... certainly rather disturbing. (I believe you portrayed Big Mac here to be rather delusional, if not outright schizophrenic, if I'm not reading my Pysch textbooks wrong.) :smallconfused:

Delusional most likely. I don't know enough psychology to say anything about schizophrenia.

There is the possibility that Twilight was right, that it is a lingering effect of her Want It, Need It spell, or Discord's doings.

It is also possible that it is a genuine desire. There's a growing debate about things like people wanting to have unnecessary amputations and going to great and dangerous lengths to get it any way they can (heard about some guy shooting himself in the leg with a shotgun so they'd be forced to remove his leg).

And of course there's the rather less dramatic topic of gender issues, and a growing recognition that some people may genuinely feel that they should be something else than what they were born as.

If I had any big idea with this story, it's mostly about the prospect of future technology making it possible to be something you weren't born as, and whether some people may genuinely want that. In that sense it is meant to have a kinda happy ending, actually.


It portrays a character who thinks that their body is wrong (i.e., dysphoria). That can be a hot button issue; I've seen it happen before.

Ah, yes. I do worry that maybe some people may read its intention as pretty much opposite of what I was thinking while writing it.

[Gamerlord]

So is anyone else worried about the official background ponies names starting a small rift in the fandom?

Ive already seen signs it. Deviant art exploded with pictures of Lyra choking HeartStrings. Blues and Noteworthy in sing off's Carrot top and golden harvest staring each other down...
People are just having some fun. And people will have plenty of stuff to complain about tomorrow, seeing as how tomorrow should give plenty of food for the Rarity or Sweetie Belle haters, depending on how the episode goes.


And why in the nine hells wouldn't they love it? This is probably the first time any show of theirs has had a following as major as FiM.
*COUGH* Transformers *COUGH*.

[Gaelbert]

That's hilariously sterile.

Huh. I was under the impression that we made up a sizable portion of the fanbase.


If they're at the restaurant I think they were at, the TV has on-demand programming and like a million channels. So that might actually be accurate. Not 100% sure though, there are more than 20 different Indian restaurants around the Berkeley campus.

20? There are 20 within 2 blocks of campus. If we're looking at walkable from campus, there may very well be hundreds.
Edit: Apparently they met at Viceroy.

Anyways, I'm in Berkeley. Why haven't I heard of this? I want to meet bronies in real life.


Nah, I'm not too worried. There's a /new episode/ Saturday. All will be well in twenty one hours, fifty four minutes, and twenty four seconds.

Saturday? But I want in nooooow!

[byaku rai]

Here's a silly little story, I'd love if anypony would read it and tell me what you think.

It's a story about Big Macintosh trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a real puppet, and his friends not quite understanding this unusual wish. Features Smartypants, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Trixie. It's meant to be silly and not to be taken very serious.

Let me know if it is any good (or if it's garbage and I should be ashamed), and whether I should send it off to EqD once it's finished. If so, I'd love some thoughts on the exact tags and other keywords too. It doesn't really contain any real shipping IMO, just a bit of unreciprocated flirting. And it wasn't meant to be sad either, but I figured maybe some might find the ending sad or disturbing maybe.

Oh, and maybe implied attempts at mind-altering magic, for those who aren't comfortable with that sort of thing.

Mostly it's just meant to be a silly little story about a pony who wants to be something he's not. I'll stop babbling now and just let you read it.

The Pony Who Wanted to be a Real Puppet
[Random][Possibly Sad][Light ShippingFlirting]

Big Macintosh wiped the sweat from his brow and quietly wondered what in Equestria he might have done to the princess to deserve such a blazing heat on the day he had to plow the fields. Looking up at the clear blue sky the sun seemed to gaze down upon him with radiant glee. It was a day more suited to lounging under an apple tree with a cold bottle of juice than working the fields, but work was work and it all had to be done. The big pony moved his straw to the other side of his mouth in a determined expression and continued his slow trot over the field, the plow creating a deep cut in his wake. If he worked hard he could be done before dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening under that tree. A reward for hard work well done was always welcome.

Working the fields was a slow and monotonous task, which left the stallion with ample time for daydreaming, something he often did. And as usual these days, he found his thoughts drawn to the raggedy doll riding along on his sturdy back. He smiled to himself despite the hard work, “Eeyup, yours is an easy life, mister Smartypants.” As his hooves trotted along in the field, his mind drifted off to stranger places, imagining all the possible lives of a doll or a puppet. If he was a puppet, he could be anything. One day a humble work horse, the next a great adventurer seeking glory and gold in mystical lands, or a grand vizier in the court of the princesses. Such tales the telling of which he could be a part of. Endless possibilities, if only he was a puppet.

“Eeyup!” he drawled. The more he thought about it, the more it always felt like the life of a puppet was the life for him. What a curse it seemed to have been born a simple pony, when he could have been a real puppet in a real play. His daydreaming, however, was abruptly shattered by a cry from above.

“Look out below!” came a drawn out voice moments before a rainbow blur streaked past him and crashed into the ground, plowing violently through the field before coming to a stop several yards away under the shadow of a big chestnut tree which stubbornly refused to step aside for any pegasus.

Big Macintosh stared with a slack-jawed expression at the massive ravine of rocks and dirt that had appeared in his beautifully plowed field. Resetting his jaw into a firm scowl he released himself from the plow and strode purposefully along the ravine to the crash site under the chestnut tree. Sticking his hoof into the crater he pulled out a grinning pegasus. “Rainbow Dash! What have you got to say for yourself?” he asked, throwing his head in the direction of the wrecked fields.

The rainbow mare grinned apologetically, “Heh heh, uh, sorry about that?” She rubbed her shoulder a little at the stare she received, “We were just having a friendly welcome-to-the-weather-team match of sky polo for this new pegasus, and I wanted to show her how it's done here in Ponyville. Heh, I guess I overdid it.”

Big Macintosh switched the straw to the other side of his mouth, “I bet you did,” and turned around, dragging her with him back towards the plow.

Rainbow Dash blinked, “Uh...where are we going?”

He sat her down by the plow and took off his harness, throwing it over her shoulders. “You're gonna fix your own mess,” he said and pointed a hoof at the ravished field.

Rainbow Dash sank a little under the heavy harness, which was at least several sizes too large for her. “Oh, I-I'm no work horse. It would take me forever.” She chuckled a little uncertainly.

“I say, you better get started then,” Big Macintosh said plainly, “Iron Pony.”

“Come on. I'm sorry,” Rainbow Dash's ears drooped, “You can't be serious... Are you serious?”

“Eeyup! Dead serious.”

****

“So uh, thanks for the drink,” Rainbow Dash said.

Big Macintosh just gave a single nod of his head as he took a swig of his juice. The field was once again nicely plowed, and the two ponies were taking a well deserved rest under the big chestnut tree, each with a chilled apple juice, enjoying the last rays of sunlight. Big Macintosh found himself once again adrift in the lands of puppets, this time playing a noble knight with his loyal friend, Smartypants by his side. He sighed at the thought of the great quests they would undertake together.

“You seem a little blue,” he heard Rainbow Dash say, “not that being blue is bad, you know, because it's such an awesome color,” the pegasus continued, apparently having lost the initial line of thought in the boastful rambling that followed. Big Macintosh opened his eyes and gave her a quizzical look. Rainbow Dash grinned, “anyway, you all right there buddy?”

Big Macintosh returned to his half-slumber. “None of your business. You'll just laugh at me, like with my Smartypants doll.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and gave the stallion a friendly jab on the shoulder, “Hey, it's all in good fun. You know I never meant anything with it. It was just a little funny the way you carry him around all the time. So what's the deal, big guy?”

“You wouldn't understand,” Big Macintosh said.

The rainbow pony lit up, “that sounds like a challenge! Try me.”

Big Macintosh sat up with a sigh. “Sometimes I wish I was... different, that I was something else,” he said, a little evasively as he glanced down at the old, raggedy doll leaned against the tree next to him.

Rainbow Dash followed his gaze and pondered the answer, a look of surprise understanding on her face. “Really? Wow... I, you know, just between you and me, I've always felt kinda the same. I didn't know you... I mean...” She smiled, “But hey, you shouldn't be so sad about it. I always thought I was different and, you know, wrong, but then at flight camp I met this really cool person...” her eyes showed a brief sadness, “well, she WAS cool... anyway, she showed me that I wasn't alone and that my dream was worth following. Maybe one day I'll take the step and convince Twilight to look into a spell, you know...” she grinned and gave him a nudge with her hoof, “because dreams are there to be followed.”

He glanced at her for a long time, then nodded, “Eeyup!” It was rare for the rainbow mare to make so much sense, Big Macintosh thought to himself.

****

Big Macintosh hesitated as he stood before the door to the Ponyville library. It had seemed so clear this morning. After pondering on Rainbow Dash's words of the previous night he had made the decision to seek out Twilight, but could he really go through with it? He lowered his hoof again, settling it back down on the ground and glanced over his shoulder at the doll riding along on his back. The old thing looked back at him with its beady, unblinking eyes. There was a certainty in those eyes, their unchanging gaze inspired determination in the big stallion's heart and with renewed purpose he lifted his hoof once more to give the door to the library a firm rapping.

Twilight's voice was heard clearly through the door. “Spike! Could you get that, please?”

There was a bit of shuffling, then the door opened and Twilight's young assistant looked out at him. “Yes? Oh, hey Big Macintosh. You here to see Twilight?”

Big Macintosh nodded, “Eeyup. If she ain't too busy.”

The young dragon paused and glanced over his shoulder. “Well, perhaps I could help. You need a book or something? I'm the one who always gets them for Twilight anyway,” he said proudly.

The big red stallion shook his mighty head, “Nnnope. I would like to speak with Twilight... in private.”

Spike grumbled and called for Twilight before disappearing up the stairs. Big Macintosh stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He looked around at all the books and shelves. It wasn't often he came to the library, even his sister only came here because of Twilight. He randomly picked a book from a nearby shelf and examined the cover. “Contemporary Magic Analysis” the title read boldly. Flipping to a random page Big Macintosh gazed at the tight script and arcane symbols.

He smiled as his imagination took over, whisking away the dreary drapery of the real world to make way for the fantasy. “From careful analysis we show that the common Come to Life spell does not satisfy the conditions of Marera's theorem,” the distinguished old scholar spoke to his eager student, the young but brilliant mister Smartypants who was taking copious notes in his little notebook, “and in fact produces undefined results for some objects within its domain.”

He was broken out of his dream by Twilight's friendly voice behind him. “A fascinating topic, isn't it? If you wish a more rigorous examination I would highly recommend some of Coltshy's original work,” the lavender unicorn rambled on as she pulled out an old book from the shelf, “contemporary is fine, but you can't go wrong with the classics, as I always say.”

Seeing Big Macintosh's face, Twilight's own lit up in realization, followed by disappointment. “Oh, you're not here about magical theory. I'm sorry, I should have known you weren't... well, since you're not a unicorn.” She shuffled her hooves a bit, clearly sad that he wasn't going to discuss the esoteric details of magic with her, “Not that that has to stop you, of course! You'd be surprised how many non-unicorns study the theory. Why, Starswirl the Bearded was an earth pony too and one of the great masters of the pre-classical era. His work on the theory of magic led to the development of many unique and diverse spells.” Noticing the patient, but increasingly blank look of the large stallion, Twilight coughed and blushed. “Sorry, I get carried away. What can I do for you today, then?”

Big Macintosh decided to be blunt and get straight to the point. He needed to get this out, and he had never been one to stall anyway. He took a long breath to gather his nerves before speaking. “I was wondering if you could turn me into a puppet.”

“Well, I... what?” Twilight looked up at him with a look of mixed confusion and concern. “Turn you into a... puppet?”

“Eeyup. Like mister Smartypants here,” he gave the doll on his back a nudge with his head.

“And... why would you want that?” Twilight was obviously not grasping the request.

“It's what I've always wanted to be. I wish I was a puppet,” the big stallion said plainly. He wasn't one to meander around the point, even if he felt very uncomfortable talking about it, “it feels right.”

Twilight examined him with a worried look. “I see. I think perhaps I know what your problem is, Big Macintosh. I would be happy to help you.”

Big Macintosh followed her with his eyes as she walked around him. He wasn't exactly sure of her choice of words. “My... problem? That I'm not a puppet?”

Twilight smiled sympathetically. “I'm really sorry, Big Macintosh. It appears that you are suffering from lingering effects of Discord's manipulations, or perhaps of my own Want It, Need It spell.” She looked somewhat ashamed at the mention of that whole incident, even Big Macintosh knew that the princess had been tough on Twilight for it. “It could even be a combination. Magic sometimes has unexpected results when mixed, and Discord's magic was, of course, pretty much by definition unpredictable. But don't worry, I promise I'll find a way to cure you of these... delusions. If nothing else I am certain the princess will know of a way to help you, if my own studies fail.”

Big Macintosh stared at the unicorn as she scrutinized him, supposedly looking for some lingering magic. “I am not joking, and I am not insane.”

“Oh, I know. And trust me, I am terribly sorry if my magic has caused you such problems. I promise I shall make it up to you, you'll be back to your good old self in no time.”

“I am my old self, and I don't want it. I want to be a puppet. A puppet, not a pony!” Big Macintosh felt himself growing frustrated at the lack of understanding. Why couldn't she understand, he was speaking plainly was he not?

Twilight bit her lip. “I'm... sorry, Big Macintosh. I can only imagine the kind of confusion you're going through. But even if I could, it would not be ethical to turn a pony into a puppet, even temporarily. The possibility, however small, of permanent damage, both physically and emotionally... No, I'm sorry.”

Big Macintosh sighed and turned around. “Sorry for taking your time, then,” he drawled.

Twilight rushed in front of him, pushing him back. “Oh my... Please, you are not well. I don't know what effect Discord or my spell might have had on you, but it is imperative that we find out so that we can prevent any further complications.”

“But...” Big Macintosh began, but was cut off.

“Don't worry, I'll help you. Now just stay here, don't go, I need to find a book... SPIKE!” Twilight turned and began scanning the shelves for some book. Seeing his chance, Big Macintosh bolted out through the door and galloped down the street, away from the library and the crazy unicorn. He felt terrible. He had hoped Twilight would understand, that she would help him fulfill his dream. Instead she thought he was just making it up.

Big Macintosh ran. He wasn't sure where he was going, but he needed to be away from Ponyville, away from all the ponies looking at him, away from all the ponies who couldn't see him as anything but another pony.

****

He slowed down and trotted along a lonely road outside Ponyville, walking for a bit before stopping to sit down under a tree by the side of the road. Out here the world was quiet, out here he could sit and just be, without having to be anything. He leaned back against the tree and looked up at the sky. Was it really so odd that he wanted to be a puppet, not a pony? And if Twilight wouldn't help him, who would?

His thoughts were disturbed by a sound some distance away. His ears perked up as he listened. Somewhere somepony was complaining loudly to themselves.

“Stupid wagon, stupid ditch, stupid wagon getting stuck in stupid ditch! Stupid Twilight Sparkle who would lift the stupid thing out of there with her stupid magic! Oh how she would gloat if she was here now!”

Big Macintosh got up and followed the voice. Coming over a small hill he saw a lonely unicorn trying to get a large wagon out of the ditch all by herself, a hopeless task it seemed. Her azure coat was muddy and her nearly white mane a mess from the frantic work. She didn't notice Big Macintosh as he walked up behind her.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get free this instant, you stupid wagon!” She cried in frustration and kicked the wagon, to which it remained completely ignorant.

Big Macintosh cleared his throat a little. “You need any help there, ma'am?”

Trixie, which seemed to be her name, jumped and spun around. “Ah!” Self-conscious about her display of surprise, the unicorn quickly switched tone, “Didn't somepony ever tell you not to sneak up on ponies, hmm? No matter,” she gave the stallion an appraising look, “you appear capable. The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get her wagon out of this ditch for her. Perhaps she could be convinced to...” she looked him over again, smiling, “reward such a handsome pony for the trouble.”

“Eeyup,” the stallion said, ignoring the friendly wink, and took quick stock of the wagon. The unicorn watched hopefully as he walked around the carriage and gave it a good push, his muscles flexing as he put all his strength behind it. The wagon gave a little, then began slowly rolling back out on the road.

“Yes, yes, that's the stuff!” Trixie cheered as Big Macintosh pushed the heavy wagon free of the ditch. “My, you are a strong one,” she grinned, “a proper stallion aren't you? Not like those sops Trixie paid back in Hoofington to pull the thing, if she ever see those two again...” Big Macintosh stopped the wagon and wiped his brow. Trixie winked at him, “so how can the Great and Powerful Trixie reward you? Perhaps you would like to come in for a... drink, hmm?”

“Nnnope,” he drawled and turned to walk back the way he came. The last thing he wanted was company right now.

Trixie watched him for a moment, before rushing after him. “Wait, don't go. Surely there is something... anything that Trixie can offer as thanks?” She puffed herself up a little, “It is not often that she offers such, and certainly not to anypony, you should know.”

“You wouldn't understand,” he said plainly, keeping his pace and hoping the stranger would leave him be so he could return to brooding under a tree.

“Oh? Perhaps Trixie did not introduce herself properly? It is not for nothing that she is called the Great and Powerful Trixie. Whatever your problem, good sir, Trixie will know the cure!”

“Nnnope! I need no cure,” he said, holding back his annoyance at the persistent mare, “Twilight Sparkle didn't understand either.” There was silence at last. Big Macintosh drew a slight breath of relief at the peace, but it was short-lived.

Trixie stormed past him and stopped in front of him, eyes wide and insistent, “Wait! Twilight Sparkle, from Ponyville? She couldn't help you?” Trixie looked at him intently, “Then the Great and Powerful Trixie will do it! Whatever it is, whatever Twilight couldn't do for you, Trixie will do instead! Just ask, and she will do it, and you better not doubt it!”

Big Macintosh stared at the crazy mare, then sighed. “Can you make me a puppet?”

Trixie blinked, then thought a bit, “is that all? Trixie can... can make you a puppet, sure. She already has a few in her wagon - for her shows you understand, purely for show! - maybe you'd like one of those? It would be a small thing, Trixie would give you one gladly.”

The big red stallion shook his big red head, “Nnnope, I want you to turn me into a puppet.”

Trixie looked utterly lost now. “You want me to... why would you want to...?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “Sorry for your time, miss,” and walked past Trixie. Maybe now he could get some peace and quiet to mull things over. It was certainly proving a challenge.

“No, wait!” Trixie called, a hint of desperation in her voice. “I'll do it! I mean... the Great and Powerful Trixie will do what Twilight Sparkle couldn't. The Great and Powerful Trixie promises to turn you into a puppet, because she can!” Big Macintosh turned around to see if she was joking, but Trixie looked serious. “Come back tomorrow, Trixie will be here.”

Big Macintosh smiled, “Eeyup!”

****

The farm was quiet as he returned, stepping carefully to not alert anypony. They were probably worried, but he could explain it all tomorrow. He just hoped they would accept his wish. He continued up the path and through the gate, but stopped when he spotted a familiar pony sitting outside the barn, leaning against the wall under the shadow of her hat.

Applejack lifted her head and pushed the hat up to look at him. “Ah was gettin' worried, big brother, ah thought ya ran off there. Very unlike ya.”

“Nnnope,” Big Macintosh said, trying to avoid getting into further discussion of the topic.

Applejack stood up. “Well, that's good an' all, 'cause I spoke to Twilight and she was very worried for ya too. We also had a little talk with Rainbow Dash, an' she was real sorry for givin' ya such ideas, ain't that right RD?”

Big Macintosh turned to look at the rainbow mare who had been standing nearby without him noticing. She scraped the ground with one hoof, ashamedly, “Yeah... yeah, I'm really sorry. I thought we, you know, were talking about something else. But, you know...”

“She thinks ya should let Twilight help ya, so ya can forget these silly ideas, isn't that right?”

Rainbow Dash looked down and nodded quietly.

Big Macintosh glared at his sister, “I don't need no 'cure', and that's that!” With that he trotted past her towards the barn.

“Ah'm sorry, big brother,” Before he could react to what was going on, Applejack had launched herself at him, trying to tackle him. “It's for your own best. Twilight, quick, ah got him!”

Twilight appeared in a flash before him and lowered her horn towards him as he fought with Applejack. He wasn't sure where this was going, but he knew for sure he wanted none of it. “Nnnope!” He roared and kicked off Applejack before trampling over a surprised Twilight. He could hear them calling angrily for Rainbow Dash behind him as he ran, jumping over the fence to the apple orchard. He knew he couldn't outrun them, but maybe he could lose them among all the trees.

A rainbow blur hit the ground in front of him like a prismatic bolt of lightning from the sky. “Run north!” Rainbow Dash said quickly, “I'll lead them the other way. Go!” And with that the rainbow mare was gone again. Not stopping to wonder at the unexpected aid, Big Macintosh turned and galloped north among the densely growing trees.

He didn't stop until he could no longer see the farm behind him or hear the distant calls of his name.

****

“Good, you are here. Trixie was getting worried you wouldn't show up, but Trixie promised she would turn you into a puppet, and Trixie is a mare of her word. She has prepared and soon she shall show that obnoxious little Twilight who is the better unicorn, oh yes!”

Big Macintosh shook his head heavily, “Nnnope, Twilight can't know. She doesn't understand.”

Trixie frowned, “You're asking an awful lot now, big guy. The Great and Powerful Trixie was looking forward to showing up Twilight Sparkle, what is in it for her now if you won't let her do that?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “You promised. And I helped with your wagon.”

Trixie scrunched up her face, “Trixie did, and so you did.” She looked him over thoughtfully, “Trixie thinks it is a great shame to turn such a strong and handsome stallion into a mere puppet, but she did promise.” She tilted her head as she pondered, muttering to herself, “Perhaps Trixie could show you off in her show, yes... yes,” she lit up, “Trixie will grant your wish, and in return she shall be your new mistress. Together we shall tour the lands and tell such grand stories, of the Great and Powerful Trixie and her enchanted puppet.”

Big Macintosh neighed and nodded vigorously at the prospect of finally being a real puppet in a real puppet show. Oh the lives he would live and stories he would tell.

“Good. Good!” Trixie chuckled with glee, as she moved him into place. “You stand there, stand very still and be quiet. This will require Trixie's full attention. Ready, big guy?”

“Eeyup!” Big Macintosh felt ecstatic but stood as still and quiet as only he could. Trixie's horn glowed, the light quickly increasing in intensity as the stallion felt himself lifted into the air. Soon... soon his greatest dream would come true. Soon he would finally become what he had always dreamed of. A deep smile spread across his face as he embraced his destiny.

Trixie clenched her teeth in an expression of intense concentration, tiny beads of sweat forming on her brow as the magic coursing through her grew to new heights. This was it, her greatest moment, outshining that little miss know-it-all! “You may have defeated an Ursa Minor, but I turned a pony into a puppet. A real puppet! Hahah!” Trixie collapsed with a cry of success. She had done it!

****

“Trixie is pleased, my puppet!” Trixie laughed as she held up the wooden stallion by its threads, “All stallions should be as willing to please their mistress, don't you agree?” The puppet nodded enthusiastically, “Good! We'll make a fine pair, my puppet. A fine pair! And Equestria, neigh the very world, will bow down before us in praise and adoration!”

A running of hooves on the road behind her made Trixie turn around with an annoyed expression. “What now? Trixie is not in the mood to be disturbed, she is far too busy being pleased with herself!” She frowned as a purple unicorn came running down the road and stopped when she saw Trixie.

“Greetings friend, have you seen...” The unicorn broke off as she looked closer at the pony in front of her, “Oh, Trixie... hello,” she frowned a little, “have you seen a big red stallion around here? He ran away and we're very concerned for his well being.”

Trixie quickly hid the puppet behind her and straightened up, puffing out her chest and giving Twilight a haughty gaze. “The Great and Powerful Trixie knows not of what you speak, Twilight Sparkle. Now run along, Trixie requires peace and quiet so she can practice her amazing magic without your pointless distractions.”

Twilight looked at her, before finally shaking her head. “Right. If you do see him please tell him we're sorry and want him to come back.” Without wasting any further time, Twilight galloped off down the road.

Trixie smirked as she watched her nemesis run off without a clue of what had transpired. “You know, my puppet, Trixie thinks it is even more satisfying to leave the foal in ignorance than to show her up in front of everypony. She will never know what Trixie knows. Poor ignorant Twilight,” she said as she stepped inside her wagon, Big Macintosh dangling in his threads behind her.

I bet a psychologist would find this interesting...

That was certainly an interesting story. I think I'd like to see a follow-up as well.

[Deadly]

That was certainly an interesting story. I think I'd like to see a follow-up as well.

Thanks :)

I think I'd prefer to see somepony else write a follow-up rather than do it myself.

[Beacon of Chaos]

Wow, so I woke up this morning to find that ponythread had progressed by only one page. Saving up for tomorrow guys? :smalltongue:

@Deadly: Well... that was an interesting story, if a little creepy. I mean, if he's a puppet is it like being in stone, or is he... aware? Don't answer that, I'd rather not know either way.

Just one nitpick though; you keep refering to "Mister" Smartypants. Smartypants is a girl ("I really like her mane!")

[Deadly]

@Deadly: Well... that was an interesting story, if a little creepy. I mean, if he's a puppet is it like being in stone, or is he... aware? Don't answer that, I'd rather not know either way.

Thanks :)


Just one nitpick though; you keep refering to "Mister" Smartypants. Smartypants is a girl ("I really like her mane!")

Whoops :smallredface: Thanks for catching that one... how embarrassing

[Bayonet Priest]

Wow, so I woke up this morning to find that ponythread had progressed by only one page. Saving up for tomorrow guys? :smalltongue:

Ponythread has been much slower lately. I wonder if it's because of the IRC.

[Jahkaivah]

I personally think that Heartstrings is a far better name than Lyria

Sure, but Lyra is an even better name than Heartstrings and Lyria.

[Soras Teva Gee]

Wow, so I woke up this morning to find that ponythread had progressed by only one page. Saving up for tomorrow guys? :smalltongue:

Get this I log on this morning and I'm scanning the forum and I'm all "Where the heck is ponythread?" and then I see it was actually not at the top of the forum.... it had gone get this 3 Hours without a post.

Crazy.

[Beacon of Chaos]

Just saw this, made me laugh: :smallbiggrin:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/aa4506373f9e69b76188a36acbb71c75/80301%20-%20artist%3ARankao%20caption%20captioneer%3Adzamie %20extreme_learning%20macro%20surfing%20twilight_s parkle.jpg

[Deadly]

Just saw this, made me laugh: :smallbiggrin:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/aa4506373f9e69b76188a36acbb71c75/80301%20-%20artist%3ARankao%20caption%20captioneer%3Adzamie %20extreme_learning%20macro%20surfing%20twilight_s parkle.jpg

That's awesome! http://i.imgur.com/Dy4NS.png


Get this I log on this morning and I'm scanning the forum and I'm all "Where the heck is ponythread?" and then I see it was actually not at the top of the forum.... it had gone get this 3 Hours without a post.

Crazy.

Wow... that's not awesome http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.png

[Pokonic]

Hey, everypony, check todays Wall Street journal.

Wait for it...


EDIT: Well, it seems that I realy should read a page or two before I post anything. What should we call that, anyway? Sumoed?



Wow... that's not awesome

Its that IRC! Its sucking everyone into it! Must, resist..

[Soras Teva Gee]

EDIT: Well, it seems that I realy should read a page or two before I post anything. What should we call that, anyway? Sumoed?

As the preceding party I consider it a sworn duty to inform you the most common term is "ninja'd" though in reference to ponies I have viewed "pinkied" for some reason.

[BlasTech]

Thanks for the help everyone! Even if we couldn't find a pattern posted somewhere, it just confirms to my mind that noone has put one up yet.

I'll fall back to my failsafe backup plan, which is to take a screencap of trixie or somepony else rearing back and pixilate it in photoshop :smalltongue:


Get this I log on this morning and I'm scanning the forum and I'm all "Where the heck is ponythread?" and then I see it was actually not at the top of the forum.... it had gone get this 3 Hours without a post.

Crazy.

Sorry! I was sleeping, I'm awake now and will get right on fixing this.

(2 hours early due to the sleeping pattern I had last week ... yay work!)


To the various peeps who helped me come up with a humanised Charger, I think I finally did it (http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/843/day170a.jpg). So thanks!

Yay Charger! I really like her mane, hair! Your drawing skill never ceases to impress :smallwink:

PS: Thanqol, I've just found out that there is a potential brony meetup in NSW for the 20th of November ... Don't shift anything too major in anticipation though, nothing has been specified except for the anticipated date, and given the slap dash organisation of the last one there is a decent chance it might all end in fire and tree sap again.


Absolutely!

Hmm, I think this is the first time I've made it into a sig...this calls for A PARTY!


It is my ambition one day to say something here that is sufficiently wise, witty or meta to be used as a signature.

(wonders if he made it too obvious) :smallbiggrin:


It is?
Whelp, better find something more obscure. Nice knowing y'all.


http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/156/a/1/hipster_rainbow_dash_by_blackfeathr-d3i5yd7.png

[Gamerlord]

Episode Nine synopsis *SPOILERS, RUMORS* . (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/11/season-2-episode-9-sweet-and-elite.html)
This episode sounds like it will be wonderfully cliche.

[Pokonic]

As the preceding party I consider it a sworn duty to inform you the most common term is "ninja'd" though in reference to ponies I have viewed "pinkied" for some reason.

Nah, ninja'd is when someone posts within the first few moments of posting. After about five hours, ninja is not realy a term that makes sense.

"Pinkied" works, tho.:smallbiggrin:

[Athaniar]

Episode Nine synopsis *SPOILERS, RUMORS* . (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/11/season-2-episode-9-sweet-and-elite.html)
Ooh, interesting.
Looks like they intend on making up for not having Rarity in Luna Eclipsed. More of Canterlot is also interesting. Will we see Blueblood again, or maybe Octavia?

[Gamerlord]

Ooh, interesting.
Looks like they intend on making up for not having Rarity in Luna Eclipsed. More of Canterlot is also interesting. Will we see Blueblood again, or maybe Octavia?
ep 9 stuff
Why would Rarity ever want anything to do with Blueblood ever again though? :smallconfused: :smalltongue:

[Athaniar]

ep 9 stuff
Why would Rarity ever want anything to do with Blueblood ever again though? :smallconfused: :smalltongue:

That's the point! Just imagine her desperately trying to avoid him.

[Lix Lorn]

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/156/a/1/hipster_rainbow_dash_by_blackfeathr-d3i5yd7.png
Pffffha. xD
Saved.

[RdMarquis]

Delusional most likely. I don't know enough psychology to say anything about schizophrenia.

In some cases, believing in delusions is a symptom of schizophrenia, so it could be both.


Just saw this, made me laugh: :smallbiggrin:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/aa4506373f9e69b76188a36acbb71c75/80301%20-%20artist%3ARankao%20caption%20captioneer%3Adzamie %20extreme_learning%20macro%20surfing%20twilight_s parkle.jpg

Nice. :smallbiggrin:

[H Birchgrove]

Have you seen this? (http://youtu.be/sXoYK4b_q24)

[Gaelbert]

Have you seen this? (http://youtu.be/sXoYK4b_q24)

I for one welcome our new equine overlords.

[Beacon of Chaos]

Couple of pics, for no real reason:

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/721842d396b3936d1c9310d213644815/80136%20-%20artist%3Adinopopsicle%20zecora.png

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/64b9b0e27b3bc819cdc2be7b665f71b5/80326%20-%20Canterlot%20artist%3Ajohn_joseco%20celestia%20l una.png

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/a92a896c1c990b6805c53059ba3ec1ef/80158%20-%20Legend%20archeology%20artist%3Akittiara%20futur e%20heroes%20mane_six%20mosaic%20mural%20oc%20pega sus%20ruins.jpg

[Gaelbert]

Couple of pics, for no real reason:

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/721842d396b3936d1c9310d213644815/80136%20-%20artist%3Adinopopsicle%20zecora.png

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/64b9b0e27b3bc819cdc2be7b665f71b5/80326%20-%20Canterlot%20artist%3Ajohn_joseco%20celestia%20l una.png

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/a92a896c1c990b6805c53059ba3ec1ef/80158%20-%20Legend%20archeology%20artist%3Akittiara%20futur e%20heroes%20mane_six%20mosaic%20mural%20oc%20pega sus%20ruins.jpg

I like that last one. Is there some sort of story behind it?

[UrsielHauke]

Wait...

If Prince Blueblood is Celestia's nephew, does that mean he's Luna's son? Or is there a third sister? Also, he's not an alicorn...

Help... me....

http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.png

[Thanqol]

Here's a silly little story, I'd love if anypony would read it and tell me what you think.

It's a story about Big Macintosh trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a real puppet, and his friends not quite understanding this unusual wish. Features Smartypants, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Trixie. It's meant to be silly and not to be taken very serious.

Let me know if it is any good (or if it's garbage and I should be ashamed), and whether I should send it off to EqD once it's finished. If so, I'd love some thoughts on the exact tags and other keywords too. It doesn't really contain any real shipping IMO, just a bit of unreciprocated flirting. And it wasn't meant to be sad either, but I figured maybe some might find the ending sad or disturbing maybe.

Oh, and maybe implied attempts at mind-altering magic, for those who aren't comfortable with that sort of thing.

Mostly it's just meant to be a silly little story about a pony who wants to be something he's not. I'll stop babbling now and just let you read it.

The Pony Who Wanted to be a Real Puppet
[Random][Possibly Sad][Light ShippingFlirting]

Big Macintosh wiped the sweat from his brow and quietly wondered what in Equestria he might have done to the princess to deserve such a blazing heat on the day he had to plow the fields. Looking up at the clear blue sky the sun seemed to gaze down upon him with radiant glee. It was a day more suited to lounging under an apple tree with a cold bottle of juice than working the fields, but work was work and it all had to be done. The big pony moved his straw to the other side of his mouth in a determined expression and continued his slow trot over the field, the plow creating a deep cut in his wake. If he worked hard he could be done before dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening under that tree. A reward for hard work well done was always welcome.

Working the fields was a slow and monotonous task, which left the stallion with ample time for daydreaming, something he often did. And as usual these days, he found his thoughts drawn to the raggedy doll riding along on his sturdy back. He smiled to himself despite the hard work, “Eeyup, yours is an easy life, mister Smartypants.” As his hooves trotted along in the field, his mind drifted off to stranger places, imagining all the possible lives of a doll or a puppet. If he was a puppet, he could be anything. One day a humble work horse, the next a great adventurer seeking glory and gold in mystical lands, or a grand vizier in the court of the princesses. Such tales the telling of which he could be a part of. Endless possibilities, if only he was a puppet.

“Eeyup!” he drawled. The more he thought about it, the more it always felt like the life of a puppet was the life for him. What a curse it seemed to have been born a simple pony, when he could have been a real puppet in a real play. His daydreaming, however, was abruptly shattered by a cry from above.

“Look out below!” came a drawn out voice moments before a rainbow blur streaked past him and crashed into the ground, plowing violently through the field before coming to a stop several yards away under the shadow of a big chestnut tree which stubbornly refused to step aside for any pegasus.

Big Macintosh stared with a slack-jawed expression at the massive ravine of rocks and dirt that had appeared in his beautifully plowed field. Resetting his jaw into a firm scowl he released himself from the plow and strode purposefully along the ravine to the crash site under the chestnut tree. Sticking his hoof into the crater he pulled out a grinning pegasus. “Rainbow Dash! What have you got to say for yourself?” he asked, throwing his head in the direction of the wrecked fields.

The rainbow mare grinned apologetically, “Heh heh, uh, sorry about that?” She rubbed her shoulder a little at the stare she received, “We were just having a friendly welcome-to-the-weather-team match of sky polo for this new pegasus, and I wanted to show her how it's done here in Ponyville. Heh, I guess I overdid it.”

Big Macintosh switched the straw to the other side of his mouth, “I bet you did,” and turned around, dragging her with him back towards the plow.

Rainbow Dash blinked, “Uh...where are we going?”

He sat her down by the plow and took off his harness, throwing it over her shoulders. “You're gonna fix your own mess,” he said and pointed a hoof at the ravished field.

Rainbow Dash sank a little under the heavy harness, which was at least several sizes too large for her. “Oh, I-I'm no work horse. It would take me forever.” She chuckled a little uncertainly.

“I say, you better get started then,” Big Macintosh said plainly, “Iron Pony.”

“Come on. I'm sorry,” Rainbow Dash's ears drooped, “You can't be serious... Are you serious?”

“Eeyup! Dead serious.”

****

“So uh, thanks for the drink,” Rainbow Dash said.

Big Macintosh just gave a single nod of his head as he took a swig of his juice. The field was once again nicely plowed, and the two ponies were taking a well deserved rest under the big chestnut tree, each with a chilled apple juice, enjoying the last rays of sunlight. Big Macintosh found himself once again adrift in the lands of puppets, this time playing a noble knight with his loyal friend, Smartypants by his side. He sighed at the thought of the great quests they would undertake together.

“You seem a little blue,” he heard Rainbow Dash say, “not that being blue is bad, you know, because it's such an awesome color,” the pegasus continued, apparently having lost the initial line of thought in the boastful rambling that followed. Big Macintosh opened his eyes and gave her a quizzical look. Rainbow Dash grinned, “anyway, you all right there buddy?”

Big Macintosh returned to his half-slumber. “None of your business. You'll just laugh at me, like with my Smartypants doll.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled and gave the stallion a friendly jab on the shoulder, “Hey, it's all in good fun. You know I never meant anything with it. It was just a little funny the way you carry him around all the time. So what's the deal, big guy?”

“You wouldn't understand,” Big Macintosh said.

The rainbow pony lit up, “that sounds like a challenge! Try me.”

Big Macintosh sat up with a sigh. “Sometimes I wish I was... different, that I was something else,” he said, a little evasively as he glanced down at the old, raggedy doll leaned against the tree next to him.

Rainbow Dash followed his gaze and pondered the answer, a look of surprise understanding on her face. “Really? Wow... I, you know, just between you and me, I've always felt kinda the same. I didn't know you... I mean...” She smiled, “But hey, you shouldn't be so sad about it. I always thought I was different and, you know, wrong, but then at flight camp I met this really cool person...” her eyes showed a brief sadness, “well, she WAS cool... anyway, she showed me that I wasn't alone and that my dream was worth following. Maybe one day I'll take the step and convince Twilight to look into a spell, you know...” she grinned and gave him a nudge with her hoof, “because dreams are there to be followed.”

He glanced at her for a long time, then nodded, “Eeyup!” It was rare for the rainbow mare to make so much sense, Big Macintosh thought to himself.

****

Big Macintosh hesitated as he stood before the door to the Ponyville library. It had seemed so clear this morning. After pondering on Rainbow Dash's words of the previous night he had made the decision to seek out Twilight, but could he really go through with it? He lowered his hoof again, settling it back down on the ground and glanced over his shoulder at the doll riding along on his back. The old thing looked back at him with its beady, unblinking eyes. There was a certainty in those eyes, their unchanging gaze inspired determination in the big stallion's heart and with renewed purpose he lifted his hoof once more to give the door to the library a firm rapping.

Twilight's voice was heard clearly through the door. “Spike! Could you get that, please?”

There was a bit of shuffling, then the door opened and Twilight's young assistant looked out at him. “Yes? Oh, hey Big Macintosh. You here to see Twilight?”

Big Macintosh nodded, “Eeyup. If she ain't too busy.”

The young dragon paused and glanced over his shoulder. “Well, perhaps I could help. You need a book or something? I'm the one who always gets them for Twilight anyway,” he said proudly.

The big red stallion shook his mighty head, “Nnnope. I would like to speak with Twilight... in private.”

Spike grumbled and called for Twilight before disappearing up the stairs. Big Macintosh stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He looked around at all the books and shelves. It wasn't often he came to the library, even his sister only came here because of Twilight. He randomly picked a book from a nearby shelf and examined the cover. “Contemporary Magic Analysis” the title read boldly. Flipping to a random page Big Macintosh gazed at the tight script and arcane symbols.

He smiled as his imagination took over, whisking away the dreary drapery of the real world to make way for the fantasy. “From careful analysis we show that the common Come to Life spell does not satisfy the conditions of Marera's theorem,” the distinguished old scholar spoke to his eager student, the young but brilliant mister Smartypants who was taking copious notes in his little notebook, “and in fact produces undefined results for some objects within its domain.”

He was broken out of his dream by Twilight's friendly voice behind him. “A fascinating topic, isn't it? If you wish a more rigorous examination I would highly recommend some of Coltshy's original work,” the lavender unicorn rambled on as she pulled out an old book from the shelf, “contemporary is fine, but you can't go wrong with the classics, as I always say.”

Seeing Big Macintosh's face, Twilight's own lit up in realization, followed by disappointment. “Oh, you're not here about magical theory. I'm sorry, I should have known you weren't... well, since you're not a unicorn.” She shuffled her hooves a bit, clearly sad that he wasn't going to discuss the esoteric details of magic with her, “Not that that has to stop you, of course! You'd be surprised how many non-unicorns study the theory. Why, Starswirl the Bearded was an earth pony too and one of the great masters of the pre-classical era. His work on the theory of magic led to the development of many unique and diverse spells.” Noticing the patient, but increasingly blank look of the large stallion, Twilight coughed and blushed. “Sorry, I get carried away. What can I do for you today, then?”

Big Macintosh decided to be blunt and get straight to the point. He needed to get this out, and he had never been one to stall anyway. He took a long breath to gather his nerves before speaking. “I was wondering if you could turn me into a puppet.”

“Well, I... what?” Twilight looked up at him with a look of mixed confusion and concern. “Turn you into a... puppet?”

“Eeyup. Like mister Smartypants here,” he gave the doll on his back a nudge with his head.

“And... why would you want that?” Twilight was obviously not grasping the request.

“It's what I've always wanted to be. I wish I was a puppet,” the big stallion said plainly. He wasn't one to meander around the point, even if he felt very uncomfortable talking about it, “it feels right.”

Twilight examined him with a worried look. “I see. I think perhaps I know what your problem is, Big Macintosh. I would be happy to help you.”

Big Macintosh followed her with his eyes as she walked around him. He wasn't exactly sure of her choice of words. “My... problem? That I'm not a puppet?”

Twilight smiled sympathetically. “I'm really sorry, Big Macintosh. It appears that you are suffering from lingering effects of Discord's manipulations, or perhaps of my own Want It, Need It spell.” She looked somewhat ashamed at the mention of that whole incident, even Big Macintosh knew that the princess had been tough on Twilight for it. “It could even be a combination. Magic sometimes has unexpected results when mixed, and Discord's magic was, of course, pretty much by definition unpredictable. But don't worry, I promise I'll find a way to cure you of these... delusions. If nothing else I am certain the princess will know of a way to help you, if my own studies fail.”

Big Macintosh stared at the unicorn as she scrutinized him, supposedly looking for some lingering magic. “I am not joking, and I am not insane.”

“Oh, I know. And trust me, I am terribly sorry if my magic has caused you such problems. I promise I shall make it up to you, you'll be back to your good old self in no time.”

“I am my old self, and I don't want it. I want to be a puppet. A puppet, not a pony!” Big Macintosh felt himself growing frustrated at the lack of understanding. Why couldn't she understand, he was speaking plainly was he not?

Twilight bit her lip. “I'm... sorry, Big Macintosh. I can only imagine the kind of confusion you're going through. But even if I could, it would not be ethical to turn a pony into a puppet, even temporarily. The possibility, however small, of permanent damage, both physically and emotionally... No, I'm sorry.”

Big Macintosh sighed and turned around. “Sorry for taking your time, then,” he drawled.

Twilight rushed in front of him, pushing him back. “Oh my... Please, you are not well. I don't know what effect Discord or my spell might have had on you, but it is imperative that we find out so that we can prevent any further complications.”

“But...” Big Macintosh began, but was cut off.

“Don't worry, I'll help you. Now just stay here, don't go, I need to find a book... SPIKE!” Twilight turned and began scanning the shelves for some book. Seeing his chance, Big Macintosh bolted out through the door and galloped down the street, away from the library and the crazy unicorn. He felt terrible. He had hoped Twilight would understand, that she would help him fulfill his dream. Instead she thought he was just making it up.

Big Macintosh ran. He wasn't sure where he was going, but he needed to be away from Ponyville, away from all the ponies looking at him, away from all the ponies who couldn't see him as anything but another pony.

****

He slowed down and trotted along a lonely road outside Ponyville, walking for a bit before stopping to sit down under a tree by the side of the road. Out here the world was quiet, out here he could sit and just be, without having to be anything. He leaned back against the tree and looked up at the sky. Was it really so odd that he wanted to be a puppet, not a pony? And if Twilight wouldn't help him, who would?

His thoughts were disturbed by a sound some distance away. His ears perked up as he listened. Somewhere somepony was complaining loudly to themselves.

“Stupid wagon, stupid ditch, stupid wagon getting stuck in stupid ditch! Stupid Twilight Sparkle who would lift the stupid thing out of there with her stupid magic! Oh how she would gloat if she was here now!”

Big Macintosh got up and followed the voice. Coming over a small hill he saw a lonely unicorn trying to get a large wagon out of the ditch all by herself, a hopeless task it seemed. Her azure coat was muddy and her nearly white mane a mess from the frantic work. She didn't notice Big Macintosh as he walked up behind her.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get free this instant, you stupid wagon!” She cried in frustration and kicked the wagon, to which it remained completely ignorant.

Big Macintosh cleared his throat a little. “You need any help there, ma'am?”

Trixie, which seemed to be her name, jumped and spun around. “Ah!” Self-conscious about her display of surprise, the unicorn quickly switched tone, “Didn't somepony ever tell you not to sneak up on ponies, hmm? No matter,” she gave the stallion an appraising look, “you appear capable. The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you get her wagon out of this ditch for her. Perhaps she could be convinced to...” she looked him over again, smiling, “reward such a handsome pony for the trouble.”

“Eeyup,” the stallion said, ignoring the friendly wink, and took quick stock of the wagon. The unicorn watched hopefully as he walked around the carriage and gave it a good push, his muscles flexing as he put all his strength behind it. The wagon gave a little, then began slowly rolling back out on the road.

“Yes, yes, that's the stuff!” Trixie cheered as Big Macintosh pushed the heavy wagon free of the ditch. “My, you are a strong one,” she grinned, “a proper stallion aren't you? Not like those sops Trixie paid back in Hoofington to pull the thing, if she ever see those two again...” Big Macintosh stopped the wagon and wiped his brow. Trixie winked at him, “so how can the Great and Powerful Trixie reward you? Perhaps you would like to come in for a... drink, hmm?”

“Nnnope,” he drawled and turned to walk back the way he came. The last thing he wanted was company right now.

Trixie watched him for a moment, before rushing after him. “Wait, don't go. Surely there is something... anything that Trixie can offer as thanks?” She puffed herself up a little, “It is not often that she offers such, and certainly not to anypony, you should know.”

“You wouldn't understand,” he said plainly, keeping his pace and hoping the stranger would leave him be so he could return to brooding under a tree.

“Oh? Perhaps Trixie did not introduce herself properly? It is not for nothing that she is called the Great and Powerful Trixie. Whatever your problem, good sir, Trixie will know the cure!”

“Nnnope! I need no cure,” he said, holding back his annoyance at the persistent mare, “Twilight Sparkle didn't understand either.” There was silence at last. Big Macintosh drew a slight breath of relief at the peace, but it was short-lived.

Trixie stormed past him and stopped in front of him, eyes wide and insistent, “Wait! Twilight Sparkle, from Ponyville? She couldn't help you?” Trixie looked at him intently, “Then the Great and Powerful Trixie will do it! Whatever it is, whatever Twilight couldn't do for you, Trixie will do instead! Just ask, and she will do it, and you better not doubt it!”

Big Macintosh stared at the crazy mare, then sighed. “Can you make me a puppet?”

Trixie blinked, then thought a bit, “is that all? Trixie can... can make you a puppet, sure. She already has a few in her wagon - for her shows you understand, purely for show! - maybe you'd like one of those? It would be a small thing, Trixie would give you one gladly.”

The big red stallion shook his big red head, “Nnnope, I want you to turn me into a puppet.”

Trixie looked utterly lost now. “You want me to... why would you want to...?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “Sorry for your time, miss,” and walked past Trixie. Maybe now he could get some peace and quiet to mull things over. It was certainly proving a challenge.

“No, wait!” Trixie called, a hint of desperation in her voice. “I'll do it! I mean... the Great and Powerful Trixie will do what Twilight Sparkle couldn't. The Great and Powerful Trixie promises to turn you into a puppet, because she can!” Big Macintosh turned around to see if she was joking, but Trixie looked serious. “Come back tomorrow, Trixie will be here.”

Big Macintosh smiled, “Eeyup!”

****

The farm was quiet as he returned, stepping carefully to not alert anypony. They were probably worried, but he could explain it all tomorrow. He just hoped they would accept his wish. He continued up the path and through the gate, but stopped when he spotted a familiar pony sitting outside the barn, leaning against the wall under the shadow of her hat.

Applejack lifted her head and pushed the hat up to look at him. “Ah was gettin' worried, big brother, ah thought ya ran off there. Very unlike ya.”

“Nnnope,” Big Macintosh said, trying to avoid getting into further discussion of the topic.

Applejack stood up. “Well, that's good an' all, 'cause I spoke to Twilight and she was very worried for ya too. We also had a little talk with Rainbow Dash, an' she was real sorry for givin' ya such ideas, ain't that right RD?”

Big Macintosh turned to look at the rainbow mare who had been standing nearby without him noticing. She scraped the ground with one hoof, ashamedly, “Yeah... yeah, I'm really sorry. I thought we, you know, were talking about something else. But, you know...”

“She thinks ya should let Twilight help ya, so ya can forget these silly ideas, isn't that right?”

Rainbow Dash looked down and nodded quietly.

Big Macintosh glared at his sister, “I don't need no 'cure', and that's that!” With that he trotted past her towards the barn.

“Ah'm sorry, big brother,” Before he could react to what was going on, Applejack had launched herself at him, trying to tackle him. “It's for your own best. Twilight, quick, ah got him!”

Twilight appeared in a flash before him and lowered her horn towards him as he fought with Applejack. He wasn't sure where this was going, but he knew for sure he wanted none of it. “Nnnope!” He roared and kicked off Applejack before trampling over a surprised Twilight. He could hear them calling angrily for Rainbow Dash behind him as he ran, jumping over the fence to the apple orchard. He knew he couldn't outrun them, but maybe he could lose them among all the trees.

A rainbow blur hit the ground in front of him like a prismatic bolt of lightning from the sky. “Run north!” Rainbow Dash said quickly, “I'll lead them the other way. Go!” And with that the rainbow mare was gone again. Not stopping to wonder at the unexpected aid, Big Macintosh turned and galloped north among the densely growing trees.

He didn't stop until he could no longer see the farm behind him or hear the distant calls of his name.

****

“Good, you are here. Trixie was getting worried you wouldn't show up, but Trixie promised she would turn you into a puppet, and Trixie is a mare of her word. She has prepared and soon she shall show that obnoxious little Twilight who is the better unicorn, oh yes!”

Big Macintosh shook his head heavily, “Nnnope, Twilight can't know. She doesn't understand.”

Trixie frowned, “You're asking an awful lot now, big guy. The Great and Powerful Trixie was looking forward to showing up Twilight Sparkle, what is in it for her now if you won't let her do that?”

Big Macintosh sighed, “You promised. And I helped with your wagon.”

Trixie scrunched up her face, “Trixie did, and so you did.” She looked him over thoughtfully, “Trixie thinks it is a great shame to turn such a strong and handsome stallion into a mere puppet, but she did promise.” She tilted her head as she pondered, muttering to herself, “Perhaps Trixie could show you off in her show, yes... yes,” she lit up, “Trixie will grant your wish, and in return she shall be your new mistress. Together we shall tour the lands and tell such grand stories, of the Great and Powerful Trixie and her enchanted puppet.”

Big Macintosh neighed and nodded vigorously at the prospect of finally being a real puppet in a real puppet show. Oh the lives he would live and stories he would tell.

“Good. Good!” Trixie chuckled with glee, as she moved him into place. “You stand there, stand very still and be quiet. This will require Trixie's full attention. Ready, big guy?”

“Eeyup!” Big Macintosh felt ecstatic but stood as still and quiet as only he could. Trixie's horn glowed, the light quickly increasing in intensity as the stallion felt himself lifted into the air. Soon... soon his greatest dream would come true. Soon he would finally become what he had always dreamed of. A deep smile spread across his face as he embraced his destiny.

Trixie clenched her teeth in an expression of intense concentration, tiny beads of sweat forming on her brow as the magic coursing through her grew to new heights. This was it, her greatest moment, outshining that little miss know-it-all! “You may have defeated an Ursa Minor, but I turned a pony into a puppet. A real puppet! Hahah!” Trixie collapsed with a cry of success. She had done it!

****

“Trixie is pleased, my puppet!” Trixie laughed as she held up the wooden stallion by its threads, “All stallions should be as willing to please their mistress, don't you agree?” The puppet nodded enthusiastically, “Good! We'll make a fine pair, my puppet. A fine pair! And Equestria, neigh the very world, will bow down before us in praise and adoration!”

A running of hooves on the road behind her made Trixie turn around with an annoyed expression. “What now? Trixie is not in the mood to be disturbed, she is far too busy being pleased with herself!” She frowned as a purple unicorn came running down the road and stopped when she saw Trixie.

“Greetings friend, have you seen...” The unicorn broke off as she looked closer at the pony in front of her, “Oh, Trixie... hello,” she frowned a little, “have you seen a big red stallion around here? He ran away and we're very concerned for his well being.”

Trixie quickly hid the puppet behind her and straightened up, puffing out her chest and giving Twilight a haughty gaze. “The Great and Powerful Trixie knows not of what you speak, Twilight Sparkle. Now run along, Trixie requires peace and quiet so she can practice her amazing magic without your pointless distractions.”

Twilight looked at her, before finally shaking her head. “Right. If you do see him please tell him we're sorry and want him to come back.” Without wasting any further time, Twilight galloped off down the road.

Trixie smirked as she watched her nemesis run off without a clue of what had transpired. “You know, my puppet, Trixie thinks it is even more satisfying to leave the foal in ignorance than to show her up in front of everypony. She will never know what Trixie knows. Poor ignorant Twilight,” she said as she stepped inside her wagon, Big Macintosh dangling in his threads behind her.

I bet a psychologist would find this interesting...

Quoted for reading later.


It is?
Whelp, better find something more obscure. Nice knowing y'all.

I hear there's something happening with Mister Ed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr_Ed). That's still obscure. And still pony!


AWESOME.

:smallredface:


Yay Charger! I really like her mane, hair! Your drawing skill never ceases to impress :smallwink:

If you replace 'skill' with 'bloody-minded determination' then we have agreement. Also, thanks :smallredface:


PS: Thanqol, I've just found out that there is a potential brony meetup in NSW for the 20th of November ... Don't shift anything too major in anticipation though, nothing has been specified except for the anticipated date, and given the slap dash organisation of the last one there is a decent chance it might all end in fire and tree sap again.

I SHALL QUIT MY JOB AND MOVE AT ONCE

In actuality, that's looking like like 2 days before two tests so depending how well I organise my stuff and how far away it is I might have to pike this one. If you have any influence with the organiser at all, delaying it till the 25th would be a huge help :smallsmile:

EDIT: In actuallity, 2 days before 1 test, which makes the kicker 'can I be organised enough to spare 1/2 days'.


http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/156/a/1/hipster_rainbow_dash_by_blackfeathr-d3i5yd7.png

I liked ponies when it was taboo.

[otakuryoga]

As the preceding party I consider it a sworn duty to inform you the most common term is "ninja'd" though in reference to ponies I have viewed "pinkied" for some reason.

because for a while we had a pinkie in ninja gear emote floating around...and since this IS pony thread Pinkie'd is more appropriate than Ninja'd

grumble grumble...gonna have to do an archive dive this weekend to find that emote

[Zevox]

Wait...

If Prince Blueblood is Celestia's nephew, does that mean he's Luna's son? Or is there a third sister? Also, he's not an alicorn...

Help... me....

http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.png


Lauren Faust commented on that on Deviantart at one point. He's a very distant relative, something like 50 generations removed, but they call him a nephew for simplicity's sake. Celestia and Luna have no other siblings nor any children.

Zevox

[Gaelbert]

Wait...

If Prince Blueblood is Celestia's nephew, does that mean he's Luna's son? Or is there a third sister? Also, he's not an alicorn...

Help... me....

http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.png



Word of Faust has it that she wanted to call him a Duke, but the executives didn't think the demographic would understand that. So basically he's very distantly related, and not really Celestia's nephew.

Edit: Pinkie'd.

[Fallen Angel]

Disappoint in the thread title.

Could have been very punny.

[Gamerlord]

Disappoint in the thread title.

Could have been very punny.
You say that like we want puns. :smalltongue:

[Athaniar]

We eventually decided against something saucy. Likely to preserve the sanity of those who still have some left.

[Aotrs Commander]

So, I have (after quite some time and effort) written the scenario for this coming Thursday's Accelerate & Attack game, in which the Pegasus Heavy Bombers -

(for those of you unfamiliar, these)
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/Pegasuspainted.jpg

- will be getting their debut appearance, and thus hopefully commiting bloody murder upon the Neu Swabian League Kriegsraumflotte with their Atomic Rainbombs...

[RdMarquis]

Plus, we've had more than enough puns in past threads. Tree related ones, anyway (And by the way, that was comment, not an invitation).

[the_druid_droid]

I love this blog so much:

New Dr. Adorable (http://ask-dr-adorable.tumblr.com/post/12270996622/maybe-we-could-just-skip-the-ransom-and-call-it)

[Lix Lorn]

Plus, we've had more than enough puns in past threads. Tree related ones, anyway (And by the way, that was comment, not an invitation).
I can't be-leaf you'd tempt fate like that.

[RdMarquis]

I can't be-leaf you'd tempt fate like that.

Urgh, not again. :smallsigh:

Uh, quick! Look! Fluttershy's being adorably evil!

http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/view/79817?search=ask_dr_adorable

[Tiki Snakes]

A thread or so ago, someone mentioned they had confirmed that Saints Row 3's character builder demo was capable of putting together members of the Mane 6. So, having downloaded 'Initiation Station' and having a few hours to fill, I gave it a shot myself.

Worth noting, they weren't intended to look like freakish mutants.
http://i40.tinypic.com/wmkwhj.jpg
Pinkie Pie (http://www.saintsrow.com/uk/community/characters/details/126189308842959421)

http://i44.tinypic.com/10z7g4w.jpg
Rarity (http://www.saintsrow.com/uk/community/characters/details/126189308842943523)

http://i42.tinypic.com/9ptgya.jpg
Fluttershy (http://www.saintsrow.com/uk/community/characters/details/126189308842952005)

http://i39.tinypic.com/a4q0dw.jpg
Applejack (http://www.saintsrow.com/uk/community/characters/details/126189308842922081)

http://i40.tinypic.com/2j0ib8x.jpg
Rainbow Dash (http://www.saintsrow.com/uk/community/characters/details/126189308842957270)

http://i40.tinypic.com/8xpk06.jpg
Twilight Sparkle (http://www.saintsrow.com/uk/community/characters/details/126189308842948276)

There are plenty to rival these on the gallery already and I'm quite confident that there will be far, far superior and more accurate ones in the days to come.
Still, it was fun. It's not as flexible a system as 2, but it's shinier in it's own way.

[otakuryoga]

wow..just looked in other games forum

warhammer40k and WoW threads are same threads started back in july

and to think...i used to consider them fast because they went through a page and a half a week....

ahhhh, the naievity of youth....


Urgh, not again. :smallsigh:

Uh, quick! Look! Fluttershy's being adorably evil!

http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/view/79817?search=ask_dr_adorable

no...i think i shall keep my eyes rooted right where they are
helped by the fact that tumblr is blocked here at work 8(

[byaku rai]

We eventually decided against something saucy. Likely to preserve the sanity of those who still have some left.

Sanity? What is this sanity? This is the PONYTHREAD. We all abandoned sanity for better things ages ago.

[Tiki Snakes]

Sanity? What is this sanity? This is the PONYTHREAD. We all abandoned sanity for better things ages ago.

As a resource becomes more scarce, it usually becomes significantly more valuable. Jus' saying.

[Topaz]

Several years ago
I said goodbye to my own sanity.
But I don't, no,
I don't, no,
I don't mind at all.

[Thanqol]

I don't know what you guys are talking about. I'm saner than I've ever been.

If I'm defining sanity as control I have over my own mind, I'm totally sane.

I'm not bound at all by what society thinks. I can watch ponies and unironically enjoy it. And they can't make me feel guilty about it. I'm free.

If that's not sanity, I don't know what is.

[Hiro Protagonest]

I have found the MLP/D&D crossover! (http://friendshipisdragons.thecomicseries.com/comics/)

[SiuiS]

It is?
Whelp, better find something more obscure. Nice knowing y'all.

What the?

GET YOUR MARK BACK HERE, YOUNG FILLY!


Pffffha. xD
Saved.

Kinda looks like you, even. Except less socks :smallbiggrin:


Disappoint in the thread title.

Could have been very punny.

Believe you me, the last ten pages of last thread were pretty darn heated ove that very topic.
Why, I even had somepony only give me one spoon of sugar in my tea when I had asked for three. I tells ya mate, Ponythread debate bruncheons get downright vicious.


You say that like we want puns. :smalltongue:

Yew say that like we donut.


As a resource becomes more scarce, it usually becomes significantly more valuable. Jus' saying.

Psh. Sanity is a hindrance.
Besides, like any good resource, we can just harvest it elsewhere, or shake some poor human down in an alley. You're a mind flayer, I'm sure you understand how easy that is.

-

Thanqol, sanity is a standardize reference point for mentality which can accurately be declared unanimous across the entire human species. The first thing you have to come to terms with once you exceed humanity is that technically, you are not insane. The farther your standard gets from the normal human condition, the less sanity applies to you. Which really doesn't help your case when you tryto explain to somepony that no, you aren't a power mad wizard. You're just operating from a different perspective.

The real important art is that the farther away fro Sanity you get, the more important your sense of humanity becomes. Being functionally unsane is easy, if you are careful. Look at Bleakbane.

But sanity in the end is a crutch. It's correct for 95% of people 95% of the time. The other 5% have to play along, because everyone thinks they are that special 5%. You've moved beyond needing sanity as a stricture, and for that I commend you. I myself am bumping into the bars of my cage and it's, if you'll pardon the expression, maddening.

[Aotrs Commander]

As you know, I am not, to put it mildly, a particular fan of Blueblood.

It is, then,high praise indeed that I can say Best Night Ever (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/11/story-best-night-ever.html) - in essense, Prince Blueblood does Groundhog day - is an very well done story, and well worth a read.



I also do have to say, that there does appear to be more sanity than ponysanity around here of late - heck, I'm starting to look like the crazy one, me, the former designated (comparatively) sane person... Ponythread seems almost... quiet.

If I were particulary paranoid, I might suspect you all to be planning some anti-Lich scheme behind my back, haha!

Uh...boss, you are particulary paranoid.

??

!!

!!

I'M ON TO YOU PONYTHREAD!!!! YOU SHALL NOT SUCCEED!!!! I'M FAR TOO CLEVER TO FALL FOR YOUR CUNNING SCHEMES!!!! AHAHAHAHA!!!!

*sigh*

[Athaniar]

I don't know what you guys are talking about. I'm saner than I've ever been.

If I'm defining sanity as control I have over my own mind, I'm totally sane.

I'm not bound at all by what society thinks. I can watch ponies and unironically enjoy it. And they can't make me feel guilty about it. I'm free.

If that's not sanity, I don't know what is.
...but it's so much more fun pretending we are all insane. http://i.imgur.com/ROEne.png

[Lix Lorn]

What the?

GET YOUR MARK BACK HERE, YOUNG FILLY!
xD


Kinda looks like you, even. Except less socks :smallbiggrin:
:redface:
Don't mention the socks!

[Tiki Snakes]

[color="darkgreen"]

Psh. Sanity is a hindrance.
Besides, like any good resource, we can just harvest it elsewhere, or shake some poor human down in an alley. You're a mind flayer, I'm sure you understand how easy that is.

Hey! You can't use that word! Only we can use that word! I much prefer Illithid, thank you. :smallwink: You wouldn't believe it, but I actually couldn't find the right family guy nerf herder clip to link to this joke. Oh well.

[Topaz]

But sanity in the end is a crutch. It's correct for 95% of people 95% of the time. The other 5% have to play along, because everyone thinks they are that special 5%. You've moved beyond needing sanity as a stricture, and for that I commend you. I myself am bumping into the bars of my cage and it's, if you'll pardon the expression, maddening.
I have no idea why everything is a song cue to me today...

Sunset is an angel weeping (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h_VKaoITio)
Holding out a bloody sword
No matter how I squint I cannot
Make out what it's pointing toward
Sometimes you feel like you live too long
Days drip slowly on the page
You catch yourself
Pacing the cage
I've proven who I am so many times
The magnetic strip's worn thin
And each time I was someone else
And every one was taken in
Hours chatter in high places
Stir up eddies in the dust of rage
Set me to pacing the cage
I never knew what you all wanted
So I gave you everything
All that I could pillage
All the spells that I could sing
It's as if the thing were written
In the constitution of the age
Sooner or later you'll wind up
Pacing the cage
Sometimes the best map will not guide you
You can't see what's round the bend
Sometimes the road leads through dark places
Sometimes the darkness is your friend
Today these eyes scan bleached-out land
For the coming of the outbound stage.
Pacing the cage.
Pacing the cage

[Eakin]

Gee, thank you all SO MUCH for destroying my LITTLE REMAINING FREE TIME with pony fanfic recommendations. You know, the part of the pony fandom I swore never to get to get sucked into.

not sure yet whether that's sarcasm or not...

[Zevox]

Gee, thank you all SO MUCH for destroying my LITTLE REMAINING FREE TIME with pony fanfic recommendations. You know, the part of the pony fandom I swore never to get to get sucked into.
You know, it's not that hard to just ignore those. I still haven't read a single fanfic, and I've been a brony since July. :smalltongue:

Zevox

[Eakin]

You know, it's not that hard to just ignore those. I still haven't read a single fanfic, and I've been a brony since July. :smalltongue:

Zevox

Yeah.. that's what I thought too.

Then I read a couple, and then a couple more.

And now I have about a dozen bookmarked from EqD's 6-star list for future reading and NO HOPE OF ESCAPE

[Kindablue]

I don't know what you guys are talking about. I'm saner than I've ever been.

If I'm defining sanity as control I have over my own mind, I'm totally sane.

I'm not bound at all by what society thinks. I can watch ponies and unironically enjoy it. And they can't make me feel guilty about it. I'm free.

If that's not sanity, I don't know what is.

Sanity and happiness don't go together, to paraphrase Mark Twain.

[Gaelbert]

Yeah.. that's what I thought too.

Then I read a couple, and then a couple more.

And now I have about a dozen bookmarked from EqD's 6-star list for future reading and NO HOPE OF ESCAPE

Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

[Eakin]

Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

I'm working off of this (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Star-6) and besides the two you mentioned (and Cupcakes which I won't touch with a 10-foot pole) I've only read the Ballad of Twilight Sparkle (Which started out hilarious but now I think is starting to drag) and this Derpy story that was recommended upthread (http://pegasusrescuebrigade.deviantart.com/#) and has updated since I last checked. Only seen the first two parts so far but I liked those.

[Rebelhero]

Couple of pics, for no real reason:

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/721842d396b3936d1c9310d213644815/80136%20-%20artist%3Adinopopsicle%20zecora.png


Does anypony else see the Spiral in her eye?

SPIRAL POWER IS SPREADING!
ROW ROW FIGHT DA POWA!

[otakuryoga]

I was debating checking that one out Commander...if you say its good even with Him in it i guess i should add it to the list


You know, it's not that hard to just ignore those. I still haven't read a single fanfic, and I've been a brony since July. :smalltongue:

Zevox

consider fanfics to be cats...and you are Rarity
then consider Pinkie's line from Art of the Dress..."Give her time...."



Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

You can't go wrong with anything from Avery Strange
(Kindnesss Reward >yes that's how they spell it< Fluttershy/Trixie love story)
(Thunder & Lightning Rainbow Dash/Vinyl Scratch)
(Spark Twilight/Luna vs Tyrantlestia)

there is Silent Ponyville...good even if you know nothing of the Silent Hill game itself...and the side stories of that(Too shy for a rainbow & Rainbow's Surprise---Fluttershy/Rainbow Dash) the silent ponyville bits are fairly dark...you dont absolutely need to read them to read the flutterdash bits


I'm working off of this (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Star-6) and besides the two you mentioned (and Cupcakes which I won't touch with a 10-foot pole) I've only read the Ballad of Twilight Sparkle (Which started out hilarious but now I think is starting to drag) and this Derpy story that was recommended upthread (http://pegasusrescuebrigade.deviantart.com/#) and has updated since I last checked. Only seen the first two parts so far but I liked those.

yes those are both good

[Gadora]

Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

Here you go, these (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20Bobcat) are some of my favorites.

[the_druid_droid]

As you know, I am not, to put it mildly, a particular fan of Blueblood.

It is, then,high praise indeed that I can say Best Night Ever (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/11/story-best-night-ever.html) - in essense, Prince Blueblood does Groundhog day - is an very well done story, and well worth a read.



I also do have to say, that there does appear to be more sanity than ponysanity around here of late - heck, I'm starting to look like the crazy one, me, the former designated (comparatively) sane person... Ponythread seems almost... quiet.

If I were particulary paranoid, I might suspect you all to be planning some anti-Lich scheme behind my back, haha!

Uh...boss, you are particulary paranoid.

??

!!

!!

I'M ON TO YOU PONYTHREAD!!!! YOU SHALL NOT SUCCEED!!!! I'M FAR TOO CLEVER TO FALL FOR YOUR CUNNING SCHEMES!!!! AHAHAHAHA!!!!

*sigh*

*Whistles reassuringly*

Nope. Not at all...

What would give you that idea?


:redface:
Don't mention the socks!

Socks!Lixie is best Lixie! And is adorable!


Sanity and happiness don't go together, to paraphrase Mark Twain.

When in doubt, choose happiness.

[Zevox]

consider fanfics to be cats...and you are Rarity
then consider Pinkie's line from Art of the Dress..."Give her time...."
Nope, doesn't work. Rarity has one cat. I haven't read any fanfics.

Zevox

[MBI]

Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

I completely and utterly recommend The Worst Bakers in Equestria (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-worst-bakers-in-equestria.html).

Basically, some ponies are cursed with incredibly bad cooking skills. Reality Warping bad. Every year, a contest is held in which these ponies must cook in front of a crowd. Throw Luna, Rainbow Dash, Ditzy Doo, Trixie, a plot to take over Equestria and the greatest intermission in the history of anything and you get my second/third favourite Fanfiction of all time.

Better Living through Science and Ponies (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-better-living-through-science-and.html) is a Portal 2/Pony Crossover. Due to a portal malfunction, GLaDOS, Chell and Aperture Science labs are transported to Equestria. It's better than I make it sound. It gets my third/forth favourite Fanfic award.

[PhantomFox]

Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

If I may be so bold, may I recommend some of my stuff (http://www.equestriadaily.com/search/label/Author%3A%20PhantomFox)?

[Eakin]

Nope, doesn't work. Rarity has one cat. I haven't read any fanfics.

Zevox

Exactly, fanfics are like potato chips.

It's easy to eat zero potato chips.

It's virtually impossible to each one AND ONLY ONE potato chip

[Mando Knight]

Nope, doesn't work. Rarity has one cat. I haven't read any fanfics.

Zevox

Give her time...

[Zevox]

Exactly, fanfics are like potato chips.

It's easy to eat zero potato chips.

It's virtually impossible to each one AND ONLY ONE potato chip
You know, I've heard that before, but that's actually never been true for me. I've always found most potato chips to be rather bland. If it's not something like a flavored version of Pringles, I usually do stop after trying just one. [/tangent]

Zevox

[Fallen Angel]

Urgh, not again. :smallsigh:

Uh, quick! Look! Fluttershy's being adorably evil!

http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/view/79817?search=ask_dr_adorable

Ha. Ha. Ha.

[Jahkaivah]

It's virtually impossible to each one AND ONLY ONE potato chip

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c226/saxcsa/light-yagami-death-note-manga-1.jpg

[Athaniar]

More Doctor Adorable!
http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu60kggytJ1r5i8k8o3_r1_500.jpg

[PhantomFox]

Okay, chapter 2 of Piece of Mind FINALLY finished now that I got some time to myself.

Chapter 1
Piece of Mind

By PhantomFox

A small group of birds whirled overhead as Fluttershy trotted into town. She beamed and took a large sniff of the fresh morning air. The sun was shining, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and even Angel had behaved himself this morning. A perfect example of a great Spring day. She started to hum a tune softly to herself as she nodded to a squirrel that chattered a greeting to her. The warm sunny atmosphere was infectious, and her trot became a skip, and her humming grew louder as her good cheer welled up inside. Entering the marketplace and looking at everypony shopping, chatting, or just plain having fun, Fluttershy let the tune grow into a song as she let her sunny attitude overflow. Making her way through the stands, she let her tune crescendo as she watched everypony go about their business and waved to a passing pegasus cavorting through the air. Skipping along blithely, she closed her eyes, reared back and hit a high note in her jubilation before skipping straight into a package laden Pinkie Pie returning from the joke shop.

“Oof! Hiya Flutter- whoa. Whooooah! Whoops!”

Fluttershy clapped her hooves to her mouth in shock as Pinkie tottered around, trying to stabilize the tower of packages balanced on her back. Her efforts were in vain, as her stumbling led her to fall directly into a cart of oranges, scattering produce everywhere and burying herself in her pile of packages. The cart wobbled and proceeded to tip over straight into another, which fell into a third... soon fruits and vegetables of all types littered the market place, sending ponies slipping all across the square on the fallen food. Pinkie Pie tried to extricate herself from under the avalanche of packages sending one rolling down from the top of the pile. She tried to catch it, but it slipped through her hooves and hit the ground, sending a spring-loaded cream pie flying through the air. It hit an unsuspecting colt square in the face, who began stumbled around blindly. Fluttershy looked on in horror, and then cringed at the sound of yet more crashes and carts collapsing.

“Oh dear! This is all... all...”

She cringed as the shadow of a hawk passed overhead with a scream. Fluttershy slunk away out of the market square as Pinkie Pie finally managed to crawl her way out of the packages.

“Oh wow, that was hilarious! Right Fluttershy? ...Fluttershy? Where’d you go?

---

Later on that day, Pinkie Pie bounced up to Fluttershy’s cottage with a tray of sweets balanced on her head and knocked on the door. The top half of the door opened slightly, and Fluttershy peeked out.

“Hi there Fluttershy! I missed you at the market today, ‘cause you ran off so quick! And Then I was wondering why you ran off, and then I realised it was close to lunch time, and you must have been hungry! And what kind of lunch would it be without desert? So I decided I’d make you something and bring it over!”

Fluttershy just stared at the ground, her voice barely a whisper.

“Oh... thank you.”

Fluttershy took the tray of pastries from Pinkie Pie and turned to go back inside when Pinkie stopped her.

“Wait! Are... are you okay Fluttershy? You seem kinda down. Is something wrong? Cause if you’re sad, I have a whole bunch of stuff that might cheer you up! I don’t like my friends to be sad, ‘cause that makes me sad, and who likes to be sad? It’d really silly if somepony liked to be sad. That would mean they’d be sad whenever they were happy! Although, then wouldn’t they be happy that they were sad because they were happy? See? Silly! And I don’t want you to like being sad either!”

Setting down the tray inside, Fluttershy came back to the door and continued her inspection of the ground.

“Oh, I... I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. Thank you for the sweets.”

Fluttershy gently shut the door before Pinkie could say another word, leaving the pink pony perplexed. Sitting down, she rubbed at her chin.

“She doesn’t sound fine to me...”

A half hour later, Pinkie bounced back up to the cottage, decked out in full party gear, with several balloons tied to her waist. Looking around, she found Fluttershy in her garden, halfheartedly tending to some of her flowers. She jumped in fright as Pinkie bounded up with a loud greeting.

“Hi there Fluttershy! You seemed sad earlier, and I know just the thing to cheer you up! A PARTY! What says I throw you a super duper party, just for you? It’ll be lots of fun, and it’ll turn that frown of yours upside down! What do you think?”

The color drained from Fluttershy’s face as she took a step or two backwards.

“A...a party? Um... that’s nice but... I... I don’t think you need to do that.”

Pinkie just hopped closer, a broad smile on her face.

“Oh, but I want to! C’mon, it’ll be fun! There will be cake and games and all kinds of fun!”

Fluttershy backed up a tad quicker, her ears pinned back.

“Oh... that’s all right. But I don’t think I-”

“Please? It’ll make you feel better!”

Fluttershy started to sweat before bolting for her cottage door.

“That sounds nice, but I’d really rather not go to a party today. OkayThanksBye.”

With a slam, Pinkie found herself alone outside once more. Wandering back to the bakery, Pinkie mused over these developments.

“She was perfectly fine this morning. Pretty happy too! What’s gotten her so upset?”

---

Later that week, the morning sun found Pinkie Pie pacing back and forth in the library with Twilight.

“And then she didn’t even want a party! It.. it scared her! Did she think there were going to be clowns? Most ponies like clowns, but some find them scary. But she’s not on my no-clown list! I remember checking last time I threw a party for her. It was just two weeks ago! I remember, ‘cause that was the party for-”

“Pinkie, focus!”

Pinkie Pie blinked as Twilight waited impatiently for her to finish her story.

“Oh, right. So that didn’t work. So the next day I tried a song and dance number, but that didn’t work either. Neither did the stand-up routine the day after that, the ninja-tickle attack, random sillyness, and trying to pull her face into a smile with my hooves. I don’t know what else to do to cheer her up! What do I do?”

Twilight scratched her mane.

“Have you tried just asking her what’s bothering her?”

Pinkie looked down.

“Yeah, but she doesn't want to talk about it. Or at all. She just says that she’ll be fine and to not worry about her. It’s really strange!”

Twilight stared off into the distance.

“Yeah, that does sound weird. Are you sure it just isn’t a mood of hers? Maybe she’ll get over it like she says.”

Pinkie Pie started to pace around the library again.

“Well... maybe, but it’s been days now she’s been like this! Usually when I become a big ol’ gloomy-pants, I just go visit you all, and that cheers me up really fast! Because you’re great friends! But this isn’t right! Something is really bothering her, and I want to help! She’s just so quiet, sad, and... and.... joyless! That’s horrible! How can anypony live without joy?”

Twilight bit her lip as she pondered the situation.

“I guess you’re right, but perhaps-”

Her train of thought was interrupted as there was a soft kicking at the door. Opening it, Twilight looked around, but didn’t see anypony until she felt a sharp kick at her shins. Looking down, she saw a rabbit tapping his foot impatiently.

“Oh, hi Angel. Come on in.”

Angel hopped inside and began frantically miming. Pinkie knelt down with a smile.

“Ooh! Charades! I love charades. Um... three words. What’s the category? Book title? No? Um... famous event? Oh, landmark, I bet’s it’s landmark!”

Angel slapped his forehead, walked over, and gave Pinkie’s tail a quick tug, causing a loud hiccough to interrupt her prattling. Angel motioned to Twilight, who knelt down to allow him to jump on her back.

“I think he wants us to follow him.”

The two headed out and Angel led them back to Fluttershy’s cottage. Opening the door, Angel motioned them inside and up the stairs. Quietly hooftipping up the stairs, they two ponies gasped quietly to see Fluttershy in bed, tossing and turning in her sleep with frightened whimpers. Pinkie turned to Angel.

“Nightmares? How long has she been having these nightmares?”

Angel thumped his foot on the floor four times.

“Four days? Geez, that’s a while. Poor thing!”

Twilight walked over to the bed.

“Well, let’s at least wake her up out of it!”

Pinkie Pie sighed and looked at the floor.

“I wish I could see what she was dreaming of. Maybe then I could help her!”

Twilight stopped with a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder.

“Sorry Pinkie, I don’t know a spell like that. Not in traditional magic at least.”

“What about non-traditional?”

“Pinkie, there no such thing as non-traditional... hmm. Actually perhaps there is somepony who might know something in that vein.”

Twilight blinked and thought it over for a sec. Grabbing a scrap of paper, Twilight scribbled a note on it, and then rolled and tied it into a tiny scroll. Walking downstairs, Twilight gave the scroll and whispered some instructions to one of Fluttershy’s birds. It nodded and flew outside carrying the scroll. Returning upstairs, Twilight smiled and Pinkie.

“I might know who can help us with that. We’ll see if she comes. But first...”

Twilight went back over to Fluttershy’s bed and shook her soundly.

“WAKE UP!”

With a loud yelp, Fluttershy bolted upright.

“Wh-what’s going on?”

Pinkie bounded over and gave Fluttershy a hug.

“You were having a nightmare! So we woke you up!”

Fluttershy dropped her gaze.

“Oh. You didn’t have to do that. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Twilight shook her head.

“Angel was worried, so he came and got us. Are you sure you don’t want to talk about whatever it is that’s bothering you?”

Fluttershy just whimpered and pulled the covers up to her chin.

“I’d... I’d really rather not. I’ll be fine.”

Twilight sighed and patted her shoulder.

“Fluttershy, it’s going to be okay. We really want to help. This can’t be good for you. But if you’re not comfortable talking about whatever it is that’s bothering you, we might have another way that would be easier for you to handle.”

Pinkie gave Fluttershy a bright smile.

“If this works, you’ll be feeling better in no time!”

“Um... thanks.”

---

An hour later, Pinkie and Twilight looked up upon hearing a knock at the door. Opening it, Twilight sighed in relief to see Zecora standing there, saddlebags laden with supplies.

“Oh, thank goodness you could come. This kind of thing is out of my field of expertise, and I hoped you knew something that might help.”

Zecora smiled and nodded.

“The problem that ails your friend

I can help you with its end.”

Zecora quickly set up shop in Fluttershy’s kitchen, and began mixing ingredients together from her bag. Pinkie Pie led Fluttershy downstairs, and they sat down on the couch while Twilight talked over the details of her plans.

“So Fluttershy, I don’t know what’s bothering you, but from what I get from Angel and Pinkie, it’s making you miserable. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine.”

Pinkie Pie piped up.

“But we can’t let you stay miserable! What kind of friends would we be if we did that?”

Twilight nodded in agreement.

“Right. So, with your permission, we’re going to give you some tea that will make you sleep for a bit, and then Zecora will help us preform a Spirit Walk.”

Fluttershy looked alarmed for a second.

“S-spirit Walk? What’s that?”

“Well, you’ll be asleep for it, so you won’t feel a thing. But it’ll allow one of us to enter your mind, and hopefully find out and help you deal with whatever is troubling so badly. Don’t worry, from what she tells me, it’ll just be like a dream for you.”

Fluttershy sat in thought for a minute.

“O...okay. If you really think it’ll help.”

Twilight giggled and nodded.

“Right. Let me ask Zecora what I need to do to get ready and-”

Pinkie jumped up.

“Wait! You’re going to do it? I thought I was!”

Twilight blinked in confusion.

“Huh? You want to do the Spirit Walk?”

“Yeah! I’d be really worried just waiting here with nothing to do! And besides, the mind is a strange place. No offense Twilight, but I think I’m more used to weirdness than you are. If her mind is anything like my mind, it’ll be full of weird stuff!”

Twilight shook her head.

“Pinkie, I don’t think anypony’s mind is quite like your mind. But if you really want to, you can do it.”

Pinkie cheered and gave Fluttershy a big hug.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, I’ll have you back to your normal cheery self in no time!”

Finishing her preparations, Zecora handed Fluttershy a mug of tea. After drinking it, a few minutes was all it took before Fluttershy’s eyes drooped and she laid down on the couch fast asleep. Taking a brush and a jar of tribal paint, she drew mysterious symbols on Fluttershy’s face, with three thick lines and a dot forming the shape of a door on her forehead. Moving to Pinkie, she inscribed another set of symbols on Pinkie, who giggled as the brush tickled her nose. Finishing her work, she threw a pouch of incense onto the fireplace, which began to fill the room with a wonderful aroma

“Close your eyes and breath these smells

So into the mind, you now can delve...”

Pinkie closed her eyes as Zecora began to chant a tune in a low rhythmic voice. She breathed the smoke from the incense, and after a minute or two she began to feel weightless, like she was drifting upwards. Opening her eyes, she saw her own body below her on the couch next to Fluttershy. Looking down at the yellow pegasus, her eyes widened as the painted door on Fluttershy’s forehead began to move and open. Feeling a force compelling her, Pinkie swooped down and felt herself shrink as the door loomed large in front of her. Gathering her courage, she flew through the doorway and into the darkness beyond.


Chapter 2

When Pinkie opened her eyes again, everything was still dark, and she as far as she could tell, she was lying in a field. Looking around, she spotted Fluttershy cowering a short distance away with a group of small woodland creatures all around her. Pinkie ran over and Fluttershy looked up at her from between her hooves.

“Fluttershy, there you are! I’m so glad I found you. Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Fluttershy just trembled and pointed a hoof off into the darkness. Straining her eyes, Pinkie tried to spot what Fluttershy saw. She jumped a little when a pair of red eyes suddenly glowed in the darkness. The one pair was quickly joined by another, and another, until a whole crowd of glaring red eyes surrounded them. A flash of lightning briefly illuminated shadowy figures prowling around them. Growls and whisperes echoed around them as the pack stalked the two ponies. Pinkie stood over Fluttershy protectively until the ring of eyes paused and broke ranks as the ground shook with thundering footsteps echoed closer. A gigantic draconic beast stepped into the circle and all of Fluttershy’s animals ran away before she could stop them, disappearing into the darkness. The pale moonlight glinting off of its razor sharp scales and drops of flame dripped from between its teeth as its white eyes gazed critically at the two ponies. Rearing back, it roared thunderously and raised a long claw high in the air to strike down at them. Until a peal of laughter froze it in midswing, and it looked down to find Pinkie Pie laughing her flank off on the ground.

“Look at you! You’re so silly! You’re drooling FIRE! How do you do that without burning your mouth? Do you have heartburn or something? And look at your claws! How do you scratch yourself with those things? Because I bet you get itchy sometimes, don’t you? Because those scales CAN’T be comfortable! Are they metal? I bet that would sound like hooves on a chalkboard. How do you move around without clanking around?”

The dragon just looked around confused. This wasn’t how this normally went. Pinkie Pie looked back behind her to an equally confused Fluttershy.

“C’mon! You shouldn’t be scared of this guy! You can handle dragons, remember? You stared down a dragon and scolded it until it CRIED!”

The dragon looked away embarrassed, and slunk away into the darkness as Pinkie continued her onslaught of laughter. Soon the crowd of eyes vanished and sky began to lighten a fraction, as Pinkie trotted back over to Fluttershy.

“See? Nothing to be afraid of! You just got to- WHAAA!”

Pinkie shrieked as a fierce shriek split the air, and a pair of giant talons snatched both ponies and flew them high into the air. Pinkie’s screams soon turned into giggles as the ground dropped away beneath them.

“Whee! This is fun! Ooh! Ooh! Now do a flip Mr... uh...”

Pinkie looked up from where she was held and found the steely eyes of a titanic hawk looking back from her, and promptly burst into more giggles..

“Well, THAT doesn’t make any sense. Hawks aren’t big enough to pick up a pony, silly!”

The hawk blinked and squawked as it found itself shrinking. As it dwindled down to normal proportions, the hawk flapped its wings furiously to try and stay aloft with two ponies in tow. Pinkie Pie smiled as the darkness faded another fraction.

“See? It’s just a big bird! Nothing to be scared of unless you’re afraid of hei- oh. Oops!”

The hawk lost its grip on the two ponies, sending them plummeting through the air towards the ground far below. Fluttershy screamed and flailed her hooves as she fell with Pinkie beside her. The ground rushed closer by the second as Pinkie laughed at Fluttershy.

“What are you scared about? Fly Fluttershy! You have wings! Open up your wings and you’ll be fine!”

Fluttershy didn’t respond, but continued to scream and flail hysterically. Pinkie latched onto Fluttershy’s back and tried to pry her wings open, but terror had them glued her sides. Pinkie looked down nervously as the ground raced ever closer.

“You can do it! Spread those wings and fly!”

But Fluttershy was too panicked to listen. Pinkie searched frantically for a solution as they continued to free fall.

“Oh.... what do I do?! Snap out of it Fluttershy! You need to fly, because I can’t! Well, not without my... oh! I know! I just need to...”

Pinkie Pie closed her eyes and gritted her teeth as she concentrated. She had her special bag. She had her special bag. She had her special bag! She just had to believe! With a small pop, Pinkie cheered as she felt the weight of a saddlebag materialize on her back. Wrapping her hooves around Fluttershy’s body, she tore open the flap of her bags with her teeth, releasing hundreds of colorful party balloons into the air. With a sharp jerk, the balloons slowed their decent to a more casual rate as they floated gently to the ground. With her hooves firmly on the earth again, Pinkie fell over laughing.

“Oh wow, that was a lot of fun! I’m going to have to get Rainbow Dash to let me try that again! Ooh! You could help me too Fluttershy! … Fluttershy? Where’d you go?”

Pinkie searched high and low for Fluttershy, but the pegasus had vanished into thin air. The darkness in the sky shrank again, letting some light into the field. But Pinkie rubbed her eyes when it seemed that the darkness wasn’t going away, but... condensing? A sudden wind sprang up, and the blackness converged on one spot to reveal a morning sky covered in thick dark clouds. The remaining patch of night sky flew down and landed in front of Pinkie, forming into a black silhouette of Fluttershy quivering in fear on the ground. It looked up with sky blue eyes as it cringed away from Pinkie.

“Don’t hurt me! Please don’t hurt me? Just... go away. Why didn’t you get scared away? Go away and leave me alone!”

Pinkie Pie took a few steps forward, sending the silhouette scurrying backwards with a frightened squeak.

“Fluttershy... is that you?”

“Well... yes. In a way. We are Fluttershy.”

Pinkie tilted her head to the side in confusion.

“We? Silly, there’s only one Fluttershy that I know!”

The shadow looked down.

“I... I’m sorry. You couldn’t have known, but Fluttershy is a lot of ponies. I-I’m one of them. We have a many facets to us.”

Pinkie’s face broke into smiles as everything clicked in her head.

“Oh, I get it! Silly me, of course your mind wouldn’t have just one part of you! You must be Fluttershy’s fearful side.”

The shadow nodded and cringed.

“Please don’t hurt us. We’ve never had someone in our mind before. You don’t belong here. It’s dangerous. Especially now. What are you doing here.”

Pinkie bounced next to the shadow.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, I’m here to help Fluttershy! Well, I’m here to help you too. I guess you’re a part of you too. Ooh, I know! Can I call you Flutterfear? That’ll make things a lot easier!”

Flutterfear looked up with Fluttershy’s blue eyes into Pinkie’s.

“You’re... here to help? Oh... okay. I guess that’s safe. I’m not sure what you can do... but it’d be nice if you could.”

Pinkie looked around at the meadow they were in and the dark cloudy skies up above.

“Well, what’s with all these clouds? Fluttershy is usually sunny. It’s not like her to be all gray and dreary like this. What’s got her this upset?”

Flutterfear looked around nervously.

“I... I... I really shouldn’t say. She might get mad if I talk about her like that.”

Pinkie threw a hoof around Flutterfear’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry! I can keep a secret! I’m the best secret keeper around! I’ve kept a lot of secrets before! I can’t tell you about them though, ‘cause then they wouldn’t be secrets, now would they?”

Flutterfear cringed back.

“I don’t know if I should...”

Pinkie crouched down and gave Fluttershy a sad puppy stare.

“Pweeese?”

Fluttershy looked around nervously.

“Um... I guess it’s okay if I just show you this...”

Flutterfear held up a hoof and a bluebird flew over to her hoof. She went to hand it to Pinkie unill a lightning bolt struck the ground beside her out of the blue. Pinkie blinked as she thought she heard some words in the thunder. However, Flutterfear shrieked in terror and bolted off in tears.

“I didn’t want to do it! She made me! I’m not a loudmouth! I’d never hurt us! Don’t hurt me, we need me!”

Pinkie tried to call Flutterfear back, but she disappeared before Pinkie could do anything. Looking down, the bird that Flutterfear had called was still there. Pinkie reached down and picked it up.

*flash*

Suddenly Pinkie felt a lot smaller. And younger. And yellow. And did she have wings? She found herself in a clearing near the Everfree Forest, with a colony of rabbits scurrying every direction in a panic. She tried to control them, but they were too scared and running in every direction at once. A shrill cry pierced the air, and she looked up to see a dark avian shape diving at the ground. One lone rabbit stood rooted to the ground, paralyzed in terror. The hawk reached forth its talons, and then-

*flash*

Pinkie Pie shook her head as the scene faded from in front of her eyes. Confused, she tried to figure out what she should do next. Seeing no better option, she set out in the direction Flutterfear had ran off. Perhaps somepony else could be found that she could ask.

[BlasTech]

Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.


In the same vein as the show? Half the Day Is Night (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-half-day-is-night.html)would be my recommendation. (Beyond those mentioned above and below here, Phantom Fox's Sunny Skies All Day Long (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-sunny-skies-all-day-long.html)is also another fave of mine)

Could pass as an MLP movie, although they'd have to rework Luna's personality slightly to fit her canon depiction.

AND OF COURSE RAZ FOX'S MISTED STAGE IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST, PLEASE DON'T HURT ME RAZ!

[Kalinda]

Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

Ones that I like, off the top of my head.

Ah aint got no ackcent! (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-ah-aint-got-no-ack-cent.html) is a cute little episodic one about Rarity discovering that Applejack can actually handle herself in high society. Fun ensues.

Dear idiot (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/09/story-dear-idiot.html) is a short little letter form piece featuring Celesta tearing prince blueblood a new one over his actions at the gala, very funny.

Joshing (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-joshing.html), strange but funny, short too.

The old stories. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-old-stories.html) You might recognize the author of this one. If you haven't read it you need to, it''s great.

Tonight I shall be laughter. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-tonight-i-shall-be-laughter.html) Winner of the "write a happy Luna fic" contest, and deservedly so, very cute and funny.

Twilight october. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/02/story-twilight-october.html) And then Twilight sparkle was a submarine. Just read it, it's adorable.

And finally my own attempt at a episode style fic. I think it sagged in places, but it was pretty well received on eqd. Twilight vs Winter. (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-twilight-vs-winter.html)

There are others out there that I'm missing of course, checking the EQD archive for "5 star" and "comedy" will net a lot of good stuff.

[Eakin]

Confound all of you bronies!

You continue to destroy my free time with your collection of high-quality original prose!

Also, "Progress" is quite good, and surprisingly un-Jossed by the Nightmare Night episode, despite it's lack of the ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE.

[Rebelhero]

PONIES GOT A DD ON DEVIANT ART!
its a fluttershy plushie.
its only a matter of time....

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/275/b/0/fluttershy_by_babylondonstar-d4bnknf.jpg
IT LOOKS SO SOFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!

[MBI]

Confound all of you bronies!

You continue to destroy my free time with your collection of high-quality original prose!

I think It would be best for you to remember that it's not possible to read every fanfic. Read the ones that you think sound interesting first. If you feel like you haven't hit your ponyquota after reading them, then move onto recommendations.

Talking of recommendations... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x8bZJPovUQ)

[Eakin]

it's not possible to read every fanfic.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
Seriously, there's just a huge backlog of excellent work from the past year, but I'm sure there's a happy medium in there somewhere that still allows me to have a life

[Tectonic Robot]

PONIES GOT A DD ON DEVIANT ART!
its a fluttershy plushie.
its only a matter of time....

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/275/b/0/fluttershy_by_babylondonstar-d4bnknf.jpg
IT LOOKS SO SOFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!

I can only pray that a DD is a Diamond Droog.

Seriously, that would make my day.

[SiuiS]

Gee, thank you all SO MUCH for destroying my LITTLE REMAINING FREE TIME with pony fanfic recommendations. You know, the part of the pony fandom I swore never to get to get sucked into.

not sure yet whether that's sarcasm or not...

You're welcome! We're always happy to help~ :smallsmile:


Do you (or anypony else) mind recommending a few of those? I haven't really read any, outside of Vinyl Scratch Tapes and Allegrezzo. And Cupcakes, but that's neither here nor there. So anyways, I'm jonesing for some good ones. Preferably not terribly sad or grimdark, I'm hoping for something in the same vein as the show, but if they're good I guess I wouldn't mind.

Same vein as the show?

Sunny skies all day, Fair Feather Friends, Through a Glass Derply, Always Sunny In Filldelphia. I'd suggest Misted Stage and All Hallows (and more of thanqols work) but they are somewhat off from slice-of/life script stuff still excellent. And Semper Fidelis should be a movie. The movie. The pony movie of our generation. I'm not even kidding. It's awesome, thought it takes some time to sink in.



When in doubt, choose happiness.

Profound.

[MBI]

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

You fool! It can't be done! No mortal could survive reading them all!



I can only pray that a DD is a Diamond Droog.

Seriously, that would make my day.


DD stands for Draconequian Dignitary. Sorry.

[Tectonic Robot]

DD stands for Draconequian Dignitary. Sorry.

Is that... Diamonds Droog as a Draconequiis? Because that is also acceptable.

[otakuryoga]

Blessed
Celestia!
Somepony,
Please,
Kill
Me
Now!!

One of the local radio stations I have as a preset on my car radio, as of 12:01 AM today has started their 24/7 Christmas Music Marathon

and this is not the station that has done so the past 2 years...so at some point the other one will be doing the same thing(last year they started the monday of thanksgiving week)

[Eakin]

Blessed
Celestia!
Somepony,
Please,
Kill
Me
Now!!

One of the local radio stations I have as a preset on my car radio, as of 12:01 AM today has started their 24/7 Christmas Music Marathon

and this is not the station that has done so the past 2 years...so at some point the other one will be doing the same thing(last year they started the monday of thanksgiving week)

OBVIOUSLY the answer is pony Christmas music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IF3VMT4w-s&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL)

[Vorpalbob]

Gah, dem fanfics. Why dey gots ta be so good all da time?

[Zevox]

One of the local radio stations I have as a preset on my car radio, as of 12:01 AM today has started their 24/7 Christmas Music Marathon

and this is not the station that has done so the past 2 years...so at some point the other one will be doing the same thing(last year they started the monday of thanksgiving week)
Christmas music marathons in early November? What the heck? :smallconfused:

I mean, at least silly things like people putting up lights and decorations this early can be explained by a few individuals being either overly-enthusiastic or wanting to get them up while the weather is still okay; but a radio station starting to play Christmas music mere days after Halloween? That makes no sense.

Zevox

[Gadora]

Christmas music marathons in early November? What the heck? :smallconfused:

I mean, at least silly things like people putting up lights and decorations this early can be explained by a few individuals being either overly-enthusiastic or wanting to get them up while the weather is still okay; but a radio station starting to play Christmas music mere days after Halloween? That makes no sense.

Zevox

Yeah, I'm shocked at how late your stations are starting.

We had a station start on Halloween this year.:smallannoyed:

EDIT: At this point, I've pretty much resigned myself to hearing Christmasy crud for way too long, every single year.

[Topaz]

Fanfic Time! Just in time to get totally lost in the new episode excitement, I have the third part of New Perspectives.

Past One on Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ll41KaYXH46C46sTaz-FVJOY3avna9-ABgw2EPzImp4/edit?hl=en_US)
Part Two on Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FzAzfZ4J6yAuaTexcryAHlOWHfxQnKJNCNOoWgCDL0I/edit?hl=en_US)
Part Three:
Applejack opened the barn door and trudged inside with the cart. She was weary and looking forward to getting out of the harness, if not what she faced afterwards.

“EEEEEE! IT’S TRUE!”

“GAAH!” Startled, Applejack shot into the air, taking the cart with her briefly before it pulled her back to the ground with a crash. Shaking her head, she staggered back to her hooves and looked for the source of the scream.

“You OK, sis?” rumbled Big Mac from where he and Applebloom stood at the back by the barn’s workbench.

“Oh Ahm just peachy, Mac. Applebloom, what in tarnation possessed you ta scream at me like that?”

Applebloom peered out from behind her big brother. “Scootaloo said that you took Fluttershy’s wings and now she won’t come near me in case it’s catching. I didn’t believe her, but then you came in and,” she pointed, “there they are!”

Applejack pushed several very uncharitable thoughts about Rainbow Dash from her head. “First of all, Ah did not take Fluttershy’s wings, no matter what Scootaloo said. We tangled with some sort of wild magic that swapped the kinda ponies we are, but it was an accident. An Twilight Sparkle did her fancy tests and said it was all used up, so you can just tell everypony that it ain’t catchin’ no how. Now, could someone please help me out of this dang harness?”

Macintosh walked over as Applebloom shot out the barn door. “Hold still, then, an’ I’ll getcha out.” The two siblings pulled open buckles with their teeth, freeing Applejack, who took the opportunity to stretch.

Mac looked his sister over. “You don’t look bad like that, truth to tell. What’s it like?”

“How am Ah suppose to know? It’s not like Ah know how ta work any of this anyhow.”

“For not knowin’ how to work it you took off pretty sprightly back there. Almost got the cart up, too.”

Applejack eyed her brother. “You wouldn’t be wishin’ it was you instead of me, would ya?”

“Maaaybe.”

She shook her head. “Ahm more interested in fixin’ this than playin’ with it. Don’t be forgettin’ that this whole thing grounded Fluttershy, an’ that ain’t right.”

“Commendable. Still don’t mean you can’t take advantage of it while it lasts.”

“Uh huh. Ah can predict just how well that’ll go over. Ah’m in deep enough as it is.”

“You mean like with Fuji? Not the same thing.”

“Close enough. She’s plum set in her ways.” Applejack began removing the block and tackle from the cart and returning it to its usual storage place in the barn. “Now why don’t you be helpful for a change an’ fill me in on what needs doin’, since this little setback has already cost me a day’s work.”

“Well, the northwest orchard’s a bit dry, could use a little drizzle and some cloud cover afterwards.”

“Dangit, Mac, can’t ya please just give it a rest?” Applejack replied with a glare.

“Excuse me, but who is it always does the talkin’ with the weather team, what with bein’ such good friends with it’s head and all?”

Applejack flushed. “Sorry, Mac. Ah guess Ah’m a tad on edge. Ah don’t think Rainbow Dash is in much of a mood to talk to me right now, but Ah’ll get the word to the weather ponies somehow.”

“I’m sure you will. Why don’t you just help me patch up these baskets before dinner time, seein’ as I lost my other partner when you came in?”

“Sounds good.”

***

Rainbow Dash floated on a small cloud. Usually this would mean it was nap time, but sleep was the furthest thing from her mind. Seeing Fluttershy missing her wings had shaken Dash deeply; unlike when Discord had taken the wings from both of them there was no immediate assurance of their return, which Dash knew (though would never admit) was the only thing that had saved her from freaking out completely at the time. Worse, she had lashed out at Applejack in fear and frustration, and she was at a loss for what to do next. Her confrontation with Applejack outside Fluttershy’s cottage had deflated her anger like a burst party balloon; and later, as she had trailed Applejack home from above, the orange pony’s misery had been evident in every step. Now Dash had no idea what to do next; she didn’t know what to say to Applejack, she didn’t really want to see Fluttershy in her current state, and she had the feeling that there was a lot about the situation that she wasn’t aware of. She rolled to her hooves and kicked the cloud, drawing a rumble from it. “I hate this. What the hay am I supposed to do, anyway?”

Over the edge of her perch she saw on the ground below three familiar young fillies; the yellow one with the red bow appeared to be talking earnestly with the orange one, who was hiding behind the confused-looking white one. Rainbow spread her wings and dove off the cloud. “Maybe there’s one mistake I can start fixing, anyway.”

***

Rarity hated being left out of the latest talk around town. Not that she was a gossip, perish the thought! She simply believed in fully participating in her community; she did deal with the public, after all. Still, in her business it was inevitable that there would be times when large orders would keep her busy for long stretches of time, with little opportunity to hear the news until she was done. Sweetie Belle would occasionally come around and run small errands for her, but the schoolfilly, bless her heart, was just too young to be a reliable source; why she had come in the evening before with a wild story about Applejack having stolen Fluttershy’s wings, of all the absurd notions!

“Wait, you’re telling me that it’s true?”

Pinkie Pie set Rarity’s order down on the table in Sugarcube Corner and nodded. “Well, not the part about stealing. Applejack would never steal anything, you know that, but something switched her and Fluttershy around, well, not entirely around, because Fluttershy is still Fluttershy and Applejack is still Applejack but now Applejack has the wings instead of Fluttershy.”

“Oh, my. And nopony knows what to do about it?” The eclair that Rarity had ordered to celebrate completing her order lay on the plate in front of her, forgotten.

“Nope. Twilight tried, and Zecora tried, and Twilight sent a letter to the Princess but I haven’t heard about any reply.”

“Poor Fluttershy! I wonder if there is anything I could do for the dear?”

“That’s a wonderful idea! You finish your ‘celebrate that the dresses are done’ treat and I’ll box some sympathy cookies for Fluttershy.”

“Oh, that would be nice. I take it you’d like to come along?”

“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away!”

Rarity decided that ignoring that last statement was the best policy. “That’s fine, Pinkie.”

***

The baskets were patched and stacked and Applejack and Macintosh were cleaning and putting away the tools and supplies when Applebloom burst back into the barn, laughing with delight.

“Yay! Scootaloo and me made up!”

“Good to hear,” commented Big Mac.

“Yeah, I was tryin’ to tell her what you said, sis, and she wasn’t gonna listen but then Rainbow Dash showed up and told her that she should believe me and then she did so it was all OK.”

“Is that a fact? Huh. Wonder what turned Dash around?”

“Guess you can talk to her about that northwest orchard, then.”

“Gonna have to be tomorrow, I reckon.”

“Yeah! It’s dinner time!” Applebloom put in.

Applejack looked at Mac. “I s’pose it is.”

The trio entered the farmhouse to the sounds of Granny Smith in the kitchen. “Hope you fixed for four, Granny, ‘cause Applejack’s home.” rumbled Big Mac as the aged matriarch appeared at the kitchen door, squinted at the arrivals, then slowly shook her head. “Well, I admit that middle one does bear a resemblance to my older granddaughter, but there are no cloudwalkers in the Apple family.”

Applejack shot an I-told-you-so look at Mac. “Fluttershy an Ah got mixed up with some kinda leftover wild magic, Granny, but Twilight Sparkle done wrote a letter to the Princess and Ah’m sure that She’ll get it all sorted out before long.”

“Humph. This is what comes with gallavantin’ around, bein’ a hero an all, instead of stayin’ on the farm like a responsible pony.”

“Granny, Ah was helpin’ a friend pull up an old stump. Nothin’ but bein’ neighborly in that.”

“I reckon.” added Big Mac.

Granny Smith snorted. “Not like it was in the old days. Cloudwalkers lived in the clouds, Hornbearers lived in the city, we lived on the farm. Everypony knew their place.”

Applebloom frowned. Her best friends were a unicorn and a pegasus, and she didn’t think Granny’s stories about the good old days sounded all that good to her. She knew that saying anything about it directly would only get her in trouble; fortunately, another strategy came to mind, or at least to nose. “Granny, I think I smell muffins burning!”

“Land sakes!” Granny hobbled back into the kitchen, muttering under her breath. “Scorched, but we’ll just have to make do.” came a few moments later.

Luckily for Applejack, the clan had never been much for idle chatter while engaged in the serious business of eating, though she noticed that Granny Smith didn’t seem interested in looking at her, while Applebloom was sneaking looks at her wings every time she thought Granny Smith wouldn’t notice.

Finally the meal was finished, the dishes and kitchen cleaned up, and Granny off to her room and to bed. Applejack took the opportunity to stretch her wings, which had started to ache with the effort put into keeping them from moving and drawing unwanted attention. Applebloom was promptly at her sister’s side, poking at the pinions.

“So what’s it like? Can ya feel them? Can ya fly?” she hissed in a clear attempt to keep her voice down.

“Diff’rent, yes and please stop pokin’ them, an I guess so but Ah don’t know how.”

“Know how? Don’t ya just flap?”

“If it were that easy, wouldn’t yer friend Scootaloo be makin’ more progress?”

“Her wings are tiny. Yours are as big as Rainbow Dash’s, easy.”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack looked at her siblings. “The two of you ain’t gonna give me any rest till Ah give this a try, are ya?”

“Nope.”

Applejack swallowed. She’d seen Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy fly indoors plenty of times, and the main room was fairly large. Then again, she’d seen Rainbow crash plenty of times, too. Applebloom decided to up the ante, giving her sister a puppy-dog look that would have made Wynona jealous. “Pleeeeease?”

“Ah feel like the rope in a tug ‘o war contest. Fine, fine, just remember when yer pullin’ me out of the wall that it was your idea. Now stand back and gimme room.” She opened her wings, took a deep breath, and tried to remember her dream at Fluttershy’s cottage. Starting slowly, she moved her wings through a full beat, getting a feel for the motions, then once she was confident in her control she began to flap more strongly and quickly. As she increased her pace, first her front hooves then her hind ones left the floor, until she was hovering a few feet in the air.

“Ya... Good goin, big sis.” Applebloom had started a cheer, then clapped her hooves over her mouth, as she remembered that there was a sleeper that shouldn’t be awakened.

For her part, Applejack realized that taking off was one thing, but landing was another. She carefully slowed the pace of her wingbeats, breathing a sigh of relief as her hooves gradually descended back to the floor. “Whew! That’s a mite more work than it looks.”

“Ya don’t say.” drawled Big Mac.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “All right, maybe there’s more to how much time Dash spends restin’ up than I realized. You two happy now?”

Applebloom was jumping up and down. “Do it again!”

Applejack eyed the schoolfilly. “Don’t you have homework tonight?”

Applebloom’s face fell. “Aw, that’s no fair, bringin’ that up.”

“Go on, getcher homework done an Ah’ll tell you a bedtime story.”

“Can it be one with a pegasus in it?”

“We’ll see.”

As Applebloom trotted back to her room, Applejack walked over to the couch and flopped down. “Silly filly, makin’ so much fuss about such puny flyin’.”

Big Mac grinned at her. “Not bad for a first time. How was it?”

Applejack smiled. “It was... kinda amazin’.” She caught herself and frowned at her brother. “Dangit, Mac, this is what I was tryin’ to stop from happenin’. Tomorrow, next week, whenever, it’s gonna go away. Till then it’s a distraction is all, and there’s enough to do without flittin’ about with mah head in the clouds.”

“Things have been goin’ pretty well this summer, I reckon. No need to fret about it nohow.”

“Now you’re just temptin’ fate, Mac. Now let me be, so’s Ah kin figure out what kinda story Ah’m gonna tell Applebloom.”

“Eeyup.”

[SiuiS]

OBVIOUSLY the answer is pony Christmas music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IF3VMT4w-s&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL)

You are a saint.
Or you will be.

HEY EVERYPONY
EAKIN FOR PONYSAINT! YEA? NEIGH?


Christmas music marathons in early November? What the heck? :smallconfused:

I mean, at least silly things like people putting up lights and decorations this early can be explained by a few individuals being either overly-enthusiastic or wanting to get them up while the weather is still okay; but a radio station starting to play Christmas music mere days after Halloween? That makes no sense.

Zevox

That always actively insulted me. Any holiday thy gets overshadowed because money bothers me.
Like valentines cards hitting shelves December 20th.

CUTELY IMPOTENT PONY RAGE

[PhantomFox]

You are a saint.
Or you will be.

HEY EVERYPONY
EAKIN FOR PONYSAINT! YEA? NEIGH?



That always actively insulted me. Any holiday thy gets overshadowed because money bothers me.
Like valentines cards hitting shelves December 20th.

CUTELY IMPOTENT PONY RAGE

The store that starts selling that stuff first gets more business than those that sell it later. An unfortunate side effect of retail. And the earlier people are reminded about it, the more likely they are to buy stuff for it. At least that's what the marketers think.

[Neoseanster]

In regards to new episode spoilers in IRC!

We talked this over and agreed to the following, for the time being: please avoid any discussion of spoilers related to the new episode in the #ponythread IRC channel until eighteen hours have passed from the episode's initial airing (until 08:30 GMT). Rather, take new episode discussion to #newponyepisode. You can join this channel by typing "/j #newponyepisode" in your IRC client.

Past the eighteen hour mark, spoilers in in the main channel are fair game, and use of #newponyepisode is optional! If you're worried about spoilers, and you haven't watched the episode within eighteen hours of its airing, enter the main IRC channel at your own risk.

(I know we originally said 12 hours, but someponies asked if it could be extended to 24, so, COMPROMISE POWERS ACTIVATE!)

This policy may change in the future, it's just a temporary measure so that we'll have /some/ policy in place as for how to address the matter for now. Just keep an eye on the IRC channel's topic for updates.


Fanfic Time! Just in time to get totally lost in the new episode excitement, I have the third part of New Perspectives.

Past One on Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ll41KaYXH46C46sTaz-FVJOY3avna9-ABgw2EPzImp4/edit?hl=en_US)
Part Two on Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FzAzfZ4J6yAuaTexcryAHlOWHfxQnKJNCNOoWgCDL0I/edit?hl=en_US)
Part Three:
Applejack opened the barn door and trudged inside with the cart. She was weary and looking forward to getting out of the harness, if not what she faced afterwards.

“EEEEEE! IT’S TRUE!”

“GAAH!” Startled, Applejack shot into the air, taking the cart with her briefly before it pulled her back to the ground with a crash. Shaking her head, she staggered back to her hooves and looked for the source of the scream.

“You OK, sis?” rumbled Big Mac from where he and Applebloom stood at the back by the barn’s workbench.

“Oh Ahm just peachy, Mac. Applebloom, what in tarnation possessed you ta scream at me like that?”

Applebloom peered out from behind her big brother. “Scootaloo said that you took Fluttershy’s wings and now she won’t come near me in case it’s catching. I didn’t believe her, but then you came in and,” she pointed, “there they are!”

Applejack pushed several very uncharitable thoughts about Rainbow Dash from her head. “First of all, Ah did not take Fluttershy’s wings, no matter what Scootaloo said. We tangled with some sort of wild magic that swapped the kinda ponies we are, but it was an accident. An Twilight Sparkle did her fancy tests and said it was all used up, so you can just tell everypony that it ain’t catchin’ no how. Now, could someone please help me out of this dang harness?”

Macintosh walked over as Applebloom shot out the barn door. “Hold still, then, an’ I’ll getcha out.” The two siblings pulled open buckles with their teeth, freeing Applejack, who took the opportunity to stretch.

Mac looked his sister over. “You don’t look bad like that, truth to tell. What’s it like?”

“How am Ah suppose to know? It’s not like Ah know how ta work any of this anyhow.”

“For not knowin’ how to work it you took off pretty sprightly back there. Almost got the cart up, too.”

Applejack eyed her brother. “You wouldn’t be wishin’ it was you instead of me, would ya?”

“Maaaybe.”

She shook her head. “Ahm more interested in fixin’ this than playin’ with it. Don’t be forgettin’ that this whole thing grounded Fluttershy, an’ that ain’t right.”

“Commendable. Still don’t mean you can’t take advantage of it while it lasts.”

“Uh huh. Ah can predict just how well that’ll go over. Ah’m in deep enough as it is.”

“You mean like with Fuji? Not the same thing.”

“Close enough. She’s plum set in her ways.” Applejack began removing the block and tackle from the cart and returning it to its usual storage place in the barn. “Now why don’t you be helpful for a change an’ fill me in on what needs doin’, since this little setback has already cost me a day’s work.”

“Well, the northwest orchard’s a bit dry, could use a little drizzle and some cloud cover afterwards.”

“Dangit, Mac, can’t ya please just give it a rest?” Applejack replied with a glare.

“Excuse me, but who is it always does the talkin’ with the weather team, what with bein’ such good friends with it’s head and all?”

Applejack flushed. “Sorry, Mac. Ah guess Ah’m a tad on edge. Ah don’t think Rainbow Dash is in much of a mood to talk to me right now, but Ah’ll get the word to the weather ponies somehow.”

“I’m sure you will. Why don’t you just help me patch up these baskets before dinner time, seein’ as I lost my other partner when you came in?”

“Sounds good.”

***

Rainbow Dash floated on a small cloud. Usually this would mean it was nap time, but sleep was the furthest thing from her mind. Seeing Fluttershy missing her wings had shaken Dash deeply; unlike when Discord had taken the wings from both of them there was no immediate assurance of their return, which Dash knew (though would never admit) was the only thing that had saved her from freaking out completely at the time. Worse, she had lashed out at Applejack in fear and frustration, and she was at a loss for what to do next. Her confrontation with Applejack outside Fluttershy’s cottage had deflated her anger like a burst party balloon; and later, as she had trailed Applejack home from above, the orange pony’s misery had been evident in every step. Now Dash had no idea what to do next; she didn’t know what to say to Applejack, she didn’t really want to see Fluttershy in her current state, and she had the feeling that there was a lot about the situation that she wasn’t aware of. She rolled to her hooves and kicked the cloud, drawing a rumble from it. “I hate this. What the hay am I supposed to do, anyway?”

Over the edge of her perch she saw on the ground below three familiar young fillies; the yellow one with the red bow appeared to be talking earnestly with the orange one, who was hiding behind the confused-looking white one. Rainbow spread her wings and dove off the cloud. “Maybe there’s one mistake I can start fixing, anyway.”

***

Rarity hated being left out of the latest talk around town. Not that she was a gossip, perish the thought! She simply believed in fully participating in her community; she did deal with the public, after all. Still, in her business it was inevitable that there would be times when large orders would keep her busy for long stretches of time, with little opportunity to hear the news until she was done. Sweetie Belle would occasionally come around and run small errands for her, but the schoolfilly, bless her heart, was just too young to be a reliable source; why she had come in the evening before with a wild story about Applejack having stolen Fluttershy’s wings, of all the absurd notions!

“Wait, you’re telling me that it’s true?”

Pinkie Pie set Rarity’s order down on the table in Sugarcube Corner and nodded. “Well, not the part about stealing. Applejack would never steal anything, you know that, but something switched her and Fluttershy around, well, not entirely around, because Fluttershy is still Fluttershy and Applejack is still Applejack but now Applejack has the wings instead of Fluttershy.”

“Oh, my. And nopony knows what to do about it?” The eclair that Rarity had ordered to celebrate completing her order lay on the plate in front of her, forgotten.

“Nope. Twilight tried, and Zecora tried, and Twilight sent a letter to the Princess but I haven’t heard about any reply.”

“Poor Fluttershy! I wonder if there is anything I could do for the dear?”

“That’s a wonderful idea! You finish your ‘celebrate that the dresses are done’ treat and I’ll box some sympathy cookies for Fluttershy.”

“Oh, that would be nice. I take it you’d like to come along?”

“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away!”

Rarity decided that ignoring that last statement was the best policy. “That’s fine, Pinkie.”

***

The baskets were patched and stacked and Applejack and Macintosh were cleaning and putting away the tools and supplies when Applebloom burst back into the barn, laughing with delight.

“Yay! Scootaloo and me made up!”

“Good to hear,” commented Big Mac.

“Yeah, I was tryin’ to tell her what you said, sis, and she wasn’t gonna listen but then Rainbow Dash showed up and told her that she should believe me and then she did so it was all OK.”

“Is that a fact? Huh. Wonder what turned Dash around?”

“Guess you can talk to her about that northwest orchard, then.”

“Gonna have to be tomorrow, I reckon.”

“Yeah! It’s dinner time!” Applebloom put in.

Applejack looked at Mac. “I s’pose it is.”

The trio entered the farmhouse to the sounds of Granny Smith in the kitchen. “Hope you fixed for four, Granny, ‘cause Applejack’s home.” rumbled Big Mac as the aged matriarch appeared at the kitchen door, squinted at the arrivals, then slowly shook her head. “Well, I admit that middle one does bear a resemblance to my older granddaughter, but there are no cloudwalkers in the Apple family.”

Applejack shot an I-told-you-so look at Mac. “Fluttershy an Ah got mixed up with some kinda leftover wild magic, Granny, but Twilight Sparkle done wrote a letter to the Princess and Ah’m sure that She’ll get it all sorted out before long.”

“Humph. This is what comes with gallavantin’ around, bein’ a hero an all, instead of stayin’ on the farm like a responsible pony.”

“Granny, Ah was helpin’ a friend pull up an old stump. Nothin’ but bein’ neighborly in that.”

“I reckon.” added Big Mac.

Granny Smith snorted. “Not like it was in the old days. Cloudwalkers lived in the clouds, Hornbearers lived in the city, we lived on the farm. Everypony knew their place.”

Applebloom frowned. Her best friends were a unicorn and a pegasus, and she didn’t think Granny’s stories about the good old days sounded all that good to her. She knew that saying anything about it directly would only get her in trouble; fortunately, another strategy came to mind, or at least to nose. “Granny, I think I smell muffins burning!”

“Land sakes!” Granny hobbled back into the kitchen, muttering under her breath. “Scorched, but we’ll just have to make do.” came a few moments later.

Luckily for Applejack, the clan had never been much for idle chatter while engaged in the serious business of eating, though she noticed that Granny Smith didn’t seem interested in looking at her, while Applebloom was sneaking looks at her wings every time she thought Granny Smith wouldn’t notice.

Finally the meal was finished, the dishes and kitchen cleaned up, and Granny off to her room and to bed. Applejack took the opportunity to stretch her wings, which had started to ache with the effort put into keeping them from moving and drawing unwanted attention. Applebloom was promptly at her sister’s side, poking at the pinions.

“So what’s it like? Can ya feel them? Can ya fly?” she hissed in a clear attempt to keep her voice down.

“Diff’rent, yes and please stop pokin’ them, an I guess so but Ah don’t know how.”

“Know how? Don’t ya just flap?”

“If it were that easy, wouldn’t yer friend Scootaloo be makin’ more progress?”

“Her wings are tiny. Yours are as big as Rainbow Dash’s, easy.”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack looked at her siblings. “The two of you ain’t gonna give me any rest till Ah give this a try, are ya?”

“Nope.”

Applejack swallowed. She’d seen Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy fly indoors plenty of times, and the main room was fairly large. Then again, she’d seen Rainbow crash plenty of times, too. Applebloom decided to up the ante, giving her sister a puppy-dog look that would have made Wynona jealous. “Pleeeeease?”

“Ah feel like the rope in a tug ‘o war contest. Fine, fine, just remember when yer pullin’ me out of the wall that it was your idea. Now stand back and gimme room.” She opened her wings, took a deep breath, and tried to remember her dream at Fluttershy’s cottage. Starting slowly, she moved her wings through a full beat, getting a feel for the motions, then once she was confident in her control she began to flap more strongly and quickly. As she increased her pace, first her front hooves then her hind ones left the floor, until she was hovering a few feet in the air.

“Ya... Good goin, big sis.” Applebloom had started a cheer, then clapped her hooves over her mouth, as she remembered that there was a sleeper that shouldn’t be awakened.

For her part, Applejack realized that taking off was one thing, but landing was another. She carefully slowed the pace of her wingbeats, breathing a sigh of relief as her hooves gradually descended back to the floor. “Whew! That’s a mite more work than it looks.”

“Ya don’t say.” drawled Big Mac.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “All right, maybe there’s more to how much time Dash spends restin’ up than I realized. You two happy now?”

Applebloom was jumping up and down. “Do it again!”

Applejack eyed the schoolfilly. “Don’t you have homework tonight?”

Applebloom’s face fell. “Aw, that’s no fair, bringin’ that up.”

“Go on, getcher homework done an Ah’ll tell you a bedtime story.”

“Can it be one with a pegasus in it?”

“We’ll see.”

As Applebloom trotted back to her room, Applejack walked over to the couch and flopped down. “Silly filly, makin’ so much fuss about such puny flyin’.”

Big Mac grinned at her. “Not bad for a first time. How was it?”

Applejack smiled. “It was... kinda amazin’.” She caught herself and frowned at her brother. “Dangit, Mac, this is what I was tryin’ to stop from happenin’. Tomorrow, next week, whenever, it’s gonna go away. Till then it’s a distraction is all, and there’s enough to do without flittin’ about with mah head in the clouds.”

“Things have been goin’ pretty well this summer, I reckon. No need to fret about it nohow.”

“Now you’re just temptin’ fate, Mac. Now let me be, so’s Ah kin figure out what kinda story Ah’m gonna tell Applebloom.”

“Eeyup.”

*continues greatly enjoying this*

[Beeskee]

EPPALJECK videos:

1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL5-8R6Kklg)

2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN3S7GOZkbg)

3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvtIsthX38I)

4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmUTnXGKZ5o)


Eppaljeck and Friends (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTGaTEdjRn4)

Eppaljeck: The Documentary (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeI2ftPa2AM)



Playlist (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL5-8R6Kklg&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL4093465385799AE5) (I can't vouch for the quality of this, I haven't watched it all)



Reviews from fellow bronies:


<+InkwellTailbrush> Somebody owes me like additional time for the amount of life I lost watching that.

<+Neoseanster> THAT IS MESSED UP.

"The horror, the horror!"

[Grif]

EPPALJECK videos:

1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL5-8R6Kklg)

2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN3S7GOZkbg)

3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvtIsthX38I)

4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmUTnXGKZ5o)


Eppaljeck and Friends (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTGaTEdjRn4)

Eppaljeck: The Documentary (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeI2ftPa2AM)



Playlist (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL5-8R6Kklg&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL4093465385799AE5) (I can't vouch for the quality of this, I haven't watched it all)



Reviews from fellow bronies:


<+InkwellTailbrush> Somebody owes me like additional time for the amount of life I lost watching that.

<+Neoseanster> THAT IS MESSED UP.

"The horror, the horror!"

The horror movie of Garry's mod starring MLP. For real.

[Beeskee]

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/215/1/d/eppaljeck_by_maxtaro-d43i1tj.jpg

[BlasTech]

Hey Trixie!

Since some others have already found the IRC information for the OP a page or two ago, here's my overdue promise to find the crazy-twilight emotes.

Link to imgur (http://imgur.com/a/qOi4u)

Second on tonights agenda ...

Post-it War update:

IT IS DONE!

Well, sort of ...

I'll start with the good. We managed to get a rather passable Nyan Cat up across three of our windows, which will annihilate our competition so long as it stays attached to the window (unfortunately, we appear to have been supplied with sub-par munitions and the post its tend to fall off. "Built by the lowest bidder" indeed.

Still, it looked good in the end.

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/309/8/0/post_it_wars__nyan_cat_by_btech-d4f55z1.jpg

We finished up, but we had a surplus of some colours, so later that afternoon I took a break from my note writing and did this:

Sorry about the poor quality, I had no 8-bit reference and our windows are rather narrow. Might fix her up a bit and take a better picture come Monday (if i can figure out how to fix it). At least I hope she's recognisable.

http://th00.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2011/309/6/5/post_it_wars__pinkie_pie_by_btech-d4f562d.jpg

[Athaniar]

EPPALJECK videos:

1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL5-8R6Kklg)

2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN3S7GOZkbg)

3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvtIsthX38I)

4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmUTnXGKZ5o)


Eppaljeck and Friends (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTGaTEdjRn4)

Eppaljeck: The Documentary (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeI2ftPa2AM)

Dear Celestia, those are disturbing on... at least 40 levels.


We finished up, but we had a surplus of some colours, so later that afternoon I took a break from my note writing and did this:

Sorry about the poor quality, I had no 8-bit reference and our windows are rather narrow. Might fix her up a bit and take a better picture come Monday (if i can figure out how to fix it). At least I hope she's recognisable.

http://th00.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2011/309/6/5/post_it_wars__pinkie_pie_by_btech-d4f562d.jpg
Pinkie! Woo!

[Draconi Redfir]

Concept: MLP + MSPA crossover.

Idea: a Shoof game is played by a bunch of ponies

Two Earth ponies
Two Peggisi
Two unicorns
And possibly two Allicorns (Not Luna, Celestia, or any other canon charicters)

It will be he first time in who-knows-how-many years the pony population will actually be 1:1 gender-wise.

I’ll just leave this here and let you people think about it for awhile.

[Deadly]

We have a suggestion, ponythreaders!

Ponythread has been kinda slow lately, with some exceptions. I woke up late today and found only two new pages when before I tended to get at least six. I can't imagine many explanations other than IRC sucking all the life out of it, and I kinda fear that IRC will be the choice of place for many to discuss the new episode too.

I may be wrong on that, but either way, I would suggest perhaps IRC should be reserved for non-pony related chatting, things which don't really belong in ponythread anyway, and keeping pony discussion here.

I think that would be more in line with what I think was the purpose of this IRC anyway: To have a place for ponythreaders to socialize, not a replacement for general pony discussions which is what the thread is for.

Of course we may want to keep the line a little fuzzy, to allow some non-pony discussion here and some pony discussion there, but I think it'd be nice to keep it mostly in the proper places.

Thoughts? Am I being too concerned too early?

[Aotrs Commander]

We have a suggestion, ponythreaders!

Ponythread has been kinda slow lately, with some exceptions. I woke up late today and found only two new pages when before I tended to get at least six. I can't imagine many explanations other than IRC sucking all the life out of it, and I kinda fear that IRC will be the choice of place for many to discuss the new episode too.

I may be wrong on that, but either way, I would suggest perhaps IRC should be reserved for non-pony related chatting, things which don't really belong in ponythread anyway, and keeping pony discussion here.

I think that would be more in line with what I think was the purpose of this IRC anyway: To have a place for ponythreaders to socialize, not a replacement for general pony discussions which is what the thread is for.

Of course we may want to keep the line a little fuzzy, to allow some non-pony discussion here and some pony discussion there, but I think it'd be nice to keep it mostly in the proper places.

Thoughts? Am I being too concerned too early?

I'd leave it as is, until after the new episode airs, and see how things go from there first; as has been said, the IRC is a new toy, so let 'em play while the newness holds and then see how we stand and then worry about doing something if anything indeed needs doing.

[Sean Mirrsen]

Well, it seems to keep the RP out of the thread, which, for us people who don't follow that stuff, is a blessing more than a curse. It's not like people hanging out in IRC don't visit the thread, they just don't fill it up with their back-and-forth witty banter (which, I should say, is hilarious to observe in realtime).

[Deadly]

I'd leave it as is, until after the new episode airs, and see how things go from there first; as has been said, the IRC is a new toy, so let 'em play while the newness holds and then see how we stand and then worry about doing something if anything indeed needs doing.

True enough. I certainly wasn't suggesting immediate action, just wanted to get this idea in before the new episode might flood the thread.



On that topic, I'm now confused about when the new episode airs, what with the changing of the clocks and schedules and everything. Anyone able to clarify how long until it airs?

[Soras Teva Gee]

1 Hour 11 Minutes by my clock. Or ya know 10AM EST

[Deadly]

1 Hour 11 Minutes by my clock. Or ya know 10AM EST

Ah, thanks. Then my fears were right, we set back our clocks a while ago so that's one hour earlier than last time for me.

[Athaniar]

We have a suggestion, ponythreaders!

Ponythread has been kinda slow lately, with some exceptions. I woke up late today and found only two new pages when before I tended to get at least six. I can't imagine many explanations other than IRC sucking all the life out of it, and I kinda fear that IRC will be the choice of place for many to discuss the new episode too.

I may be wrong on that, but either way, I would suggest perhaps IRC should be reserved for non-pony related chatting, things which don't really belong in ponythread anyway, and keeping pony discussion here.

I think that would be more in line with what I think was the purpose of this IRC anyway: To have a place for ponythreaders to socialize, not a replacement for general pony discussions which is what the thread is for.

Of course we may want to keep the line a little fuzzy, to allow some non-pony discussion here and some pony discussion there, but I think it'd be nice to keep it mostly in the proper places.

Thoughts? Am I being too concerned too early?
I disagree with this. Putting limits on what we can talk about in the IRC will most likely not lead to any positive results. The IRC is a place to just talk about whatever we feel like (usually pony) when we feel like it, and imposing some kind of taboo feels wrong.

[Tiki Snakes]

Personally, though I had no real problem with the old pace, the new pace does mean that the meaty pony-arts and stuff that I crack the thread open for are slightly easier to find and spot lately. :smallsmile:

It's a kind of win win for me, long as it's all healthy. Not like the thread is in any danger of falling off the first page or anything.

[Deadly]

I disagree with this. Putting limits on what we can talk about in the IRC will most likely not lead to any positive results. The IRC is a place to just talk about whatever we feel like (usually pony) when we feel like it, and imposing some kind of taboo feels wrong.

But isn't it more in line with the idea behind the IRC? As I said I would suggest a soft limit, not a hard one, and people can still talk all they want about ponies, they'd just do it here instead of there, like they did before IRC.

I'm just feeling kinda sad about this IRC thing, because even if bits and pieces are posted here in the form of logs, that feels rather more like being told about this awesome party that you weren't there for.

Even if ponythread doesn't stay slow after the new episode, I still think this idea may have some merit.

[Tectonic Robot]

But isn't it more in line with the idea behind the IRC? As I said I would suggest a soft limit, not a hard one, and people can still talk all they want about ponies, they'd just do it here instead of there, like they did before IRC.

I'm just feeling kinda sad about this IRC thing, because even if bits and pieces are posted here in the form of logs, that feels rather more like being told about this awesome party that you weren't there for.

Even if ponythread doesn't stay slow after the new episode, I still think this idea may have some merit.

Well, you don't visit the IRC, do you? I can say that majority of the people who visit it (myself included) would resent limitations being put on to what we can and can't talk about.

[Deadly]

Well, you don't visit the IRC, do you? I can say that majority of the people who visit it (myself included) would resent limitations being put on to what we can and can't talk about.

How about seeing it more as a guideline than an actual limitation, would that help? A... I don't know, courtesy. If the topic is heavily pony-related, post/move it here, or post it both places if it's a link or image or the like.

Since I don't visit the chat I obviously can't say what it's like there, but I get the feeling that I miss some things which are posted there and not here.

[Beacon of Chaos]

Okay, chapter 2 of Piece of Mind FINALLY finished now that I got some time to myself.
I like it! The pacing seems a little fast, but I'm afraid I can't really place why. Otherwise, very good.


Fanfic Time! Just in time to get totally lost in the new episode excitement, I have the third part of New Perspectives
Keep it up, I'm enjoying this!


Hey Trixie!

Since some others have already found the IRC information for the OP a page or two ago, here's my overdue promise to find the crazy-twilight emotes.

Link to imgur (http://imgur.com/a/qOi4u)

Second on tonights agenda ...

Post-it War update:

IT IS DONE!

Well, sort of ...

I'll start with the good. We managed to get a rather passable Nyan Cat up across three of our windows, which will annihilate our competition so long as it stays attached to the window (unfortunately, we appear to have been supplied with sub-par munitions and the post its tend to fall off. "Built by the lowest bidder" indeed.

Still, it looked good in the end.

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/309/8/0/post_it_wars__nyan_cat_by_btech-d4f55z1.jpg

We finished up, but we had a surplus of some colours, so later that afternoon I took a break from my note writing and did this:

Sorry about the poor quality, I had no 8-bit reference and our windows are rather narrow. Might fix her up a bit and take a better picture come Monday (if i can figure out how to fix it). At least I hope she's recognisable.

http://th00.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2011/309/6/5/post_it_wars__pinkie_pie_by_btech-d4f562d.jpg
That's awesome! Good job!

[Neoseanster]

New episode!

Thoughts thus far:

They have parents!
Poor poor Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Such bad friendship problems.
Those apples look horrible.
The Apple family grows grapes, too!
Sheep can talk? Ponies use slave labor!
Sweetie Belle is the new Apple Bloom.

[Shadowy]

New episode:
Hat = Applejack
Applejack = Hat
Therefore, Rarity is the new applejack.

[Deadly]

My immediate thoughts

Episode 5
No Twilight, at all :smallfrown: That's a first, not sure what to think about that

I'm not sure about this trend of wild emotional outbursts, either.

But aside from that it was a nice enough episode. Nothing special.

[Callos_DeTerran]

My immediate thoughts

Episode 5
No Twilight, at all :smallfrown: That's a first, not sure what to think about that

I'm not sure about this trend of wild emotional outbursts, either.

But aside from that it was a nice enough episode. Nothing special.

To be fair, the wild emotional outburst came from Rarity, the hammiest of all ponies, so...tis to be expected. Unless you're counting Sweetie Belle too, in which case...see her direct blood link to Rarity. :smallwink:

Edit: Also, Rarity is the new Applejack and Sweetie Belle is the new Applebloom...hoo boy this is going to get confusing real fast...

[Deadly]

To be fair, the wild emotional outburst came from Rarity, the hammiest of all ponies, so...tis to be expected. Unless you're counting Sweetie Belle too, in which case...see her direct blood link to Rarity. :smallwink:

Episode 5
Yeah, it wasn't as huge in this one. Just wondering if this is going to be a common theme from now on.

[EsperDerek]

First, I have to disagree with the idea that IRC should be reserved for non-pony topics. That just doesn't work.

Now, for the episode:

Episode 5

Speaking as a big brother, the themes present in this episode are all too familiar to me. While my relationship with my sister is probably closer to AJ-AB's than Rarity and Sweeties, there were times where my sister was following me around being "annoying" and getting on my nerves, only for me to realize later that she was only trying to help and do things with me.

Also, our first non-Twilight episode ever. However, considering the past four episodes have been really heavy with the Twilight, I think that it's understandable that she gets to have a bit of a break.

I think this was probably the weakest of the episodes of season 2 so far, but only because the other episodes have been so good. This is a good, solid episode, much akin to season 1's 'Green Isn't Your Color', or perhaps more fittingly 'Look Before You Sleep'.

[Anarion]

New Episode Thoughts

Start was a bit painful. So much lack of communication. It's interesting how Sweetie Belle is kind of incompetent, but that's basically Rarity's fault for ignoring her and never explaining what she did wrong or why. Poor communication.

Rarity's parents...well I suspect that with Rarity's personality that was not the easiest childhood. I wonder if Rarity just doesn't remember her own struggles with family when thinking of Sweetie Belle.

Apple Pie. Can't believe that simile worked.

Switch was pretty good and Rarity was surprisingly physically competent. Also, Applejack can hold her breath for a long time!

Ending was the most interesting part of the episode. No Twilight at all. I'm actually not sure what to think of that. On one hand, obviously there was the advantage that they got more episode time to focus on Rarity and Sweetie Belle and it allowed Rarity and Sweetie Belle to collect and clarify their own thoughts about sisterhood. On the other hand, without Twilight reflecting on her friends' actions I feel like the center of their social group just sort of disappeared. I suspect that also portends fewer episodes with all 6 mane cast in them and more individual character interaction.

No new song :smallfrown:
If we don't get at least one by this season's episode 11 (when we got winter-wrap up last season) that will be sad.

[Orzel]

I liked it. Wasn't the best episode but good.

Rarity likes agonized chaos as much as I do.

What? No scene of Scootaloo begging RD to be her temporary sister? GOOD!

I realized that I havent been the best brother to mine. I haven't thrown him off a building or encouraged criminal behavior. Where does one get an Applejack.

Pony noogies look awkward.

Fanon has been destroyed again with Dinky.

[Shadowy]

I liked it. Wasn't the best episode but good.

Rarity likes agonized chaos as much as I do.

What? No scene of Scootaloo begging RD to be her temporary sister? GOOD!

I realized that I havent been the best brother to mine. I haven't thrown him off a building or encouraged criminal behavior. Where does one get an Applejack.

Pony noogies look awkward.

Fanon has been destroyed again with Dinky.

Response:
What? No scene of Scootaloo begging RD to be her temporary sister? GOOD!

But that would've been cool! Why don't you like it?

Fanon has been destroyed again with Dinky.

Actually, that pony was a re-color of Dinky. It wasn't Dinky herself.

There were two Lyra clones however, sitting in the stands.

[Altaria87]

I honestly preferred this episode to Lesson Zero, it was more like an MLP episode, instead of some (admittedly very good) fan fic. Plus, it contained copious amounts of Best Pony being Best Pony, so that's good. Sad she didn't get a chance to sing, I was predicting that.

On 'Dinky destroying Fanon'. I can't believe everyone seems to have forgot Dinky is Derpy's daughter, not sister. All that was confirmed is that Derpy has two daughters, or got a friend to stand in.

And well played to the writers on the 'Applejack was actually rarity' thing at the end. Took me completely be surprise.

[EsperDerek]

I liked it. Wasn't the best episode but good.

Rarity likes agonized chaos as much as I do.

What? No scene of Scootaloo begging RD to be her temporary sister? GOOD!

I realized that I havent been the best brother to mine. I haven't thrown him off a building or encouraged criminal behavior. Where does one get an Applejack.

Pony noogies look awkward.

Fanon has been destroyed again with Dinky.

To be fair, the Derpy-Dinky fanon was really the most tenuous of connections.

I loved the awkward look AJ gave Sweetie Belle when she marveled over the grape crushing.

"Yeah, grape juice, that's exactly what we're making, yup..."

[Orzel]

I honestly preferred this episode to Lesson Zero, it was more like an MLP episode, instead of some (admittedly very good) fan fic. Plus, it contained copious amounts of Best Pony being Best Pony, so that's good. Sad she didn't get a chance to sing, I was predicting that.

On 'Dinky destroying Fanon'. I can't believe everyone seems to ahve forgot Dinky is Derpy's daughter, not sister. All that was confirmed is that Derpy has two daughters, or got a friend to stand in.


My point was it would have made Derpy really old for her to have a daughter that old.


Come on. You didn't see the switch? You missed the eye color. And the no talking. And the dirt not disappearing after one scene?

[vegetalss4]

episode thoughts

a bit too strong on the emotions at the start for my taste, hope it isn't going to be the general strength.
I liked that Rarity tried not to snap at Sweetie.

Parents! the number seen of parents has increased by 50%

sheep being able to talk and still being herded and put into a fold like that has some unfortunate implications.
Anyone have a good solution/explanation for them?

was it just me or did it look like Rarity and Sweetie bumped into that other team when they were carrying their eggs? that wouldn't be very sporting of them. Oh well probably wasn't on purpose.

also first Episode with no Twillight.

[Anarion]

episode thoughts

a bit too strong on the emotions at the start for my taste, hope it isn't going to be the general strength.
I liked that Rarity tried not to snap at Sweetie.

Parents! the number seen of parents has increased by 50%

sheep being able to talk and still being herded and put into a fold like that has some unfortunate implications.
Anyone have a good solution/explanation for them?

was it just me or did it look like Rarity and Sweetie bumped into that other team when they were carrying their eggs? that wouldn't be very sporting of them. Oh well probably wasn't on purpose.

also first Episode with no Twillight.



The sheep were almost surely a reference to the movie "Babe" where they tell Babe, the pig, that if he asks politely then they're happy to be herded.

[Kalinda]

Ep 5 stuff.Sweetie Bell's breakfast was just great. Burned juice, liquifed and burned toast, what looked like burned apple slices and maybe celery stalks.

The parents, I like them. Father had three footballs as a cutie mark, so maybe a football coach? Mother was wearing capri pants so we couldn't see her mark, but both were properly fashion impaired. (Because the law of funny dictates that the parents of a fashionista MUST be fashion impaired)

Bored Sweetie bell pushing herself across the floor is the best thng, i'm calling meme right now.

Applejack and Applebloom working together is very cute and heartwarming, as is proper, this is actually about 2/3 a Rarity & Sweetie Bell ep and 1/3 an Applejack episode, with AJ providing the voice of reason and leading by example.

Rarity realizing that there are other ways to be inspired was a good touch. Gone with the wind ref, had to be done, obvious in retrospect.

I was a bit unsure about Rarity seeming to think only about herself, but even normally very nice people can have blind spots when it comes to their siblings. You see them every day, so they go in a mental "box" as it were and you don't treat them as you would someone you weren't related to.

Contest was cute, and I actually didn't guess the twist until the very end, going back and looking it was obvious, but I was too busy watching the background first time around.

Friendship report without Twilight, we were right about ep 3 opening it up for her not to be shoehorned in. (now we need to see someone photoshop insane twilight into the background of the contest.)

[vegetalss4]

The sheep were almost surely a reference to the movie "Babe" where they tell Babe, the pig, that if he asks politely then they're happy to be herded.

That may be, I would still like some in-universe theory I could incorporate into my headcannon as an explanation.

[Kairaven]

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/878eb54085ef073a47eaf21f6e27a36d/78068%20-%20animated%20cloudsdale%20cool_star%20derpy_hoove s%20fluttershy%20macro%20rainbow_dash%20sonic_rain boom.gif

ruined fanon! ruined fanon everywhere!

aside from dinky, Berry(punch)shine and Ruby is no longer mother/daughter but sisters.

and Carrot top (golden harvest) is sister with Bonnie, who was with the mortal combat stallion with guitar cutie mark in eps 4. but in eps 4 carrot was with dinky on the same exact scene.

lol, people takes fanon too seriously sometimes.

I thought this one was a great episode.

[otakuryoga]

decided to watch it and jot down points in notebook rather than try to post throughout this week....

Oh, Rarity, it helps if you can SEE when you run.....

!!! PARENTS !!!

liquified AND burnt toast??? HOW?

YES YES YES I totally 2nd the sing a song suggestion!!!!!

the boutique is much bigger than we have seen previously

socks on the clothesline!! socks on the clothesline!!

swallowing all that rage cannot be healthy

a crapping dog game?? REALLY?!!? do you win or lose when it takes a dump?

I LOVE LUCY REFERENCE!!! yeah....sooooooo many 4-8 year old girls are gonna get that...

make a wish...whoever gets the bigger piece of Applejack wins!

ONE DAY!

hmmmm, Berry in race...and berry watching race---TWINS! we get to keep our Berry Punch and the other one is the new Berryshine that hasbro just introduced 8)

Bwahahaha...Rarity in multiple ponytales

WAAAAAHHhhhhhhh.....why you no have song???

now i gotta wait for the youtubes so i can properly freeze and check out the sister pairings they show..and the crowds in background


My immediate thoughts

Episode 5
No Twilight, at all :smallfrown: That's a first, not sure what to think about that




payoff from end of Lesson Zero... they didnt have to figure out some way to shoehorn her in and disrupt the flow of the episode

random thought....
I really hope they show/mention some family for Scootaloo this season so the "Scoot is a homeless orphan" fanfics can stop

[Kalinda]

That may be, I would still like some in-universe theory I could incorporate into my headcannon as an explanation.

Theory
Sheep can talk and are kinda sentient, but like cows are easiely spooked. They also have terribly short memories, and although they say "You could have just asked" in reality they forget where they're going every 3 minutes and have to be re-asked, and if anything odd happens like a sudden noise they all freak and scatter. It's easier to just herd them in the end.

Having raised sheep I can confirm that this view is 100% accurate to actual sheep. If they had 10 times the brain power they'd still be dumb as a box of rocks. If sheep in equestra lack magic, they likely willingly "work" for the ponies providing wool in return for food, protection and shearing. (same thing goes for the cows.)

[Deadly]

Episode 5
So Dinky and Sparkler are sisters? They don't much look alike, aside from being unicorns.


payoff from end of Lesson Zero... they didnt have to figure out some way to shoehorn her in and disrupt the flow of the episode

Episode 5
True. I'm just thinking maybe I'd have liked her to have at least a little role. A background role at least.


New Episode Thoughts

On the other hand, without Twilight reflecting on her friends' actions I feel like the center of their social group just sort of disappeared.

Episode 5
That's pretty much my concern as well. Twilight was always there to tie it all together, even when she only had a minor role

[Kalinda]

Everyone wish me and my wife luck, we're off to our first brony meetup! All pony all the time. :smallcool:

[PhantomFox]

Ep. 5
Those parents are nice. No wonder why Rarity lives by herself.
The conflict was pretty good and believable. Everything both Rarity and Sweetie Bell were logical.
Yes! AJ Screen Time! At least she gets 1/3 an episode. She gets some good scenes.
Yay for Gone with the Wind reference!
Didn't notice the switch. A second look shows that it is Rarity's mane, tail, and eyes, but the hat really sells the deception

[Deadly]

Everyone wish me and my wife luck, we're off to our first brony meetup! All pony all the time. :smallcool:

Good luck :smallbiggrin: I wish I had something like that around here

[vegetalss4]

Theory
Sheep can talk and are kinda sentient, but like cows are easiely spooked. They also have terribly short memories, and although they say "You could have just asked" in reality they forget where they're going every 3 minutes and have to be re-asked, and if anything odd happens like a sudden noise they all freak and scatter. It's easier to just herd them in the end.

Having raised sheep I can confirm that this view is 100% accurate to actual sheep. If they had 10 times the brain power they'd still be dumb as a box of rocks. If sheep in equestra lack magic, they likely willingly "work" for the ponies providing wool in return for food, protection and shearing. (same thing goes for the cows.)

Thank you, and yoink

also good luck with the meetup.

[Athaniar]

Everyone wish me and my wife luck, we're off to our first brony meetup! All pony all the time. :smallcool:
To the Pony! Have Pony!

Episode thoughts:
It was good. Probably the worst so far in season 2, but that certainly does not mean it was bad. Interesting to see an episode without most of the mane cast.

Also, "With Celestia as my witness" is best line. That should be the next thread title.

[Orzel]

Everyone wish me and my wife luck, we're off to our first brony meetup! All pony all the time. :smallcool:

Cool. Have fun.

[vegetalss4]

To the Pony! Have Pony!

Episode thoughts:

Also, "With Celestia as my witness" is best line. That should be the next threat title.

I would like to second this proposal.

[Neoseanster]

Logs from #newponyepisode! Spoilers abound!
* Now talking in #newponyepisode
<Neoseanster> New ponieeessssss.
<Athaniar> Hngh, think I missed something in the intro...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> So who still thinks this channel is silly
<Athaniar> Of course it's silly. That's why we're here.
<byakurai> =D =D =D =D
<Neoseanster> Grrrrrr commercials. And I agree in its silliness.
<Athaniar> Already a commercial break?
<byakurai> commercials are evil...
<Neoseanster> But, compromise.
* byakurai tries to exorcise the commercials
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Intro plus theme means commerical.
<Neoseanster> Compromise is the root of all friendship. o_o
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Compromise is a fallacy
<byakurai> ... Really? I thought it was fire and tree sap...
<Athaniar> How long is this commercial?
<Athaniar> (Break)
<byakurai> FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
<Soras|The|Unicorn> So is it wrong that I drinking beer while watching pony?
<Athaniar> "Build a beer!" *shows penguins*
<Athaniar> *bear
<byakurai> yes. You should be drinking vodka.
<Athaniar> Soras confused me with alcohol.
<Neoseanster> It's baaaack
<Athaniar> It returns!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Hah, you know if I say its Yuengling you can somewhat narrow my location
<Neoseanster> Rarity's parents!
<Neoseanster> :O :O :O
<Athaniar> Rarity's parents!
* ShadowyIRC ([email protected]) has joined #newponyepisode
<ShadowyIRC> Heyoall!
<Athaniar> Welcome to PONY
<ShadowyIRC> I'm slightly behind, but have it recorded.
<ShadowyIRC> I'm already convinced that Sweetie belle will have the best episode.
<Athaniar> Surely Sweetie Belle's true talent is cooking.
<Neoseanster> Poor Sweetie Belle
<Soras|The|Unicorn> So new fanon, Rarity's family is jewish
<ShadowyIRC> Parents!
<byakurai> condescending Rarity is condescending
<Athaniar> Epic fail.
<ShadowyIRC> The best toast.
<Athaniar> And accidental win.
<byakurai> XD
<ShadowyIRC> Does sweetie belle sound different?
<byakurai> Oh, it's gonna be one of thoooooooose episodes...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Rarity almost evolved into Rapidash back there
<Neoseanster> I can totally associate with Sweetie Belle's boredom.
<Athaniar> I wonder where Opal is.
<ShadowyIRC> Ok, she really does sound different.
* Athaniar is bad at voices, so he doesn't recognize anything.
<Neoseanster> Poor poor Sweeetie...
<ShadowyIRC> It sounds like the VA's nose is clogged or something...
<byakurai> Rarity is getting more OCD with each episode. O.o I wonder if it's a unicorn thing
<ShadowyIRC> This is the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING.
<Athaniar> "Organized chaos", hm?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I known exactly what Rarity means about chaos
<Athaniar> How long before she snaps...
<Neoseanster> Poor poor Sweetie...
<ShadowyIRC> I give it three minutes, tops.
<Athaniar> Applebloom!
<byakurai> just til the commercial break.
* Neoseanster: you're not a channel operator
<byakurai> Rarity has single child syndrome really really bad.
<ShadowyIRC> Happy sweetie belle is infectious.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Ooh this will end well
<Athaniar> Probably.
<Athaniar> Neigh, more commercials...
<Neoseanster> Poor Rarity and Sweetie Belle...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Doggie doo?
<Athaniar> ...why is this a game?
<Athaniar> That's horrible.
<Neoseanster> They have such bad friendship problems.
<byakurai> because somebody decided they could make money from it...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> That's worse then the stretchy jeans
<Neoseanster> BUT TWILIGHT CAN HELP
<Athaniar> Lego Transformers?
* byakurai pokes twilight.
* Discord ([email protected]) has joined #newponyepisode
<Athaniar> Pony ad!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> PONY APP!
<Discord> ...This is what I get for just clicking the link.
<byakurai> Lego transformers actually sounds slightly awesome, assuming they actually transform.
<Neoseanster> Tsk
<Neoseanster> #newponythread
<Neoseanster> Oops
<Athaniar> Looked like you just have to take it apart and put it together.
<Neoseanster> Wrong window
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I think they "transform" like y'know legos
<byakurai> that's lame then.
<Athaniar> Any commercial with Pinkie is a good commercial.
<Discord> ...A song doesn't look like it's in the future...aww.
<ShadowyIRC> Sweet, I'm live.
<Athaniar> Gyro bowlll
<Neoseanster> Yay, it worked now.
<Athaniar> "Magically!"
<ShadowyIRC> Smiley Sweetie belle is awesome.
<Athaniar> Gyro bowls are MAGIC.
<Athaniar> The ad said it so it must be true.
<Discord> Soo many good faces from this episode...
<Neoseanster> Pancakes... o_o
<byakurai> gyro bowls make me sad...
<Neoseanster> The best pancakes around!
<Discord> ...And is it just me, or is this the first time we've seen a ponies parents who talked besides Pinkie's dad?
<Neoseanster> Yay it's back.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> So I've got my browser with stream on the left and IRC on the right. this works so well
<Athaniar> (This live stream is fun, though, it has snarking in the ads)
<Athaniar> Applejack!
<ShadowyIRC> 5 hours with the gyrobowl announcer, or 5 hours with crusaders at their most annoying?
<Athaniar> Crusaders.
<ShadowyIRC> Also, displacement does not exist in Ponyville.
<Athaniar> Apple sisters are adorable.
<Athaniar> ...wait, what is this on the steam? "Ad begins in 9:45"
<ShadowyIRC> Opal!
* Athaniar must find another stream...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I'm watching bronystate
<Athaniar> That one wouldn't work for me.
<Neoseanster> Apple family grows grapes too!
<Athaniar> Grapejack!
<ShadowyIRC> The hat was safe?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Yes
<Athaniar> Opal again!
<Athaniar> Poor Opal.
<byakurai> poor poor opal
<ShadowyIRC> And around a quarter of the thing was empty from filling one jar of jui- I need to stop looking at physics in this.,
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Sheep
<Athaniar> Sheeeep
<ShadowyIRC> That poor sheep!
<Neoseanster> Sheep talk!
<byakurai> sheep are sentient. that makes me sad.
<Athaniar> Awww
<ShadowyIRC> Magic explains it all for some reason.
<byakurai> dramadramadramadrama
<Soras|The|Unicorn> PONYHAM!!!!!
<Athaniar> Rarity is such a ham.
<Athaniar> I love it.
<ShadowyIRC> WORST. POSSIBLE. THING.
<Athaniar> With Celestia as my witness!
<ShadowyIRC> "Celestia as my witness"
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Oh god Gone With The Wind reference
<ShadowyIRC> This is perfect :D
<Athaniar> Now Sweetie Belle is a jerk.
<ShadowyIRC> Perfect :D
<Neoseanster> Sweetie Belle is the new Appebloom.
<Neoseanster> **Applebloom.
<byakurai> This can't end up well...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Uh oh
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I think DisQord is getting loose again...
<ShadowyIRC> That was beautiful :)
<byakurai> compromise!
<Athaniar> Being sisters is like apple pie!
<ShadowyIRC> Pie!
<ShadowyIRC> Pie solves all problems.
<Neoseanster> I KNOW WHAT I MUST DO!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> All things are solved by pie
<Athaniar> Adddssss
<ShadowyIRC> Why are all those paper-pony cut-outs the discord versions?
<Athaniar> Why is that fun?
<Athaniar> Discord runs Hasbro.
<byakurai> ... You know, I half expected Pinkie to pop up at the mention of pie...
<ShadowyIRC> Of course!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Hey guys where's the rest of the mane six?
<byakurai> doing other stuff? O.o
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I would have expect Twi to pop up by now.
<Athaniar> And release DE MAGICKS!
<ShadowyIRC> I wonder if they're going to insert a Scotaloo into this somehow. Ruin ALL the fanon, by showing her sister.
<Athaniar> Talking horses in the ads too?
<ShadowyIRC> Or have her talk Rainbow dash into it.
<byakurai> You'd think. But maybe with the Episode 3 stuff they don't need a Twi in this mess.
<ShadowyIRC> It's nice that they can ignore Twilight occasionally.
<byakurai> Rainbow Dash must be the loneliest pony in Ponyville...
<Athaniar> How is that related to Clue at all?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> PONIES!!!
<ShadowyIRC> That's why she has a pet competition!
<Athaniar> pOnY
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Dinky has a sister that's not Derpy...
<ShadowyIRC> Carrot top!
<Discord> Hehehehehe..."I'm adopting Applejack as my NEW sister!" "What?!"
* Neoseanster crosses fingers for Celestia and Luna
* Soras|The|Unicorn does too
* ShadowyIRC Crosses fingers also]
<Athaniar> Sweetie Belle, you're a jerk.
<ShadowyIRC> Curse these hooves!
<Neoseanster> Confound modern dohickey!
<Athaniar> Granny Pie is fun.
<ShadowyIRC> Lyra?
<Athaniar> *Smith
<Athaniar> (Confusing old ponies again)
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Derpy sighting?
<byakurai> Granny Smith is awesome
<Athaniar> How soon before all new background ponies have fanon names?
<ShadowyIRC> 10 seconds flat
<Athaniar> Indeed.
<Neoseanster> They... they ate the pie tins.
<ShadowyIRC> That's not dinky.
<ShadowyIRC> That pony is purple.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I think AJ is cheating basing all these challenges around stuff she does all the time.
<ShadowyIRC> I'm going to have to re-watch this just to pause at all the background ponies.
<byakurai> BERRY PUNCH WINS!
<Neoseanster> !!!
<Athaniar> Alcohol Power
<ShadowyIRC> The magical hat.
<Athaniar> WHAT A TWIST
<Athaniar> It's like something out of M. Night Shyamalan.
<ShadowyIRC> Hat = Applejack
<Soras|The|Unicorn> DONT SAY THAT!!!
<byakurai> IT WAS RARITY ALL ALONG!
<ShadowyIRC> Applejack = hat
<ShadowyIRC> Therefore, Rarity is Applejack.
<Neoseanster> Rarity let herself be covered in mud for Sweetie!
<byakurai> wait, Rarity ate a pie in one bite?
<ShadowyIRC> She can hang out with Spike now.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> That hair...
<Athaniar> Mwahah
<ShadowyIRC> OH GOD THE BOWS.
<Athaniar> First Non-Twilight Friendship Letter
<ShadowyIRC> Socks.
<ShadowyIRC> I'm pleased.
<Neoseanster> Rarty with her mane down!
<Neoseanster> Getting soaked!
<Neoseanster> And muddied!
<ShadowyIRC> Spike is doing this.
<Neoseanster> Spike saves the day again.
<ShadowyIRC> I like the idea that he just walked in and started writing.
<Athaniar> Spike is best negotiator.
<byakurai> That... I... O.o
<byakurai> COMPROMISE
<Athaniar> That was a sweet episode.
<ShadowyIRC> Approval!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> First no-Twilight episode.
<ShadowyIRC> Where's Lyra? I need to get her to teach me how to do a thumbs up.
<Neoseanster> Oh, yeah. No Twilight /at all/.
<Neoseanster> And no Pinkie
<Neoseanster> Or Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy
<Athaniar> Or Fluttershy.
<byakurai> Indeed, no Twilight. That's pretty awesome.
<Neoseanster> And no Celestia+Luna
<Athaniar> That would make me disapprove, but it was a good episode nonetheless.
<byakurai> I miss Fluttershy tho...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I guess this confirms the other Mane six don't have siblings if any one was wondering.
<Neoseanster> Or if they do have siblings, they aren't sisters.
<Neoseanster> Could have a brother.
<byakurai> I'm more than a little amazed that Rarity managed to overcome her OCD to do all the events in the race.
<Athaniar> This live-stream restarts the episode again.
<ShadowyIRC> Lyra has a sister, and I must find who it is.
<Neoseanster> It's not just the live stream, the hub's running it a second time
<Athaniar> Nice.
<byakurai> I'm not watching it again until a hi-def pops up on youtube
<Soras|The|Unicorn> They do every time
<byakurai> Then again, ealdhain and I are going through the episodes in order, so I'm sure we'll get to it eventually.
<byakurai> What was everypony's verdict on this episode?
<ShadowyIRC> Yes.
<Athaniar> It was a good episode.
<Athaniar> Not very memetic, or especially awesome, but good.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Good though not as good as the other's this season
<ShadowyIRC> It was not the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING.
<byakurai> I agree. Which is odd, because I'm not a Rarity fan.
<byakurai> A couple of good Rarity and Sweetie Belle faces popped up. They're probably gonna turn into emotes.
<Athaniar> It's fun to see more of the cast's families.
<ShadowyIRC> Huh.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> How dooo you burn juice?
<Athaniar> Horribly.
<ShadowyIRC> It actually appeard that a good chunk of the ponies appeared to just be crowd members.
<Discord> Sweetie Belle is obviously a dark wizard for being able to burn juice...and turn toast into burnt mush.
<Athaniar> Obviously her special talent is fire.
<ShadowyIRC> NAh, she's just been training under Pinkie pie.
<ShadowyIRC> See her hopping over the mud.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> OF COURSE!
<Discord> "One. Day....Good luck!"
<Athaniar> Sweetie Belle, Pyromancer.
<ShadowyIRC> And they didn't eat the pie tins.
<Neoseanster> Oh, and I just realized that this establishes Sweetie doesn't normally live with Rarity
<Neoseanster> But rather with their parents, who have a home elsewhere
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Ohh just gettin that now?
<Athaniar> Classic embarassing parents.
<ShadowyIRC> ALso, Sweetie belles talent can't be fire. Pinkie Pie is already the pyro.
<Discord> While Rarity watches her every now and then..which makes sense.
* PhantomFox ([email protected]) has joined #newponyepisode
<Discord> Ballons=fire?
<Neoseanster> Yeah, it does make sense!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Wait ponies eat eggs?
<PhantomFox> Howdy all
<ShadowyIRC> Also, lyra clones.
<Discord> Rarity does anyway.
<byakurai> Pinkie Pyro!
<Athaniar> Greetings.
<ShadowyIRC> hi phantom
<Neoseanster> Hey Phantom
<PhantomFox> We watching the encore presentation, or discussing the one that just finished?
<ShadowyIRC> Also, if you look closely, you can see it is actually Rarity.
<Discord> Also, Iron Hoof Interpetation: The Applebloom Family enslaves sheep.
<Neoseanster> Both
<Athaniar> BOTH
<Discord> Both..
<Neoseanster> And I had not realized it was Rarity
<PhantomFox> I'm surprised they managed to pull off that Switcheroo on me
<Athaniar> htoB
<Neoseanster> But I thought it was weird that Applejack would get stuck in the mud like that
<Athaniar> Very Shyamalanic.
<Neoseanster> It kind of raised a brow
<Soras|The|Unicorn> It implies Rarity was in that mud for a long while.
<ShadowyIRC> Puled down by rarity.
<PhantomFox> I'm impressed that Rarity tolerated waiting for that long in a MUD PILE
<Discord> Well...AJ has green eyes, Rarity has blue, so there was an obvious clue.
<ShadowyIRC> Applejack being in the mud that long was a bit weird though.
<Discord> xD And that's why Rarity is a good sister...maybe not a great one, but a good one.
<Neoseanster> I hadn't paid close attention to it, but yeah, that'd have done it
<ShadowyIRC> She must have crazy breath-holding skills.
<PhantomFox> Yeah, but the scene was so fast paced, I didn't notice it
<Athaniar> Did Sweetie Belle suggest roleplaying?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Ponies gain another superpower.
<Discord> Sweetie Belle was cross-dressing...I can't stop thinking about that.
<Discord> As a Prince Charming nonetheless.
<PhantomFox> Who else noticed the winning sister team?
<PhantomFox> Berry Punch and Berry Pinch
<Soras|The|Unicorn> ooh I like that
<Discord> I was wondering if it was them! That's great!
<Athaniar> Alcohol Power?
<byakurai> Alcohol power indeed.
<Discord> They were making wine as one of the challenges..Punch obviously stopped for a drink.
<PhantomFox> It was Berry Punch, I know that. And the little one looked like Berry Pinch
<PhantomFox> Well, juice. Wine needs fermenting
<ShadowyIRC> So that's what the grapes were for.
<PhantomFox> But close enough
<ShadowyIRC> BRB
* ShadowyIRC ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client)
<Neoseanster> I'm still disappointed that Celestia+Luna weren't at the social
<Soras|The|Unicorn> It would have been nice
<byakurai> well, since she's a unicorn now, maybe she has a spell to ferment grape juice into wine?
<PhantomFox> I must admit, the conflict was pretty good. Sweetie Bell was being perfectly logical
<PhantomFox> She just didn't know what she needed to
* ShadowyIRC ([email protected]) has joined #newponyepisode
<PhantomFox> "Hey, a sweater in the washroom, let's wash it!"
<PhantomFox> "A mess! Rarity hates messes! I'll clean it!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Well yah should know to wash things properly
<Athaniar> The Social appeared to be more of a local Ponyville thing, though.
<Discord> Yeah, neither sister was really in the wrong, which was nice.
<ShadowyIRC> Sweetie belle wasn't as off the wall as her previous appearances though.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I still think AJ was cheating by clearly having thought up all the constest at the social.
<ShadowyIRC> Which kind of dissapoints me.
<Neoseanster> Yup. It was just a /friendship problem/.
<PhantomFox> I was a bit surprised Rarity needed to give more.
<PhantomFox> She's good at giving.
<PhantomFox> Perhaps not about 'giving in' though.
<byakurai> Well, I'mma go for now, guys. got stuffs to do. I'll probably be on TF2 at some point in case Shadowy feels like kicking my plot again.
<Athaniar> See ya.
<Neoseanster> See you, byaku
<ShadowyIRC> See ya.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> See ya
* byakurai ([email protected]) Quit (Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client)
<Athaniar> The commercials are really odd.
<Neoseanster> Welcome to AMERICA.
<PhantomFox> That toy playdough dentist thing squicked me a little
<Athaniar> They randomly mix ads for children stuff and adult stuff.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> No Saturday morning commercials are odd by American standards.
<Neoseanster> Also, I loved Big Mac whispering in Granny's ear.
<Discord> I still subscribe to my theory that the CMC are so off the wall because they feed off of one another's energy and excitement...like pony-vampires.
<Athaniar> Big Mac is cool.
<PhantomFox> I think Granny Smith stole that scene
<Discord> She totally did.
<Athaniar> Will burping Applebloom become a meme?
<PhantomFox> Probably
<Athaniar> yay
<Soras|The|Unicorn> No the CMCs have the most destructive synergy in Equestria
<ShadowyIRC> But there was no Scootaloo, so...Oh Celestia, it all makes sense!
<PhantomFox> Either way, I guess I've had by Applejack need soothed for a while
<Neoseanster> Also, apple-on-horn, poor Sweetie.
* InkwellTailbrush ([email protected]) has joined #newponyepisode
<Athaniar> Indeed, it was fun to see her.
<Neoseanster> Hey Inkwell
<PhantomFox> She only has 1/3 the episode, but even so!
<ShadowyIRC> Hi Inkwell.
<InkwellTailbrush> Heya! ^^
<Soras|The|Unicorn> No Scootaloo is why Ponyville wasn't destroyed this episode
<InkwellTailbrush> Heheh.
<PhantomFox> Well, we had fire in this episode, but no tree sap
<Discord> Conculsive proof that all three CMC need to be around for their synergy to work...and for tree sap to be present.
<Discord> If only two are there, you only get mud.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Poor Opal... again
<Athaniar> How long before TVTropes is updated?
<PhantomFox> Opal is a Smug Cat. This is supposed to happen
<InkwellTailbrush> Is it any wonder that cat is violent as heck?
<ShadowyIRC> But when there's two of them they get annoying, lose all personality, and exist only to be a high-pitched speak of aggravtion.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> You think it isn't being updated right now?
<Discord> How long before I have a hopping Sweetie Belle gif is the better question!
<Athaniar> It probably is.
<ShadowyIRC> THe only way to get the crusaders to be awesome when together is to give them costumes and make them sing.
<PhantomFox> You can ask the guys over on the Allspark
<PhantomFox> They have some great .gif makers over there
<Discord> Hey, the crusaders are ALWAYS awesome.
<PhantomFox> Who regularly .gif episodes
<Discord> What's the Allspark?
<Athaniar> Another week and we will get more CMC.
<InkwellTailbrush> Or a bored Sweetie Belle Gif. ^^ That was cute as heck.
<Neoseanster> Also: "With Celestia as my witness..."
<Athaniar> Best line.
<Neoseanster> so they do ICly use "Celestia" in place of "god!"
<PhantomFox> A Transformer forums, and one of the first brony strongholds
<Neoseanster> It's not just something we made up!
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Its from Gone With The Wind... VERY fitting for Rarity
<PhantomFox> Yeah, great Gone With The Wind reference
<ShadowyIRC> "With Celestia as my witness was the best line"
<Discord> Still not getting the 'Celestia/Luna' are gods vibe personally..
<InkwellTailbrush> And dear god, they have parents. >.@
<PhantomFox> No wonder Rarity lives by herself
<Athaniar> It was fun to see Rarity's parents.
<ShadowyIRC> And getting everything in place for the camp-fire scene was brillant.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I thought it was fun to learn Rarity's family is Jewish
<Athaniar> Wait, what?
<InkwellTailbrush> Rarity and Sweetie Belle's parents are... umm... eek.
<Athaniar> How did that look Jewish?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Listen to their mother
<PhantomFox> I need to see them again to remember what they were like
<Athaniar> The accent?
<Neoseanster> They were talking in stereotypical Jewish parent fashion
<Athaniar> Hm, maybe.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> And strictly speaking the mother is enough.
<Discord> I was getting a more...Jersey feel from Rarity's parents.
<PhantomFox> I was amused that they have a Taxi wagon
<Discord> Which might explain her drive for success and high-culture.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Trust me it was Yiddish
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Possibly of Manehatten extraction
<InkwellTailbrush> Yeah, I'm waiting for Youtube to come on up. ^^
<Discord> Huh. Well look at that..
<Athaniar> Snow Flake Science
<Athaniar> Slush is magitek.
<InkwellTailbrush> Yay, it's up. ^^
<Athaniar> Already?
<Athaniar> YouTube is fast.
<InkwellTailbrush> Fairly low quality to begin with.
<PhantomFox> Youtube is up, according to EQD
<PhantomFox> 420p
<InkwellTailbrush> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS570BT_S0Y
<Discord> I have to admit, I'm still kinda bewildered by Rarity's parents.
<InkwellTailbrush> Yeah, it's only going as high as 240p for me.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Hey editing does take time...
<PhantomFox> Nice.
<Discord> I mean...if I hadn't heard Sweetie Belle say she was Rarity's sister before, I'd peg them as more 'mother/daughter' then big sister/little sister...until this episode anyway.
<InkwellTailbrush> I'm personally thinking that Rarity and Sweetie Belle may have been adopted... >.<
<InkwellTailbrush> Then again, they do seem to have their father's markings and mother's mane.
<InkwellTailbrush> Father's pelt, rather.
<Athaniar> Granny is hilarious.
<Discord> Huh...No update to TVTropes yet...
<Athaniar> Sooon
<InkwellTailbrush> Oh dear gods, their voices are sooooo nasally.
<ShadowyIRC> Yeah, Sweetie Belle seemed off to start with.
<Athaniar> Have to go for a bit now. See ya!
<Neoseanster> Hm, yup, blue eyes "Applejack"
<ShadowyIRC> Bye
<ShadowyIRC> Also, dinky did not appear that episode.
* Athaniar is now known as Athaniar|AFK
<Neoseanster> Also, did they get away with only bringing one egg to the basket instead of two?
<ShadowyIRC> It was a dinky recolor.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Sure I'll buy that
<Discord> Y'know, I find it kinda funny. I was just saying last night that AJ isn't seen too much then BAM! XD She's the only other member of the Mane Six seen this episode.
<PhantomFox> Were there any Derpy sightings?
<ShadowyIRC> Yes.
<Neoseanster> Heh.
<PhantomFox> When?
<ShadowyIRC> Two.
<Neoseanster> I didn't notice Derpy
<Soras|The|Unicorn> At Granny's speech
<Neoseanster> In the audience maybe?
<InkwellTailbrush> 'Honka Honka!'
<ShadowyIRC> One in the pegasus stands, the other at the speechj.
<PhantomFox> Pegasus stands?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I didn't catch the stands one, guess I'll just wait for HD
<ShadowyIRC> The stands were organized by type of pony
<ShadowyIRC> One for unicorns, one for pegasi.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> SEGREGATION!
<ShadowyIRC> If anyone elese caught that, it's going to be an iron-hoof interpretation all the way.
<ShadowyIRC> Unicorn stands had to lyras.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> So it has Lyra and her twin sister?
* InkwellTailbrush poings. "One was Heartstrings!"
<PhantomFox> Obviously one is Lyra and the other is Heartstrings
<Soras|The|Unicorn> (its a subliminal message)
<Neoseanster> It all makes sense!
<InkwellTailbrush> God, bored Sweetie Belle is so adorable.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> My stream has a viewer count... it was amazing to see the viewers plummet as Secret Butt Fun came on.
<Discord> Which bored Sweetie Belle?
<InkwellTailbrush> 04:55 to 05:05.
<InkwellTailbrush> Pretty much that entire little animation sequence of her dragging herself around in frustrated boredom.
<Neoseanster> Is the episode already on youtube?
<InkwellTailbrush> Yes! ^^
<Neoseanster> Give link?
<PhantomFox> But not that great quality
<InkwellTailbrush> I linked it earlier, I think.
<InkwellTailbrush> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS570BT_S0Y
<PhantomFox> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS570BT_S0Y
<InkwellTailbrush> Relinkin'. ^^
* MidnightPony ([email protected]) has joined #newponyepisode
<InkwellTailbrush> Midnight WAI!
<ShadowyIRC> Hi Esper.
<MidnightPony> Hey, everypony!
<InkwellTailbrush> I take it you've seen the episode, since you're here. ^^
<MidnightPony> Thanks to dogs waking me up, I indeed saw it.
<InkwellTailbrush> Yay loud annoying dogs! ^^
<PhantomFox> Hello!
<Neoseanster> Hey Midnight
<PhantomFox> Whaddya think? Huh? Huh?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> There's a lot of meet at that breakfast
<Soras|The|Unicorn> *meat
<ShadowyIRC> That was not Dinky in that episode.
<Neoseanster> General concensus seems to be "good episode, not superamazingbest, but certainly good."
<InkwellTailbrush> I know how Rarity feels about her inspiration room, though. I have an area like that around my desk, and if somebody cleans it up while I'm not around, I go all nutty.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Rarity is secretly a carnivorous pony.
<MidnightPony> I thought it was a decent enough episode! I thought it was on the level of 'Look Before You Sleep' in the first season, where it's a solid, good episode.
<PhantomFox> I liked it well enough.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I come the closest to dislike with 'Look Before You Sleep' so I think this was well above that for me.
<MidnightPony> Speaking as a big brother, I do sympathize with Rarity at points. >.>
<Neoseanster> Ditto here.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> 'course you do, that's the point.
<InkwellTailbrush> Seeing as I have three fully grown friends who act like 5 year olds half the time, I kinda sympathize with Rarity too...
<InkwellTailbrush> God, it's annoying being the only artist in a group of any size.
<Discord> I'm a younger sibling and I sympathize with Rarity. :P And Sweetie...
<ShadowyIRC> Being both makes it hard for me to sympathize..
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I'm an only child and sympathize with both.
<MidnightPony> I loved the nervous look AJ gave Sweetie when they were crushing grapes. "Yes, grape juice, that's exactly what we're making..."
<PhantomFox> I like this better than Look Before Your Sleep personaly
<Discord> Pony moonshine!
<Neoseanster> I didn't notice that. *slooowwwwllllyyyyy loads new episode on youtube*
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Sweetapple Moonshiners and Boootleggers, don't tell the Royal Guard
<MidnightPony> LBYS was my very first episode, so I have a soft spot for it.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Ahh I see, I watched in order myself
<Neoseanster> Watched in order here, too
<MidnightPony> I find it interesting that we've seen three sets of parents so far, and yet, one of the ones we haven't seen is the very family-centric Applejack...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Going with the illegal alcohol... AJ rather slyly conned others into helping make it didn't she?
* Discord started with Winter wrap-up, completely by accident.
<Neoseanster> Except for the one with the Running of the Leaves
<Neoseanster> That one I accidentally skipped
<InkwellTailbrush> LBYS kinda had a special place in my heart, because of me quite often being in the Twilight Position between two friends who mix abit like Water and Lead Weights.
<PhantomFox> It was okay, but the whole 'sleepover' thing didn't gel with me.
<InkwellTailbrush> Plus... the Headless Horse!
<InkwellTailbrush> HEADLESS HORSE, PEOPLES!!!
<ShadowyIRC> Headless horse...
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Even lowballing the ponies to Lauren Faust minimum of 12... a sleepover is a little IDK
<ShadowyIRC> The headless horse!
<MidnightPony> Sweetie scooting around the floor was adorable.
<Neoseanster> Look Before You Sleep gave us http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6YYCZS_6Ls&feature=related
<PhantomFox> True
<InkwellTailbrush> I sooo agree with you, Midnight! Bored Sweetie Belle is adorable. ^^
<InkwellTailbrush> I do have to say, it was rather clever how Rarity and Applejack swapped places - and shows how desperate Rarity was to get Sweetie Belle back. ^^
<MidnightPony> It was pretty clever. While it's obvious in a second view, I have to say, it didn't really dawn on me first time around.
<Neoseanster> Yup yup. I didn't notice the first time around
<Neoseanster> Yeah
<PhantomFox> Yeah, Rarity is good at self-sacrifice
<Neoseanster> Exactly. The second time there are a bunch of ques you notice, like her eye color.
<InkwellTailbrush> I realized it about 5 seconds after it happened.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I notice the mane and tail isn't quite AJ's
<Soras|The|Unicorn> (on the second time through that is after the eyes)
<InkwellTailbrush> -(Nods)- That was the big give away for me.
<Neoseanster> Mhm
<MidnightPony> Well, I appreciate that they didn't cheat, too.
<PhantomFox> It's hard to tell with all that mud
<InkwellTailbrush> The mane and tail style, even taking the mud into account, was just too different from Applejack's.
<PhantomFox> With it, they look similar, but it's clearly Rarity's style
<PhantomFox> But it's easy to see only if you know it's there
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Yeah and when they are using non-standard models there MUST be a reason
<Discord> The hat confuses people. xD As it is apparently meant to.
<PhantomFox> Yeah, the hat is really iconic
<ShadowyIRC> Rarity is applejack
<ShadowyIRC> Due to the hat.
<ShadowyIRC> Therefore, She can now hang out with spike who is rainbowdash
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Which is why its not covered in mud I think.
<MidnightPony> They really relied on the 'hat, oh, AJ', yeah. It was pretty clever.
<PhantomFox> I have to give them props for that
* Discord will vanish now! Probably for the entire weekend unless he can figure out how to reach the IRC from a laptop that has none of his bookmarks and whatnot.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> So new AJ and RD have a race yes?
<InkwellTailbrush> I do kinda like the fact that they were using AJ's eyeshape instead of Rarity's, for the duration of her being in the mud though.
<Neoseanster> It should be possible, Discord, just use the mibbit link in the thread!
<ShadowyIRC> I used a laptop for the live watching.
<InkwellTailbrush> it helps a bit with the illusion, and I guess it would have been a bit too much of a give away had they shown her traditional eye shape.
<ShadowyIRC> It's easy, especially with mibbit
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Dis just scan pony thread for directions after putting an IRC client on the laptop.
<MidnightPony> Man, though, can AJ hold her breath.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Pony Super Power!
<InkwellTailbrush> The difference between an Almond shaped eye and a oval shaped eye. And yes, she can hold her breath quite a while.
<Neoseanster> I'm thinking that Applejack probably poked her head up for air at some point
<Neoseanster> When off screen
<InkwellTailbrush> <Applebrush Threepjack> I can hold my breath for 10 minutes!
<Neoseanster> But hard to really say.
<Neoseanster> Also, ah, looking at it more carefully now, they /didn't/ eat the pie tins
<Neoseanster> It's just so fast that you can't really see the pies being flipped out from them
<MidnightPony> I prefer to think she can hold her breath that much. ^^
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I think AJ can hold her breath because of Earth Pony power, and Rarity can as a master of martial arts.
<PhantomFox> Applejack must have given Rarity some tips on the event
<ShadowyIRC> I like ot think that Spike just walked into the boutique and just started writing down what they were saying.
<PhantomFox> Well, they fetched him I reckon
<InkwellTailbrush> You do realize that every minute Spike isn't qith Twilight, he's probably creepy-stalking Rarity anyways.
<PhantomFox> *snerk*
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Nah can't have fetched him that would involve Rarity noticing Spike
<Soras|The|Unicorn> So yeah I'm going with crazy stalker
<Neoseanster> Applejack super powers works
<InkwellTailbrush> <Rarity> This would make a good letter to the Princess! <Spike> And I'll write it down for you! <Rarity> ... Spike, when did you get here? <Spike> Well... I was passing by... and... umm... muffins? <Rarity> ...
<Neoseanster> o_o In this dog cartoon that comes after the ponies
<Neoseanster> A robot dog just commited suicide
<InkwellTailbrush> That's a bit messed up.
<ShadowyIRC> ^^ What inkwell said
<ShadowyIRC> Both times
<Neoseanster> Threw 'emselves at a magenet with the purpose of destroying herself and erasing her memories. And this is a childrens' cartoon!?
<PhantomFox> >_>
<Neoseanster> ...and... and then after, they rebuilt her... and gave her new memories...
<Neoseanster> .____.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Well it does involve Butt Fun so it can't be for kids
<PhantomFox> That's kinda weird. Out of context
<Neoseanster> ._., even
<Neoseanster> o_o
<InkwellTailbrush> I'm gonna Muffin Button this one.
<InkwellTailbrush> -(Presses the Muffin Button)-
<Neoseanster> Muffin?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Don't you mean...
<ShadowyIRC> *Eats a muffin*
* Soras|The|Unicorn presses Muffin Button
<InkwellTailbrush> -(Enjoys a sweet delicious muffin, and forgets about the Robutt Not Fun Incident)-
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Oooh muuuffffffiiiiinnnn
<PhantomFox> Can you read minds now?
<Neoseanster> Ohh... can... can I press it?
<MidnightPony> That muffin tried to commit SUICIDE by throwing itself INTO YOUR MOUTH.
<Neoseanster> ...
<ShadowyIRC> STOP BREAKING MY MIND
<Neoseanster> Midnight, you have just ruined all muffins forever.
<InkwellTailbrush> Best. Suicide. EVER.
<Neoseanster> HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE.
<InkwellTailbrush> -(Omnomnomnomnom)-
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Most delicous suicide ever.
<PhantomFox> "Where'd you get that muffin?"
<PhantomFox> "Muffin Button."
<InkwellTailbrush> Thanks for recognizing the reference. ^^
<PhantomFox> "But... I didn't install a muffin button...?"
<InkwellTailbrush> And it fits ponies so well! ^^
* Soras|The|Unicorn press Muffin Button for PhantomFox
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Here you go
<InkwellTailbrush> I can so see that conversation between Twilight and fan-Derpy. ^^
<Neoseanster> ...
* Neoseanster presses muffin button
* Neoseanster noms muffin
<ShadowyIRC> I want to eat this muffin so badly!
<ShadowyIRC> But then I'll kill the poor, defenseless muffin
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I'd say be a muffivore but it sounded weird in my head.
<MidnightPony> Oh the horror!
<InkwellTailbrush> -(Dramatic faint)-
<InkwellTailbrush> * And then a stampede of rabbits eats all the muffins
<PhantomFox> Don't worry, this isn't the Muppets, the food doesn't have eyes
<InkwellTailbrush> -(Puts googly puppet eyes on Phantom Fox's muffin)-
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Well there are those two chocolate chips...
* PhantomFox nudges the muffin so the eyes fall off
<ShadowyIRC> So It can only feel the horror as I eat it in it's last moment?
<ShadowyIRC> *Puts muffin down and backs away slowly*
* Soras|The|Unicorn steal muffin and eats in one bite
<Neoseanster> Oh, yeah, so
<Soras|The|Unicorn> MUAHAAHAHAHAHAHA MUAHAHAHA MUAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
<ShadowyIRC> YOU SICK, TWISTED MONSTER!
<Neoseanster> I'll post the log from the IRC channel in Ponythread
<InkwellTailbrush> Don't worry, Shadowy, it died a quick, horrible death.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> MUHAHA HAHAHAHA HAHAHAA!
<ShadowyIRC> *Whimper* But....But... *Tears up*
<InkwellTailbrush> Horrible, agony filled death.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> but quick and delicous
<InkwellTailbrush> It lasted only a second, but felt like DECADES.
<ShadowyIRC> muuuu. Mu....
* Athaniar|AFK is now known as Athaniar
<ShadowyIRC> Ahhhhhh
<ShadowyIRC> *A single tear rolls down*
<Athaniar> TVTropes has begun to update.
* InkwellTailbrush grins wickedly.
<ShadowyIRC> How can you be so cruel.
<ShadowyIRC> You're not even sorry for torturing the thing so?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Its a muffin all this talk about them being alive is an Illusion I cast a while back
* Soras|The|Unicorn releases spell. Muffin appears!
<ShadowyIRC> Yay!
<Athaniar> Heh, nopony has said anything at all in the normal IRC since the start of the episode.
<ShadowyIRC> *Cuddles muffin*
<ShadowyIRC> *Eats muffin*
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I REST MY CASE THIS CHANNEL IS SILLY!
<Athaniar> Of course it is!
<Athaniar> http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/114/2/8/derpy_fluttershy_by_wolf20-d3es0zj.gif
<Leo> Aren't all of our channels silly?>
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Yeah but no pony is talking without talking about the new episode.
<Athaniar> Of course.
<Neoseanster> Yup...
<Leo> I haven't seen the new one yet, because I just woke up, after over ten hours of sleep. x.x
<Neoseanster> Go watch it Leo, it's already on youtube
<Neoseanster> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS570BT_S0Y
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Yet you are in spoiler territory anyways....
<Soras|The|Unicorn> so.... Rarity disguises herself as AJ at the end!
<Leo> Pfft. Youtube.
<Leo> I have DVR!
<Athaniar> That was a nice tiwst.
<Neoseanster> Oh, even better.
<InkwellTailbrush> DVR rocks!
<Athaniar> On my second (incomplete) watch, I did see the color of her eyes revealed it.
<InkwellTailbrush> But is nowhere near my computer.
<MidnightPony> Well, yeah, they didn't cheat. It was pretty clever.
<Neoseanster> What's the next new episode, by the way? Next week, or in two weeks?
<InkwellTailbrush> The eye color changed but the eyeshape didn't.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Next week I believe
<Neoseanster> Goodie.
<InkwellTailbrush> Rarity's eyes are almond shaped, at least typically.
<Athaniar> Next week, aye.
<Athaniar> Cutie Pox
<InkwellTailbrush> God, I hope they will just continue with the episodes, and stop this 'week break' thing.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> I think Rarity just holds her eyes differently to show off her make-up
<Leo> Wait, don't give me any details.
<Leo> But does Scootaloo's family show up?
<Neoseanster> Nope
<Neoseanster> Scootaloo doesn't show
<ShadowyIRC> Nope.
<MidnightPony> Scoots doesn't show.
<Athaniar> Scootaloo isn't in it.
<Leo> D:
* Leo hugs Scootaloo.
<Athaniar> Next episode is a CMC episode, though.
<Neoseanster> Rarity and Sweetie Belles' parents are there.
<Neoseanster> **Belle's
<InkwellTailbrush> ... Holds... her eyes... diff... -(Eyetwitches, falls over)-
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Only major character are Rarity and AJ with associated sisters.
<Neoseanster> What's that, Inkwell?
<Athaniar> They're the only Mane 6 ponies showing up.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> And sure Inkwell humans can too but its not as noticable as with cute ponies with anime eyes
<Leo> She burned juice! XD
<InkwellTailbrush> But yeah, I have to say, I thought Sweetie Belle lived with Rarity. ^^ Turns out their parents are alive and well... just... not really something you'd wanna see too often.
* Discord returns!
<Neoseanster> Welcome back, Discord
* Discord will still be leaving shortly, but not as soon as he thought.
<MidnightPony> Honestly, Rarity's parents are pretty darn close to exactly how I pictured them. >.>
<Leo> Well, so much for my pony Gilligan theory.
<Soras|The|Unicorn> The mother apparently gave Rarity her love of clothing... seeing as she normally does wear clothes and all.
<InkwellTailbrush> Holding eyes and overall eye shape are two different things though! And... and... stuff!
* PhantomFox is back from phone call
<Discord> Also, is the mibbit link in the first post of the ponythread?
<Soras|The|Unicorn> Have to teleport out now folks
<Leo> However,it seems the Ponies Have Super Powers gets more evidence.
<Athaniar> See ya.
<ShadowyIRC> Tra-la!
<Neoseanster> No, it's not, I think, Trixie still hasn't added it
* Soras|The|Unicorn teleports out
<Neoseanster> It's the VERY FIRST POST of page 49 of the last ponythread, though
* Soras|The|Unicorn ([email protected]) has left #newponyepisode
<Neoseanster> So you can take the link to ponythread #29
<ShadowyIRC> I didn't need to show up in that episode anyway. To busy being awesome. (And Rainbow Dash wouldn't agree to it, even for a day...) :(
<Neoseanster> And go to page 49 of that.
<Neoseanster> It wasn't your fault, Scootaloo. :( She learned her lesson about competing with AJ in contests she can't use her wings for.
* Leo hugs Scootaloo.
<Neoseanster> It just causes too much tension.
* Leo hugs all the ponies and one (1) draconequuis.
<ShadowyIRC> I don;t even think there were any events where wings would help! PLus, the other pegasi were competing normally.
<ShadowyIRC> I suppose the mud-jump was probably easy, but the other ponies jumped it with ease.
<MidnightPony> And AJ intentionally flubbed it.
* Discord imagines the scootaloo spent the entire episode trying to convince Rainbow Dash to take part, and never noticed the event was over when Dash finally agreed. "This is my canon. And it is beyond *contestation*."
<ShadowyIRC> ^^^ And she was just about to give in too.
<Leo> Did Sweetie Belle say "Ride Bikes" and "Roll-play?"
<Neoseanster> Hm, I timed it, AJ was holding her breath for up to 119 seconds.
<InkwellTailbrush> I do love that apparently Sweetie Belle is so light and bounces so cutely that she can just skim over the surface of the mud. ^^
<Athaniar> I wondered it it was "roleplay".
<Neoseanster> That seems like reasonably super long without being obnoxiously super long!
<Athaniar> Sweetie Belle's special purpose is D&D.
<Leo> How do pony bikes work?
<Discord> Hmm..so maybe Sweetie Belle isn't a cross-dresser...
<ShadowyIRC> Oh goodness, I hope she doesn't try for LARPing cutie marks...
<Discord> The same way a pony-scooter does.
<Leo> Dungeons (in the place you were banished to) & Dragons.
<Leo> Well, a scooter makes more sense.
<Neoseanster> Sweetie's list sounds like...
<Leo> Especially as Scootaloo uses her wings to move.
<Neoseanster> "Paint together, ride bikes, play chess, sing a song, catch frogs, pillow fight."
<ShadowyIRC> They're like a tiny engie.
<Neoseanster> Where are people hearing roleplay? o.o
<Discord> Ahh, there we go...TvTropes caught up.
<Athaniar> In that part where she talks about stuff she wants to do with Rarity.
<InkwellTailbrush> Anyhoo, I woke up early and didn't sleep well to begin with, so I am gonna go take a nap now that I got my pony on.
<MidnightPony> Take care, Inkwell!
<Athaniar> See ya!
<ShadowyIRC> HAve fun!
<ShadowyIRC> Sleep well!
* InkwellTailbrush ([email protected]) Quit
<Neoseanster> Grr, I missed saying bye.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Fourthed, for the HAM!.

[vegetalss4]

minor theory
The very important customer Rarity needed those sapphires for was Sapphire Shores.

[Beacon of Chaos]

Episode 5
Meh. It was okay. There were some funny moments, true, and I sure wasn't expecting the twist at the end, but it still felt... meh. I was worried in the beginning that this would turn out to be yet another pony goes crazy episode, but thankfully Rarity kept it together.

The good:
Seeing Rarity's parents was nice, simply to have new ponies.
Dinky! Yay! I wonder if the fans will adopt Sparkler as Derpy's daughter too :P
A couple of funny jokes, though I can't seem to remember them off hand.

The bad:
Rarity. Just Rarity. I know it's a bit much to ask for another Suited for Sucess, but I can't help but feel she's dropped a few positions in my constantly changing "favourite pony standings" even with the resolution.
Sweetie's voice sounds different. Minor gripe.
Also, the ending. They had a whole big discussion about getting along with your sisters. They sent it to Celestia. Think about what was missing there. Seriously, they couldn't cut to a shot of the Princesses together? I was waiting for that! Writers, I am disappoint

[Deadly]

Episode 5
Sweetie's voice sounds different. Minor gripe.

I thought the same. Thought it was just me, or poor video quality or something

[Topaz]

Okay, chapter 2 of Piece of Mind FINALLY finished now that I got some time to myself.
I got a chance to read, between writing and watching. I like how this is coming together.


New Episode Thoughts
Switch was pretty good and Rarity was surprisingly physically competent. Also, Applejack can hold her breath for a long time!
Reply:
Rarity has always been portrayed as quite physically competent; she just doesn't prefer it and is not above feigning incompetence when it suits her purposes. http://i.imgur.com/l00rv.png

Response:
There were two Lyra clones however, sitting in the stands.

As Inkwell noted:
Obviously one was Lyra and one was Heartstrings. :smallbiggrin:

Season 2 Episode 5:
This is definitely "Season Two ruined my fanfic". The Derpy/Dinky fanrage is already hitting DEFCON 2 on EqD.

We see that Rarity is basically rebelling against her parents. It reminds me of that old sitcom Family Ties.

Two Mane 6 and two CMCs, and no Twilight. It's too bad they didn't do a Celestia/Luna cameo at the end.

"As Celestia is my witness." So ponies do swear by her!

[Eakin]

You are a saint.
Or you will be.

HEY EVERYPONY
EAKIN FOR PONYSAINT! YEA? NEIGH?


I like this idea, except that you can't be canonized as a saint until you're dead...


Episode 5
Actually the weakest episode of the season for me so far. Although I did like seeing Rarity's parents. And I figured out the switch at the end before they got to the finish line but I still thought it was well done.

Other than that, not so great

Thread speaad/IRC discussion: I'm OK with the way the thread is running now, although I hope the IRC people will pop back over for episode discussion and the like. Rumors of pony thread's death have been greatly exaggerated.

Now to go back and read what everypony else thought of E5!


There were two Lyra clones however, sitting in the stands.
Obviously one of them was Lyra and the other one was Heartstrings

EDIT: Do'h I got ninja pinkie'd

[Athaniar]

Just posting the next chapter of my fic. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Dragonscar (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12126854&postcount=280)
Chapter I - Talons of the Griffon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=12145581&postcount=677)

Incursion
Chapter II - A Storm is Coming
“The griffon armies will sweep across Equestria and leave everything in ruins. Not even your precious monarchs will be able to protect you from what we will unleash. Thousands of battle-hardened soldiers! Our wings shall blot out the sun! We will feast upon your flesh.”

In response, the royal guard outside Bloodfeather’s cell just frowned. He had been going on like that all night, ever since he regained consciousness and found himself in the dungeons of Canterlot. After a few more minutes somepony arrived in the dungeon, a pegasus clad in full, ornate golden barding. The guard recognized him as the royal agent Paladin, a former guard himself.

“The prisoner is yours to interrogate,” the guard said and let him into the cell.

With a menacing look on his face Paladin went up to the griffon. “Reveal everything you know about the invasion,” he said coldly.

“You will not stand a chance. We are vastly superior to you. All your lands will soon belong to the Griffon Nation, and those few who still live after we are done with you will be our slaves. You have no chance to survive, m…”

Paladin kicked him. “I’ve heard enough of that over the years. I want information, not a sorry attempt at intimidation.

“You’re too late. It has already begun.”


Twilight had the strangest feeling something was going on. Even though Pinkie’s party for Fluttershy had made her feel happy, some part of her mind made her feel uneasy. At first she dismissed this, but when she saw smoke on the horizon it returned, and reminded her of the red dragon they had once encountered. It came from the direction of Fillydelphia. She hoped it was nothing, but it was probably something. It was always something. And sure enough, she soon saw Zecora coming into town from the Everfree.

“Citizens of Ponyville, heed my warning!”, she announced loudly, “The forest, the land itself, is in mourning. A storm is coming, dark forces are roaming. Ah, forget the rhyming, this is too important. Equestria is under attack. Dragons and griffons fly together against our cities out of the deep forest, hidden by some unknown magic until the moment they strike. There is not much time before they attack Ponyville! We must…”

Before Zecora could finish her warning she waas proven to be right as seemingly out of nowhere a green dragon as large as a house appeared and pinned her down. Several other dragons also uncloaked (though none was much larger than any building in the town), as well as a flight of griffons, most of which soon landed. One griffon appeared to be their leader, an old and scarred one wearing metal armor, with one talon replaced by a metal prosthesis.

“Our number one priority is finding the wielders of the Elements of Harmony,” he addressed his troops in the griffon tongue. Good thing Twilight had studied it enough to get most of what they were saying. “They are the only factor we need to deal with before we assault Canterlot. Do not underestimate them. You have been briefed on their usual places of residence, seize them at once. Dragons are already scorching the farmland. There is a possibility the pegasi might try to hide in Cloudsdale, if so they will be easy prey. Bloodwing’s flight will take them before they realize we have already taken control of the city. And remember, do not kill unless you have to! I know you all thirst for blood, but the terms of our alliance state that we must avoid unnecessary deaths. Now, go!”

Twilight decided the best thing to do was to teleport away, first back to the library to grab Spike, and then somewhere safe before the griffons found her so she could write a message. Princess Celestia needed to be informed at once.


Princess Celestia was naturally worried. A massive attack like this and nopony, not even herself, had seen it coming? This was obviously much more than it seemed (and that was saying a lot). What had made so many dragons band together and turn against Equestria she did not know, but she had a strong suspicion about the griffons, especially after Twilight’s letter.

“You summoned me, Your Highness?” a deep voice from behind her said. She had, of course. The elder white pegasus was Chargermane, once one of her best warriors but now a trainer at the Royal Guard Academy. Many years ago during a cold war with the griffons he had been engaged in secret operations on the border. Exactly what had happened back then was known only to a hoofful of ponies, including the two in the room now, but he had retired from active duty afterwards.

“You already know what this is about, don’t you?” she stated grimly.

“Past sins have returned to haunt us, it would seem.”

“So what do we do now? Tell me that, my faifthful champion. What do we do?”

“We fight, of course. For Equestria.

The princess nodded. “Coordinate with the others to make sure the Guard is prepared. I will attempt to summon Twilight Sparkle and her friends before they are captured.

As her advisor left she tried to concentrate on a spell to find them, but there was something in the back of her head that made it difficult. A… sound, some kind of noise. She concentrated harder. Twilight was safe, Applejack was fighting off the invasion at the Acres (but without any real success), but Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity appeared to have been captured. Rainbow Dash was nowhere in the immediate area, though. Celestia tried to work summoning magic, but found herself incapable. The sound in her head got louder, sounding almost like mocking laughter. What was going on?

[Vent Reynolt]

So, new Episode:

I really liked it. It may have lacked the hype/crazy fun of the previous episodes this season, but it instead presents us with a realistic conflict that happens with siblings far too often.

I was slightly disappointed that Sweetie Belle's breakfast didn't somehow include tree sap, but at least it included the fire.

AS for the destroyed fanon, as my brother noted while we watched the episode, it looks like Berry Punch isn't actually the overprotective mother, but actually the overprotective sister. Y'know, now that I think about it, I wonder why they didn't sneak in a team of identical twin sisters.


-
Topaz, I'm sorry about the blue ponies RP, but I keep feeling less and less energetic about it, so I think that I need to drop from it. Once again, I'm sorry about that.


-
Titanium Fox, since I haven't said anything about it yet, good luck on your journey of self-discovery. These transitional young adult years are hard enough without stacking issues of gender identity on top of all that.

[Kindablue]

I like this idea, except that you can't be beautified as a saint until you're dead...
Then why is the Vatican pushing so hard to make me one? :smallconfused:

[Eakin]

Then why is the Vatican pushing so hard to make me one? :smallconfused:

Better watch yourself, obviously that time you hijacked the popemobile for a joyride made you some powerful enemies.

And to be pedantic, the church can't MAKE you a saint, they can only retroactively declare that you were a saint the entire time

[Soras Teva Gee]

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/878eb54085ef073a47eaf21f6e27a36d/78068%20-%20animated%20cloudsdale%20cool_star%20derpy_hoove s%20fluttershy%20macro%20rainbow_dash%20sonic_rain boom.gif


Thank you for the lovely gif

[Kindablue]

And to be pedantic, the church can't MAKE you a saint, they can only retroactively declare that you were a saint the entire time

Well that makes all those special "Saint Cookies" they keep delivering to my house make even less sense.

[Eakin]

Well that makes all those special "Saint Cookies" they keep delivering to my house make even less sense.

Maybe they want you to be Patron Saint of Girl Scouts

Edit: I thought I was kidding but apparently Agnes of Rome already has that job.

No patron saint of ponies (yet?) but there are several for horses

[Kindablue]

Maybe they want you to be Patron Saint of Girl Scouts.

I would have the best feast day ever.

ETA:


Edit: I thought I was kidding but apparently Agnes of Rome already has that job.

No patron saint of ponies (yet?) but there are several for horses
Patron Saint of Children's Programming?

[Grif]

New episodes thoughts:
Lots of absolutely terrific Rarity expression. Also Hammy Rarity is the best ham ever to grace ponydom.

Sweetie Belle managed to burn juice. How this even... *brain aspolde*

Very good of the writers and animators to only subtly hint it was Rarity that substituted AJ instead of bashing it into our face. (eye colour) I honestly did not notice the switchover until the final sprint. That said, AJ must have had some big lungs to stay submerged for so long.

[Gaelbert]

We have a suggestion, ponythreaders!

Ponythread has been kinda slow lately, with some exceptions. I woke up late today and found only two new pages when before I tended to get at least six. I can't imagine many explanations other than IRC sucking all the life out of it, and I kinda fear that IRC will be the choice of place for many to discuss the new episode too.

I may be wrong on that, but either way, I would suggest perhaps IRC should be reserved for non-pony related chatting, things which don't really belong in ponythread anyway, and keeping pony discussion here.

I think that would be more in line with what I think was the purpose of this IRC anyway: To have a place for ponythreaders to socialize, not a replacement for general pony discussions which is what the thread is for.

Of course we may want to keep the line a little fuzzy, to allow some non-pony discussion here and some pony discussion there, but I think it'd be nice to keep it mostly in the proper places.

Thoughts? Am I being too concerned too early?

I checked the IRC log from last night, and the IRC was pretty empty too. If something was sucking the speed out of the ponythread last night, it wasn't the IRC. The other MLP related forums I browse are running pretty slow too, my guess is that it's that time of the year where people get tied up with midterms and other projects and such.
Also, having a ponythread IRC that can't talk about ponies just kinda defeats the point of it. We've been posting pretty much everything of notice in here, and not much of that gets commented on. The other stuff is even less substantial. I personally crosspost anything I think interesting in the ponythread and the IRC anyways. And most of the actual pony discussion in the IRC isn't a replacement of the content of the ponythread, its just random insanity with a pony flavour. I'm not saying there's never any real pony discussion, its just minor compared to the content of the thread.

[Zevox]

Sheesh, today's episode is taking longer than usual to make its way onto Youtube. There's always been a copy up by noon or one (EST) in previous weeks, but it's already three o'clock and no luck so far with today's. :smallfrown:

Zevox

[Athaniar]

Sheesh, today's episode is taking longer than usual to make its way onto Youtube. There's always been a copy up by noon or one (EST) in previous weeks, but it's already three o'clock and no luck so far with today's. :smallfrown:

Zevox
...well that sounds odd, since a YouTube upload was linked to in the IRC about 20 minutes after the episode aired. Has it been removed?

EDIT: Here it is in 1080p. Just check Equestria Daily.

[Kindablue]

Please remove that link, Athaniar. There's a rule against posting those here. There's also a rule about talking about the Vatican, but, uh, yeah.

[Zevox]

...well that sounds odd, since a YouTube upload was linked to in the IRC about 20 minutes after the episode aired. Has it been removed?
Huh, odd - that didn't show up on any of probably a dozen searches I made for the episode, using alternatively both the episode number and the name. Thanks.

Zevox

[Deadly]

I checked the IRC log from last night, and the IRC was pretty empty too. If something was sucking the speed out of the ponythread last night, it wasn't the IRC. The other MLP related forums I browse are running pretty slow too, my guess is that it's that time of the year where people get tied up with midterms and other projects and such.
Also, having a ponythread IRC that can't talk about ponies just kinda defeats the point of it. We've been posting pretty much everything of notice in here, and not much of that gets commented on. The other stuff is even less substantial. I personally crosspost anything I think interesting in the ponythread and the IRC anyways. And most of the actual pony discussion in the IRC isn't a replacement of the content of the ponythread, its just random insanity with a pony flavour. I'm not saying there's never any real pony discussion, its just minor compared to the content of the thread.

Hmm

I've been counting posts since the new episode aired. During the episode there was one comment, and in the four hours since then we've posted 38 posts. It took more than 3 hours to get through one page (30 posts). I think that's kinda slow, even though the new episode wasn't a massively hyped one.

Still, I suppose maybe you're right that it's just that time of year, but it is a little striking that the slowness seems to have started with the creation of the IRC.

Anyway, I see the idea of restrictions isn't exactly popular, and I understand that. What I want is just to make sure the interesting stuff is also posted here, and if that's already being done then I guess maybe I've been wrong about how much interesting stuff gets posted on IRC.

Getting a log isn't quite the same, however. I tried to read through the last one, but ended up just scanning it for links. I find it tedious, it's probably more interesting in real-time. Also kinda wishes it had avatars, half the time I can't figure out who says what.


Sheesh, today's episode is taking longer than usual to make its way onto Youtube. There's always been a copy up by noon or one (EST) in previous weeks, but it's already three o'clock and no luck so far with today's. :smallfrown:

Zevox

[Removed Link] Sorry

[Mando Knight]

The new episode:
I liked the switch at the end. I was wondering why AJ was still covered in mud through the whole race, and then I noticed that her mane and tail were hanging differently than normal... though it wasn't until the finish line that I noticed that the eye colors were swapped. At which point I knew they pulled a switch in the mud puddle.

Also,

ONE.
DAY.
:smallbiggrin:

[Geno9999]

Favorite quote from the new episode:
Rarity:This isn't a mess! This is organized chaos!

[Zevox]

Okay, new episode:
Eh. It was okay I guess. Unfortunately it focused on my least favorite of the main six and a secondary character I don't really like, so I wasn't a huge fan. I could sympathize with most (but not all) of Rarity's reactions to Sweetie Belle's screw-ups, but that was about it. Seeing Applejack and Applebloom playing together was probably the highlight of the episode for me, and I'm not even a big fan of either of them either.

Still, I guess that, unlike the Cutie Mark Crusaders episodes, it isn't going to end up one that I never re-watch. It is the weakest of the new season for me so far though.
Zevox

[Lix Lorn]

Socks!Lixie is best Lixie! And is adorable!
LIES


Concept: MLP + MSPA crossover.

Idea: a Shoof game is played by a bunch of ponies

Two Earth ponies
Two Peggisi
Two unicorns
And possibly two Allicorns (Not Luna, Celestia, or any other canon charicters)

It will be he first time in who-knows-how-many years the pony population will actually be 1:1 gender-wise.

I’ll just leave this here and let you people think about it for awhile.
YES
HELL YES
HELL FUDGING YES


I like this idea, except that you can't be canonized as a saint until you're dead...
(appears behind with dagger and too-wide-grin)
I can help with that. :smallamused:

[the_druid_droid]

Episode 5:
Hmm, so overall I liked this episode, although I think the thing that makes it sit a bit funny with me is that it actually crushed some fanon I didn't realize I'd been holding. Ironically, it was nothing to do with the sister's race and Derpy or Berry Punch. It's just that I'd assumed that Rarity's boutique was something of a family business, and read several nice fics on the topic, so to see her parents as being so different from her was...well, shocking.

Although I thought Rarity's ham might have been a bit much in places, I did enjoy the episode, and I kind of hope that along with the last episode it heralds a bit of a return to slice-of-life style episodes.

Also, the breakfast was great! Sweetie's 'toast' was awesome.


LIES

LIES AND SLANDER. WAIT...NO, THE OPPOSITE! SOCKS!LIXIE IS BEST LIXIE!

[SiuiS]

We have a suggestion, ponythreaders!

Ponythread has been kinda slow lately, with some exceptions. I woke up late today and found only two new pages when before I tended to get at least six. I can't imagine many explanations other than IRC sucking all the life out of it, and I kinda fear that IRC will be the choice of place for many to discuss the new episode too.

I may be wrong on that, but either way, I would suggest perhaps IRC should be reserved for non-pony related chatting, things which don't really belong in ponythread anyway, and keeping pony discussion here.

I think that would be more in line with what I think was the purpose of this IRC anyway: To have a place for ponythreaders to socialize, not a replacement for general pony discussions which is what the thread is for.

Of course we may want to keep the line a little fuzzy, to allow some non-pony discussion here and some pony discussion there, but I think it'd be nice to keep it mostly in the proper places.

Thoughts? Am I being too concerned too early?

You're being too early.
There's a lot seemingly going on but it's all circumstantial. All sorts of posters are having all sorts of personal issues, from major to mundane. Thanqol is being a genius, which requires school. Raz is being a genius which requires school and STEALING THE HAY OUT OF whatever Thanqol's mojo'd up. Esperderek is working nights. I haven't had a day off since September, and I'm working 13 hours today. Several posters are having identity crises. Several posters are having a cold war. RP is becoming almost an actual issue.

It just all happened at the same time.

From experience; don't worry about the IRC. Trust us, we're all friends. We don't want you missing out on anything :smallsmile:


Personally, though I had no real problem with the old pace, the new pace does mean that the meaty pony-arts and stuff that I crack the thread open for are slightly easier to find and spot lately. :smallsmile:

It's a kind of win win for me, long as it's all healthy. Not like the thread is in any danger of falling off the first page or anything.

I'm glad somepony enjoys the pace. We're seeing a couple faces directly based on thread speed being more accessible, but oddly not everypony who left due to speed has come back.


But isn't it more in line with the idea behind the IRC? As I said I would suggest a soft limit, not a hard one, and people can still talk all they want about ponies, they'd just do it here instead of there, like they did before IRC.

I'm just feeling kinda sad about this IRC thing, because even if bits and pieces are posted here in the form of logs, that feels rather more like being told about this awesome party that you weren't there for.

Even if ponythread doesn't stay slow after the new episode, I still think this idea may have some merit.

First; the IRC is like a party we've missed. But there's no use being upset about parties you've missed, because there are parties going on all the time. I don't go to any of 'em, and it's ok because I don't think about it. I'm not all that awake so insert the rest of where I'm going with this here, sil vous plait.

Second, and more importantly; no one has told you because it hasn't reallycome up... But almost all the stuff you want us not to talk about in IRC? We don't. Serioulsy, it's a non-issue mate. IRC is used for trivialities for the most part. Or impromptu RP. The speed at which logs are posted is the speed at which things that are thread-relevant happen. I would go so far as to say that IRC functions as a less formal PM system than a thread replacement.


episode thoughts

a bit too strong on the emotions at the start for my taste, hope it isn't going to be the general strength.
I liked that Rarity tried not to snap at Sweetie.

Parents! the number seen of parents has increased by 50%

sheep being able to talk and still being herded and put into a fold like that has some unfortunate implications.
Anyone have a good solution/explanation for them?

was it just me or did it look like Rarity and Sweetie bumped into that other team when they were carrying their eggs? that wouldn't be very sporting of them. Oh well probably wasn't on purpose.

also first Episode with no Twillight.



Wow! Good to see ya mate. It's been a spell.

Naw, they didn't bump the other team; the other team bumped each other and their eggs broke before the Raribelle duo had even hi. The doorframe.


Everyone wish me and my wife luck, we're off to our first brony meetup! All pony all the time. :smallcool:

Woo! Have fun mate. Bring me a toy!


Well that makes all those special "Saint Cookies" they keep delivering to my house make even less sense.

Uh, no man. That's not how you spell SAINT, that's how you spell CYANIDE.
I'd say it's an easy mistake to make, but...

Yeah. Maybe theft o the popemobile was a bad idea :/


New episodes thoughts:
[SPOILER]Lots of absolutely terrific Rarity expression. Also Hammy Rarity is the best ham ever to grace ponydom.

Sweetie Belle managed to burn juice. How this even... *brain aspolde*

Very good of the writers and animators to only subtly hint it was Rarity that substituted AJ instead of bashing it into our face. (eye colour) I honestly did not notice the switchover until the final sprint. That said, AJ must have had some big lungs to stay submerged for so long.

Psh. Please. Biggest ham in the fandom is Razqol.
Death your feelings. You know it to be true.

(JadexMidnight is close second).

[Deadly]

You're being too early.

I suppose you're right

I suppose I've overestimated how much party I'm missing, but I did kinda feel a bit like Pinkamena in Party of One just then

[Gaelbert]

Episode 5 spoilers
First thought: No song. :smallfrown:
Second thought: The background music was pretty good. There were a few snatches in there I want to sample, if I can get my hooves on them.

Actual content:
I really enjoyed it. Not so much as Luna Eclipsed, but probably my favourite episode of the season, and one of my top for both seasons. Rarity is best pony, and I loved the ham. I also like Sweetie Belle, although not so much in this episode. I have an excellent friendship with my sister, it's been years since we've had any sort of argument at all, but I definitely sympathized with Rarity. It's just common courtesy not to touch things without asking, and especially with that sweater. Which brings me to a question.
How old is Sweetie Belle? I thought she was supposed to be 12 or so, but this episode makes her seem a lot younger.
The picture Sweetie Belle made of her and Rarity was adorable. I'd say it gave me diabetes, but I already have diabetes, so I guess it just gave me a high blood sugar.
Sweetie Belle scooting along the floor while bored was also a highlight. I agree, it would be criminal if that's not gif'd.
Also glad to see more Applejack and Applebloom.
It was also nice to see how Rarity tried to keep her anger in check. I imagine I'd be pretty angry if, say, a sweater of mine costing hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars was destroyed. I'd like to think I wouldn't directly blame my sister for it, but I would be fairly distressed. Rarity at least made the effort to conceal her anger.

Fan canon: I didn't realize any of it was destroyed. I guess I'm not so well versed in my fan theories then. Although I loved how they had both Lyra and Heartstrings in the stands, that should make everypony happy.

Final thoughts: No song. :smallfrown:
Rarity is best pony http://i.imgur.com/YRUs7.png

[Mando Knight]

New episodes thoughts:
Also Hammy Rarity is the best ham ever to grace ponydom.
LIES. Right VA, wrong pony.

HOW COULDST THOU FORGET THE ONE, TRUE PRIIIINCESSSSS OF THE NIIIIGHT?!

Though I suspect that if Luna Eclipsed had included the Rarity scene, all of Ponyville's pigs together would produce less ham than the one episode alone.

[Pokonic]

Todays episode.
Well, it was the weakest one so far this season for me. Still quite good, but still weak-ish. Rarity's ham could feed all of the everfree for a year, and it cleared up some things about her family. It ruined a few good fanfics, but hey, its not like we are calling Lyra and Bonbon there " canon" names. The fact that the ending was a genuine surprise was what saved it in my eyes. I still want a fluttershy episode, darn it!

[Deadly]

Some Rarity and Spike in honor of the new episode. Spike is behaving badly, I think a lesson on proper manners is in order:

Flankylicious (not a spoiler):
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/309/c/5/spike_is_hungry_by_adcoon-d4f6u39.png

[otakuryoga]

Midnight!!!!

your mom needs your help!!!

Trixie is getting hammered hard in the pony heal/hurt.

Rally the troops and come save her!!

[the_druid_droid]

Cowering Scootaloo is HNNNNGGGH-est Scootaloo:
http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee385/the_druid_droid/Scoot.png

[Eakin]

You're being too early.
There's a lot seemingly going on but it's all circumstantial. All sorts of posters are having all sorts of personal issues, from major to mundane. Thanqol is being a genius, which requires school. Raz is being a genius which requires school and STEALING THE HAY OUT OF whatever Thanqol's mojo'd up. Esperderek is working nights. I haven't had a day off since September, and I'm working 13 hours today. Several posters are having identity crises. Several posters are having a cold war. RP is becoming almost an actual issue.

It just all happened at the same time.

From experience; don't worry about the IRC. Trust us, we're all friends. We don't want you missing out on anything :smallsmile:



Man, you ponies make me feel lazy even though I've been spending the last 3 months cramming for a CISSP certification and am now job hunting while planning a relocation to an as-yet-undecided area (probably DC). I guess there's always someone busier than you are.




First; the IRC is like a party we've missed. But there's no use being upset about parties you've missed, because there are parties going on all the time. I don't go to any of 'em, and it's ok because I don't think about it. I'm not all that awake so insert the rest of where I'm going with this here, sil vous plait.



Missed a party?

Do you know what that calls for?

A PARTY!

[Gamerlord]

New episode thoughts:
Is it a good thing or a bad thing I saw the ending coming a mile away? :smalltongue: I spend too much time at tv tropes...
Overall, it was good. Not great, not bad. Probably the weakest episode of s2 so far IMO.
Sweetie did not get her cutie mark, I am disappoint.

[BlasTech]

Cowering Scootaloo is HNNNNGGGH-est Scootaloo:
http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee385/the_druid_droid/Scoot.png

Awww .... SO CUUUUUTTEEE :smallsmile:


I suppose you're right

I suppose I've overestimated how much party I'm missing, but I did kinda feel a bit like Pinkamena in Party of One just then

Always welcome to join. I tend to idle there from time to time, so I can say you miss some zany stuff, but nothing that would really add value to ponythread.

Like the time we all turned into penguins for no reason ... and then set Candle's head on fire ... then turned into Pirates.

Can't see that getting anything more than spoiler boxes aplenty in here.



Episode 5
I really liked this episode, possibly because best pony is the subject today. I also liked it more than, dare I say, Luna Eclipsed because, while I was happy to see Luna, the lesson and outcome seems stronger here to me, whereas with LE it just sort of ... happened.

One reason I like this episode is that it goes to the heart of what makes Rarity such a strange/interesting character. She's the element of generosity, but at the time is incredibly self-centered (focusing on her appearance, her business, her life etc etc).

But it's that tension between self/generosity that makes her so complex and entertaining to watch. You can practically see her switch gears in this episode and go straight from "me me me" to selfless.

Running thoughts:

I KNEW Rarity's parents would be "lower class" or something like that (answers the question as to why she's only ever "dreamed" of going to Canterlot) they remind me of Nanny Fine's parents.
Sweetie is never cooking me breakfast ... how do you burn juice? And that was ... toast?! what? how? huh?!
Some of the conflicts were just waiting to happen, but they did seem a bit formulaic to me.
Rarity, that sweater looks horrible, how could you wear something so gauche. It looks like something you put on your cat.
Supressing all that anger ... can't be healthy. Is Rarity a Stepford Smiler?
Applebloom needs to learn some table manners ... and vocabulary ... good thing the dictionary is there to help!
"Grape Juice" ... suuure. Forget calling the "Fashion police" we have illegal moonshine here!
Similar to some of the conflicts, some of these "unintentional fixes" seem a bit coincidental ... oh well on to the show.
Poor sheep. Nobody listens to them.
HNNNNNGGGG THAT PICTURE
Hammy Rarity is best Rarity, also love the music in this scene
Conflict time!
Ooooh, AJ .... Awk-waaaarrrdddd.
"So we, can do what you want to do" ... OH SNAP
AJ nails the problem, Rarity is incredibly inwardly focused
ONE DAY!
Granny Smith is hillarious. Tabitha does some good VA with her too.
And the RACE. IS. ON.
:smallbiggrin: <--- My face throughout the entire race ... the Eyes are BLUE!
Is that Dinky Do? Aw my fanon ...
Race over! Wow ... dirt just doesn't stick to them at all does it? Teflon Ponies?
Girls ... I know winning isn't everything, but are you actually going to cross that finish line anytime soon?
Aww sisterly bonding. Plus Rarity's mane in the rain looks sooo pretty.
They have a smoke alarm?
And a decent lesson, although Spike's recap was unnecessary really.
In hindsight, AJ and Rarity behaved surprisingly well. Was expecting some kind of "you took her away from me!" jealousy to spring up, and was pleased when it didn't. Shows how strong a pair of friends they are in that they can face that situation and give/take some good advice in a very mature fashion.
Apple pie simile ... it works? ApplePie? That works too! :smalltongue:


Megamind taught me well ... Always watch the eyes!

[Mando Knight]

New episode thoughts:
Is it a good thing or a bad thing I saw the ending coming a mile away? :smalltongue: I spend too much time at tv tropes...
Overall, it was good. Not great, not bad. Probably the weakest episode of s2 so far IMO.
Sweetie did not get her cutie mark, I am disappoint.
What would a "being a good little sister" cutie mark look like, anyway?

[Deadly]

Always welcome to join. I tend to idle there from time to time, so I can say you miss some zany stuff, but nothing that would really add value to ponythread.

Like the time we all turned into penguins for no reason ... and then set Candle's head on fire ... then turned into Pirates.

Can't see that getting anything more than spoiler boxes aplenty in here.

That's good to know :)

Sadly, I don't chat except one-on-one on occasion, and even that is often too rare. Can't keep up with it.

[Kindablue]

First; the IRC is like a party we've missed. But there's no use being upset about parties you've missed, because there are parties going on all the time.

http://www.ponyspot.net/gallery/811.jpeg

I will check it out one day. It sounds really fun, I just don't have the time right now.

[Gamerlord]

What would a "being a good little sister" cutie mark look like, anyway?
.....I got nothing. :smalltongue:

[SiuiS]

I suppose you're right

I suppose I've overestimated how much party I'm missing, but I did kinda feel a bit like Pinkamena in Party of One just then

IRC seems like a thumpin' party, but usually it's a bunch of small talk with occasional spikes of awesome - just like the thread was for a while. It's nice, but you're not missing anything you couldn't get from private chats.


Cowering Scootaloo is HNNNNGGGH-est Scootaloo:
http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee385/the_druid_droid/Scoot.png

OMC CUTE
*hugs the scootaloo*


Man, you ponies make me feel lazy even though I've been spending the last 3 months cramming for a CISSP certification and am now job hunting while planning a relocation to an as-yet-undecided area (probably DC). I guess there's always someone busier than you are.

To be fair, that's mostly everypony else. I'm the slacker who uses his phone for Ponythread & ponychat at work; it's just that slow, usually.

Thanqol and Raz_Fox though, both have impressive academic skills. I'd be jealous if I didn't remember how much work it was.


Missed a party?

Do you know what that calls for?

A PARTY!

GENIUS!


http://fim.413chan.net/fim/src/131341268317-Gotta_Dance.gif

[the_druid_droid]

http://www.ponyspot.net/gallery/811.jpeg

I will check it out one day. It sounds really fun, I just don't have the time right now.

You are really not helping my lurking paranoia that the IRC is actually just me having gone all St. Elsewhere from WAAAAAY TOO MUCH PONY.

I know it's silly... It is silly, right?

But still...

[otakuryoga]

Missed a party?

Do you know what that calls for?

A PARTY!



GENIUS!


http://fim.413chan.net/fim/src/131341268317-Gotta_Dance.gif

Thats not a party....THIS is a party
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/deb8da1e499a9fb7355149d149bf84d8/12965%20-%20Blues%20Bonbon%20DJ_P0n-3%20Lightning_Bolt%20Lyra%20OPPP%20Scratch%20Yello wstar%20artist%3APonyshot%20artist%3Atopshot%20ber ry_punch%20caramel%20cheerilee%20derpy_hooves%20ev erypony%20fluttershy%20heartstrings%20party%20poke y_pierce%20spike%20thunder_rush%20vinyl_scratch.pn g

[Topaz]

Topaz, I'm sorry about the blue ponies RP, but I keep feeling less and less energetic about it, so I think that I need to drop from it. Once again, I'm sorry about that.
S'okay. It was fun while it lasted. :smallwink:

Deadly, Thursday night I noticed that I had been the last poster on the thread for two hours. I went into the IRC to see if everypony was there, and found two whole lurkers. I think fall just fell on us ponies.

So I don't get to use my Rarity-class pout:

First the RP left, and I said nothing because I wasn't an RPer.
Then the sketches and art commentary left, and I said nothing because I wasn't an artist.
Then the new episode commentary left, and I said nothing because I didn't like spoilers.
Then there was nopony left to say anything to.
Isn't that pithy? Now I'm sorry that it's totally bogus. http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3623/applejackliar.png

[Kris Strife]

Death your feelings.

Never change your phone. :smallbiggrin:

[Geno9999]

Okay Ponythread, help me out here.
I got a Name Tag, a Description Tag, and a Strange Frontier Justice. I plan on finally using them together, and I figured I would make it Applejack/Big Mac themed, but I need good ideas for the nickname, and the quote that goes with it.
So far I was thinking of calling it "Sweet Apple Massacre", but didn't think of a good Applejack quote to go with it. Any ideas?

[Beeskee]

IRC is intermittently active and quiet, and a lot of non-pony discussion happens alongside the pony stuff - except for Discord's Story Time, when everyone behaves very nicely, and quietly listens to the awesome stories.

I reposted the only thing I had worthy of reposting, the EPPALJECK links, here.


New episode spoilers:

Sweetie Belle likes D&D?

And, woah, I noticed the cooked eggs but missed the significance.

I did think something was fishy with "AJ" being so completely covered in mud. If they had some mud fall off but stain her a bit brown, I would have been completely blindsided. Well, except for the eyes, but that would have been harder to notice the first time around, the scene was very fast-paced.

"Grape Juice" - it takes time to ferment so it is just juice for now.

Edit: The "stealth education" stuff was nice too. It was so stealthy, I had to edit the post to add this comment. :smallbiggrin:

[Eakin]

Never change your phone. :smallbiggrin:

Maybe it's 'cause I'm always on Youtube (official element and all, important business etc. etc.) But I momentarily tried to "like" your comment before I forgot that I can't do that here.


So far I was thinking of calling it "Sweet Apple Massacre", but didn't think of a good Applejack quote to go with it. Any ideas?

"Sweet Apple Slaughter" rolls off the tongue a little quicker.

"For an honest, ol' fashioned [plot/flank/ass] kicking" maybe?

[Aotrs Commander]

Urrgh.

Just to compound the problems, now Mum's dog has somehow escaped and run off somewhere; no sign of him whatsoever. This, has, of course done nothing to calm Mum's already stressed out-mood since Nanny's injury. We've pretty much done all the searching we can (Mum's just gone out again, but more from desperation than any real chance of success), so now all we can do is cross our fingers and hope he fig

Huh.

As I was typing he showed up. Will wonders never cease.

Well, that rather improves my mood somewhat. (I am myself not a pet fan, but I'm happy for the rest of the family, Mum in particular.)

A reason to be thankful tonight.

I suppose at some point I should get around to watching pony...

[Beacon of Chaos]

Okay Ponythread, help me out here.
I got a Name Tag, a Description Tag, and a Strange Frontier Justice. I plan on finally using them together, and I figured I would make it Applejack/Big Mac themed, but I need good ideas for the nickname, and the quote that goes with it.
So far I was thinking of calling it "Sweet Apple Massacre", but didn't think of a good Applejack quote to go with it. Any ideas?

"How'd you like THEM apples!?"

[TheAmishPirate]

The new episode!
This episode ranks above "Look Before You Sleep" and below "Lesson Zero". I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it just felt off. Something about the pacing felt really weird, and there was a lot of ham. But seeing more of the Sweetie Bell/Rarity dynamic was great. The ending I only barely noticed in the final sprint when I thought "Wait...aren't AJ's eyes green or something?" Any episode that can fool me like that gets major bonus points in my book.

And if you didn't at least tear up a little when you saw Sweetie Bell's drawing, you have no soul.




You're being too early.
There's a lot seemingly going on but it's all circumstantial. All sorts of posters are having all sorts of personal issues, from major to mundane. Thanqol is being a genius, which requires school. Raz is being a genius which requires school and STEALING THE HAY OUT OF whatever Thanqol's mojo'd up. Esperderek is working nights. I haven't had a day off since September, and I'm working 13 hours today. Several posters are having identity crises. Several posters are having a cold war. RP is becoming almost an actual issue.

It just all happened at the same time.

From experience; don't worry about the IRC. Trust us, we're all friends. We don't want you missing out on anything :smallsmile:

I think a big part of it is that we tried keeping up our summer posting rate as school and work picked up again, and we're all finding out that we just can't keep the same pace when real life comes a-callin'. Personally, I find myself reading a far greater density of posts when there's less to slog through, so it's not all bad. At the end of the day, it's what this green-spouting gentlecolt said; we're all friends, and we'll take care of each other.

In other words, Keep Calm and Pony On. :smallcool:

[Gamerlord]

The new episode!

And if you didn't at least tear up a little when you saw Sweetie Bell's drawing, you have no soul.

*Raises hand*

[Zevox]

And if you didn't at least tear up a little when you saw Sweetie Bell's drawing, you have no soul.
Eh, that's okay, I don't believe in those anyway.
http://i.imgur.com/G8QfD.png

Zevox

[TheAmishPirate]

*Raises hand*

Son, I am-


Eh, that's okay, I don't believe in those anyway.
http://i.imgur.com/G8QfD.png

Zevox

-respecting your difference of opinion in a loving and tolerating manner. Now if you'll excuse me...

*hands Fluttershy a juice box*

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu60kggytJ1r5i8k8o3_r1_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKe yId=AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1320620842&Signature=kmHR5DfijNn3aKemgBxkJ%2BNCkKc%3D

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltyvhcE1Zd1r0biauo1_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId =AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1320620857&Signature=2icPKCz2yxHYCA%2BTkJv1CVKLr7w%3D

D'AWWWWWW

EDIT: And there go the rest of my organs.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMOLkrXD-LU/TfruyohULTI/AAAAAAAAGBc/3WTm_xH3o5Q/s640/25149+-+artist+siansaar+dress+rarity+sisters+Sweetie_Bell e.png

[Deadly]

What is it about Fluttershy and juice boxes? :smallconfused:

[TheAmishPirate]

What is it about Fluttershy and juice boxes? :smallconfused:

I believe this tumblr (http://askfluttershyandpinkiepie.tumblr.com/) started it out. It's more that they drew her looking adorable with a juice box, and it's spread a bit from that.

[Deadly]

I believe this tumblr (http://askfluttershyandpinkiepie.tumblr.com/) started it out. It's more that they drew her looking adorable with a juice box, and it's spread a bit from that.

Ah.

But why does she look so adorable with a juice box? I'm sure it wouldn't have the same effect it it was a... hay smoothie or something.

[Beeskee]

Somepony should ask her to try a variety of different beverages, and we can get a scientific analysis going on. :smallbiggrin:

[Beacon of Chaos]

NOT episode 5. It's actually TF2 related:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/90d0f2bbb8d6ada9b7267096798d6355/80777%20-%20Carrot_Top%20Team_Fortress_2%20artist%3ADon-KomandoRR%20comic%20costume%20derpy_hooves%20night mare_night%20saxton_hale%20saxton_hale_mask.jpg

[Zevox]

Ah.

But why does she look so adorable with a juice box? I'm sure it wouldn't have the same effect it it was a... hay smoothie or something.
Might be because juice boxes are something normally associated with small children, who tend to be cute.

Zevox

[Mando Knight]

As I was typing he showed up.
Dogs do that. If they want to run off, they'll always come back when they're done, unless something prevents it. Sometimes, the best way to get a dog to come back is to ignore its romp, especially if it's the playful type. My family's dog is like that: every time she manages to dash out of the fence, we leave her be, as otherwise she'll just think we're playing chase and run all around town.

[Deadly]

Somepony should ask her to try a variety of different beverages, and we can get a scientific analysis going on. :smallbiggrin:

That's an excellent idea! :smallbiggrin:


Might be because juice boxes are something normally associated with small children, who tend to be cute.

Zevox

Hmm, sounds like a plausible explanation

[mikeejimbo]

I haven't posted in forever, ponythread. Fooooooooreverrrrrr!




Sweetie Belle likes D&D?

Edit: The "stealth education" stuff was nice too. It was so stealthy, I had to edit the post to add this comment. :smallbiggrin:



I am confused by these two things! Apparently the stealth education was too stealthy for me, and I missed the D&D reference entirely.

[BlasTech]

IRC is intermittently active and quiet, and a lot of non-pony discussion happens alongside the pony stuff - except for Discord's Story Time, when everyone behaves very nicely, and quietly listens to the awesome stories.

I reposted the only thing I had worthy of reposting, the EPPALJECK links, here.


New episode spoilers:

Sweetie Belle likes D&D?

And, woah, I noticed the cooked eggs but missed the significance.

I did think something was fishy with "AJ" being so completely covered in mud. If they had some mud fall off but stain her a bit brown, I would have been completely blindsided. Well, except for the eyes, but that would have been harder to notice the first time around, the scene was very fast-paced.

"Grape Juice" - it takes time to ferment so it is just juice for now.

Edit: The "stealth education" stuff was nice too. It was so stealthy, I had to edit the post to add this comment. :smallbiggrin:


Regarding your edit, I think I missed it ... what are we talking about here?

[Beeskee]

They defined "uncouth".

As far as D&D, someone else mentioned that one of the ponies mentioned roleplaying or something, but I couldn't find the reference in the episode.

[BlasTech]

...

Mind = Blown

:smalltongue:

[mikeejimbo]

They defined "uncouth".

Oh yeah, kids watch this show.

I keep forgetting.

[Beeskee]

Well it isn't much, but at least it's something. And they handle it in a way that is funny and doesn't distract from the story. That's what I like about it when they do that. :smallsmile: It doesn't feel like they hammer it in or stop the story for it.

[Athaniar]

They defined "uncouth".

As far as D&D, someone else mentioned that one of the ponies mentioned roleplaying or something, but I couldn't find the reference in the episode.
Well, it at least sounded like Sweetie Belle mentioned roleplaying at one point (while mentioning activites to do to Rarity).

[Deadly]

Well, it at least sounded like Sweetie Belle mentioned roleplaying at one point (while mentioning activites to do to Rarity).

As far as I can tell, her suggestions are:

Paint, ride bike, play chess, sing a song, catch frogs, pillow fighting

[Pokonic]

Weird things I saw while seeing it again.
What measure is a non-pony is in full effect. The fact that the sheep dont need to be herded around like animals and the fact that there are blue-ribbon pigs means that ponykind has some sort of reason to having fat pigs around. Also, eggs. They had some made for consumption, and some where broken with no remorse. Chickens where shown to be somewhat self-aware in Staremasters. What the heck is going on?


Oh, and Dinky is not derpys daughter. What her name is I dont know, but it seems that ED is already freaking out about it. Also, I just noticed that ponies look very.. weird when only there face it moving. Look at applebloom when they are at the farm kicking apples: it would fall into uncanny valley if she was a human.


I shall be rather displeased with with the fandom if we dont have jokes revolving on what spike was staring at in the last few seconds by midnight, as well.

[Kalinda]

Hey ponythread. The meet up was fun, about 15 people showed up, we chatted, had lunch at the food court, wandered through the mall a bit and generally hung out and compared pony notes. Good time was had by all.



What would a "being a good little sister" cutie mark look like, anyway?

Obvious really.

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/1d5858f0cb8e0d71c8ab75a664ebf059/80911%20-%20Sweetie_Belle%20artist%3ANash%20final%20rarity. png

[Kalinda]

Weird things I saw while seeing it again.
What measure is a non-pony is in full effect. The fact that the sheep dont need to be herded around like animals and the fact that there are blue-ribbon pigs means that ponykind has some sort of reason to having fat pigs around. Also, eggs. They had some made for consumption, and some where broken with no remorse. Chickens where shown to be somewhat self-aware in Staremasters. What the heck is going on?


My personal fanon theory is that the other animals are mostly sapient but kind of slow. Between this and the fact that they don't have magic, they realize that they'd be lunch without ponies protecting them, so they've worked out a deal. Milk, eggs (unfertilized) and wool for food and protection. IIRC someone (possibly even Lauren Faust) suggested that the pigs find truffles for the ponies, and they also make good garbage disposals.

[Zevox]

Oh, and Dinky is not derpys daughter. What her name is I dont know, but it seems that ED is already freaking out about it.
Don't know where anyone is getting that one from.
The competition there was for sisters, not mother-daughter pairings. You can either come to the conclusion that the other pony she was with is actually her sister (biological or adopted), or that she wanted to participate but, lacking an actual sister, got a friend or family friend to stand in for one. Either way, doesn't invalidate the Derpy-Dinky fanon.
Zevox

[Thanqol]

New Episode,

My fanon, that Rarity isn't from Canterlot and, is in fact, a low born commoner with pretensions has been wonderfully confirmed :smallbiggrin:

On the whole, this episode fell under the category of 'adorable'.

[Beeskee]

The episode mentioned they were gathering the bruised apples that were unsalable to use as pig feed.

Truffles would be a perfectly reasonable use of pigs that didn't involve ham sandwiches and bacon. :smallbiggrin:

The only thing that actually stands out as weird is the sunny-side-up eggs for breakfast, but since it's humans watching the show they'd probably expect to see something like that as a breakfast food. Oatmeal might have been a better breakfast food for ponies, but that probably wouldn't seem appealing to the younger audience. I like it now, but when I was a kid I wouldn't have.

[Pokonic]

My personal fanon theory is that the other animals are mostly sapient but kind of slow. Between this and the fact that they don't have magic, they realize that they'd be lunch without ponies protecting them, so they've worked out a deal. Milk, eggs (unfertilized) and wool for food and protection. IIRC someone (possibly even Lauren Faust) suggested that the pigs find truffles for the ponies, and they also make good garbage disposals.

This could be another reason why the ponies did not like the buffalo. They simply do not ever need to make deals with ponykind to get protection, being capiable in combat. Little Strongheart proved that. Besides, would you not be a bit apprehensive of the people who keep there helpless distant relitives in barns?
It may just be that your average ponys usual interaction with other creatures had them as producers of food or wool, rather than as equals in social status. One could only guess what a conversation between a cart-pulling earth pony and a wagon-pulling Ox would be like.

Then again, this does not explain why they are kept in pens. Or have contests about how plump they are. Oh well, hot dogs are hot dogs, and eggs are eggs...

EDIT:
The competition there was for sisters, not mother-daughter pairings. You can either come to the conclusion that the other pony she was with is actually her sister (biological or adopted), or that she wanted to participate but, lacking an actual sister, got a friend or family friend to stand in for one. Either way, doesn't invalidate the Derpy-Dinky fanon.
Herpa Derp, got caught up in the moment. I actualy relised that about halfway thru posting that. However, this will lead to new fanon charecters, and if that is the case then Derpy has a sister almost as young as her own youngest child, and that Fanon derpy is a even younger mother that what is normaly discribed. Or, she is adopted. Oh, the stories we shall get.


Ohh, my head is spinning. Its like a thousand exellent plots all suddenly flickered, and then where silanced forever, and then cameback tenfold.

[The Unborne]

Well now, I think I've lurked these past twenty threads long enough. I have to say, I only read and didn't post because I could never find anything I could contribute.

But that ends today! With my new ponified avatar and exciting news that I'm editing the second and future episodes of this little gem, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUDfoZGhLjE) I can safely say that I feel like I'm contributing to the herd for once! http://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.png

Anyways, onto the episode:

Anyone else get teary-eyed when Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle's picture?

[Kalinda]

Random Ep 5 thought.
When Rarity came back fairly quickly with the "Rare" gems, did anybody else have a vision of her going straight over and kicking the crud out of the Diamond Dogs until they gave her the gems?

[Kalinda]

Episode 5

Sweetie's voice sounds different. Minor gripe.


At first I thought they had a different voice actor, but then it settled down and got better. My working theory is that the VA was having a slightly off day at the beginning of the session.

[Eakin]

Random Ep 5 thought.
When Rarity came back fairly quickly with the "Rare" gems, did anybody else have a vision of her going straight over and kicking the crud out of the Diamond Dogs until they gave her the gems?

I was too busy wondering why she couldn't salvage any of the gems Sweetiebelle used. Rub off some of the glue and they're good as new. But the dogs are terrible at finding gems which is why they took Rarity in the first place, I can't see them having a trove of especially rare ones.

But that IS an amusing mental image.

[the_druid_droid]

Well now, I think I've lurked these past twenty threads long enough. I have to say, I only read and didn't post because I could never find anything I could contribute.

But that ends today! With my new ponified avatar and exciting news that I'm editing the second and future episodes of this little gem, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUDfoZGhLjE) I can safely say that I feel like I'm contributing to the herd for once! http://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.png

Anyways, onto the episode:

Anyone else get teary-eyed when Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle's picture?

This might be belated since you've been lurking, but welcome nonetheless:
http://cdn1.knowyourmeme.com/i/000/105/788/original/1293755149344-(n1297337026278).jpg?1300082692

[Zevox]

Herpa Derp, got caught up in the moment. I actualy relised that about halfway thru posting that. However, this will lead to new fanon charecters, and if that is the case then Derpy has a sister almost as young as her own youngest child, and that Fanon derpy is a even younger mother that what is normaly discribed.
:smallconfused: Er, what? Why does this require Derpy to have a sister as young as Dinky? The pony Dinky was with is either Dinky's sister, in which case she's Derpy's daughter whether biological or adopted, or she's not, in which case she could be a friend, any different family member, or even a friend of Derpy's.

Unless Derpy was in the contest with someone we've never seen, which I do not recall being the case, there's nothing here suggesting that Derpy has a sister as young as Dinky.
Zevox

[Eakin]

Well now, I think I've lurked these past twenty threads long enough. I have to say, I only read and didn't post because I could never find anything I could contribute.

But that ends today! With my new ponified avatar and exciting news that I'm editing the second and future episodes of this little gem, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUDfoZGhLjE) I can safely say that I feel like I'm contributing to the herd for once! http://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.png

Anyways, onto the episode:

Anyone else get teary-eyed when Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle's picture?

Welcome! Your video is fantastic, love the idea and I will have to watch the rest of it a little later.

Don't worry about being able to contribute anything in particular, just post when the mood grabs you.

and yes that was pretty damn adorable

[BlasTech]

Hey ponythread. The meet up was fun, about 15 people showed up, we chatted, had lunch at the food court, wandered through the mall a bit and generally hung out and compared pony notes. Good time was had by all.




Obvious really.

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/1d5858f0cb8e0d71c8ab75a664ebf059/80911%20-%20Sweetie_Belle%20artist%3ANash%20final%20rarity. png

Glad to hear your catch up went wel- ARGH MY SPLEEN, STOP LINKING THAT PICTURE!


Well now, I think I've lurked these past twenty threads long enough. I have to say, I only read and didn't post because I could never find anything I could contribute.

But that ends today! With my new ponified avatar and exciting news that I'm editing the second and future episodes of this little gem, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUDfoZGhLjE) I can safely say that I feel like I'm contributing to the herd for once! http://i.imgur.com/G5T9W.png

Anyways, onto the episode:

Anyone else get teary-eyed when Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle's picture?

Welcome aboard! I'm sure someone will be along with the traditional greeting macros before long.

Also, just finished watching part 1, that is some pretty impressive work there! Never played the Phoenix Wright series, but the snarking he does at the ponies was classic :smalltongue: Eagerly await the next part ^^

[Pokonic]

Er, what? Why does this require Derpy to have a sister as young as Dinky? The pony Dinky was with is either Dinky's sister, in which case she's Derpy's daughter whether biological or adopted, or she's not, in which case she could be a friend, any different family member, or even a friend of Derpy's.

Unless Derpy was in the contest with someone we've never seen, which I do not recall being the case, there's nothing here suggesting that Derpy has a sister as young as Dinky.

Err, she was. Look at the first few moments before the competition. There is clearly a pegusi mare with bubbles for a cuti mark bobbing for apples in the first few seconds after the pie eating scene. ( Is that going to be a running gag?)She is visable for most of the race. Thats what people are going crazy about.

[Aotrs Commander]

Dogs do that. If they want to run off, they'll always come back when they're done, unless something prevents it. Sometimes, the best way to get a dog to come back is to ignore its romp, especially if it's the playful type. My family's dog is like that: every time she manages to dash out of the fence, we leave her be, as otherwise she'll just think we're playing chase and run all around town.

Of course, we live right next to a major road. And said dog is a rescue dog (and is a rather more work than I think Mum should have undertaken, but my sister had just had a rescue dog, so Mum followed suite, only hers had/has problems) and is a bit funny (and I don't mean haha funny). And it's fireworks night. It's all compounded, of course, by Mum's illness (and while worrying about Nanny): she doesn't handle a crisis very well these days, unfortunately, especially on a bad day like she has been having. (If Nanny wasn't in hospital, she'd had been in bed most of the day. )

Still, it's mostly sorted now.



Episode 5 (somewhat later than usual, for various reasons!)
Not bad. I wasn't laughing as much as this one, but it was fun to see Sweetie and Rarity in particular operating as pair. I like the though of mixing up the major characters a bit, and intermixing the younger and older ponies.

Rarity was hilarious, as usual.

I think the message of this one passed me by a bit. But I think some of that is it's a bit different when you don't have same-sex siblings, especially when you're the eldest. I always got on tolerably well with my oldest sister (who's four years younger than me) as a child: there weren't really many occasions where I felt she was "hanging on" as it were. My youngest sister is eleven years younger, so that was never an issue. Both of 'em got corrupted into wargames/roleplaying, mind (as have, on at least one occasion, pretty much every single member of my family, yes, even my grandparents!). My youngest sister still plays on our day games, but she's dropped out of the weekly ones, partly because of work. (My advice is to corrupt 'em young...)

(I did have another sister (who would have been a middle sister), as well, but sadly, I never got to know her very much, as she died at aged nine months or so when I was about seven or eight, due to a heart defect.)


The only thing that actually stands out as weird is the sunny-side-up eggs for breakfast, but since it's humans watching the show they'd probably expect to see something like that as a breakfast food. Oatmeal might have been a better breakfast food for ponies, but that probably wouldn't seem appealing to the younger audience. I like it now, but when I was a kid I wouldn't have.


Well, not really...We kinda knew they must eat eggs, because of the baking; so it's not a large stretch, really. Despite what Pinkie said, ponies clearly aren't really vegetarian (or herbivore.)

Actually, wasn't Pinkie the one that mentioned hot dogs in one episode? That makes those pigs interesting...!

To be honest, it makes more sense to me that ponies are more omnivorous than herbivorous, given than the former tend to be much smarter animals (see the note on sheep-intelligence earlier in the thread!) After all, it's theorised human intelligence (I use that term loosely...) developed partly due to diet (seafood in that case).



Liked the fact that Twilight doesn't need to be in every episode, when it otherwise doesn't make sense; that was a good call on the writer's part. Don't get me wrong, I like Twilight, but she doesn't need to be in every episode. (Spike on the other hand... Huzzah!)

The switchover took me by surprise - though I wasn't really thinking much (and half-concentrating on the background ponies!) and it's getting late in the day (it's half-past two as I write this!) my brain is getting the dumb by this point...

And on that note, I fear 'tis time for me to retire to meditate, least I accidently confuse Hopereaver for a belligerent giraffe armed with a rocket-propelled canteloupe again.

*glare*

Look, I said I was sorry, and you can hardly see the scars...

[Topaz]

Drawfriend drop!

The dragon knew it was in trouble when the next thing it heard Trixie say was "Starlight Breaker!":
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsvPG37xrOY/TrXZdAG7zKI/AAAAAAAAR-k/77P3oFUI3KM/s1600/trixie_one_by_unitoone-d4f38bg.png

[Soras Teva Gee]

The dragon knew it was in trouble when the next thing it heard Trixie say was "Starlight Breaker!"

So she's about to suplex Twilight? No seriously the befriending attack can never belong to Trixie

[Zevox]

Err, she was. Look at the first few moments before the competition. There is clearly a pegusi mare with bubbles for a cuti mark bobbing for apples in the first few seconds after the pie eating scene. ( Is that going to be a running gag?)She is visable for most of the race. Thats what people are going crazy about.
Every comment I've seen so far has referred to Dinky, not Derpy. Looking at the moments you point to:

Bobbing for apples - That is not Derpy, it's another character with similar (but slightly different) coat and mane colors. Her cutie mark is not bubbles (in future scenes that give a closer look it appears to me to be a scroll), her mane is styled differently, and her eyes are a different color (purple, not gold) and not derped. She's also wearing a pink-and-white hat and has a pink band around one leg.

This same character is seen running the race, which is where we get a good look at her cutie mark. Derpy most definitely is not in the race.

I think I might see Derpy in the crowd that Granny Smith addresses before the race and in the group of spectators in the stands sometimes, but it's hard to tell since she's always behind a bunch of other ponies. If it is her though, they forgot to derp her eyes. And even if it is, since she's just a spectator, there are no implications of her having a younger sister here. In fact, it would likely just mean she's there to watch/support Dinky and her (real or otherwise) sister.
Zevox

[Gaelbert]

I rewatched Dragonshy recently and a few things really caught my attention. For representing the element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash sure gives up on Fluttershy pretty fast and wants to leave her behind. And for representing the element of Honesty, Applejack seems awfully willing to slip in a few white lies to make Fluttershy feel better about herself. I know there's been some past speculation as to why Applejack and Rainbow Dash have their respective elements, and this just raises more questions for me.

[Topaz]

So she's about to suplex Twilight? No seriously the befriending attack can never belong to Trixie
Befriendship is all about making friends out of ones old enemies, ne?

Seriously. If you can befriend The Book Of Darkness, there's hope for The Great And Powerful Trixie.

[Eakin]

I rewatched Dragonshy recently and a few things really caught my attention. For representing the element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash sure gives up on Fluttershy pretty fast and wants to leave her behind. And for representing the element of Honesty, Applejack seems awfully willing to slip in a few white lies to make Fluttershy feel better about herself. I know there's been some past speculation as to why Applejack and Rainbow Dash have their respective elements, and this just raises more questions for me.

You aren't the first pony to notice that (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoDfRGV7KJc)

[Vent Reynolt]

LIES AND SLANDER. WAIT...NO, THE OPPOSITE! SOCKS!LIXIE IS BEST LIXIE!

Second. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OemNp6hgX4)

I mean, really, what could ever top Socks!Lixie?


I suppose you're right

I suppose I've overestimated how much party I'm missing, but I did kinda feel a bit like Pinkamena in Party of One just then

If it helps a bit, I feel the same way that you feel about the chat. Even when I'm in the chat, I feel so overwhelmed that by the time I've posted anything, the rest of the group has moved on to another discussion. :smallfrown:


Some Rarity and Spike in honor of the new episode. Spike is behaving badly, I think a lesson on proper manners is in order:

Flankylicious (not a spoiler):
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/309/c/5/spike_is_hungry_by_adcoon-d4f6u39.png

Spike's thoughts the entire time. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY3BC9J4B24) Sorry, but the joke had to be made.

Also, I really like her... flank- er I mean, her mane! Definitely, Rarity's mane.

[Kindablue]

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/107/131718053108.png

[Grif]

NOT episode 5. It's actually TF2 related:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/90d0f2bbb8d6ada9b7267096798d6355/80777%20-%20Carrot_Top%20Team_Fortress_2%20artist%3ADon-KomandoRR%20comic%20costume%20derpy_hooves%20night mare_night%20saxton_hale%20saxton_hale_mask.jpg

TF2 and MLP are bestest crossover ever. :smallbiggrin:

[Beeskee]

Well, not really...We kinda knew they must eat eggs, because of the baking; so it's not a large stretch, really. Despite what Pinkie said, ponies clearly aren't really vegetarian (or herbivore.)

Actually, wasn't Pinkie the one that mentioned hot dogs in one episode? That makes those pigs interesting...!

To be honest, it makes more sense to me that ponies are more omnivorous than herbivorous, given than the former tend to be much smarter animals (see the note on sheep-intelligence earlier in the thread!) After all, it's theorised human intelligence (I use that term loosely...) developed partly due to diet (seafood in that case).

Glad your dog was found again. :smallsmile:


Yeah I knew about the eggs for baking. Regular cooked eggs wouldn't be that much different, but aren't the 'sunny-side-up' eggs partially uncooked? Just made hot enough to kill any bacteria/parasites but with the yolks still runny? Or is that another style? Seems like it might be harder to digest either way, but I don't know for sure.

For the hot dogs, I always assumed Pinkie Pie meant veggie dogs. CARNIVORE PONIES are a little unnerving to me, probably because it's only one step from that to Z-Z-Z-ZOMBIE PONIES! :smallbiggrin:

[Istari]

You aren't the first pony to notice that (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoDfRGV7KJc)

I remember one of the abridged series kept switching honesty/loyalty whenever they came up.

[Eakin]

I remember one of the abridged series kept switching honesty/loyalty whenever they came up.

From the same person who did that video I linked, Friendship is Witchcraft (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FjMQBN2Ls8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL)

EDIT:
HA HA! The ninja'd becomes the ninj...ee? ninjer? ninjess?

[otakuryoga]

I remember one of the abridged series kept switching honesty/loyalty whenever they came up.

eeeyup
Friendship is Witchcraft

Pinkie'd!!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Balthasar_Gelt/th_NinjaPinkie.png