#i should do this with cadance and shining too...

[honeybuns-soulmate]

poly selfship template by @deathdetermineslife THIS WAS SO FUN!!

infodumping about my ship with zee and axton is like. weirdly therapeutic to me.

[ask-healthy-light]

To her simultaneous mild frustration and immense adoration, Frost innocently asked Luna whether she would not rather stay outside to clear her mind, as she remembered that she let her know about this before they left her room together; but after Luna quietly sighed in response, she placed a hoof on Frost's cheek, wearing a smile on her face, and intimately whispered that she meant something else.

Even when she so blatantly implied what she had in mind, it still took a while for Frost to realise what Luna meant, until something clicked, and she quickly turned away in embarrassment as her blush drastically brightened, to Luna's amusement; but after she chuckled, she gently turned Frost's head back to face her, and kindly said that she was certain neither of them had anything to worry about.

If it reassured her, though, Luna solemnly promised Frost that she would not ask her to do anything if she did not feel comfortable, but even if she did, and they both wanted to try, they would go as slowly as they needed to make sure they both enjoyed themselves; but as she said before, should the two of them go further, it was best that they return to their quarters, instead of this cold grass.

Fortunately, the realisation that they were indeed still lying in the cold and damp grass under the starry sky snapped Frost out of her state of embarrassment, and after she shook her head, she asked Luna if she still wanted her to carry her back to the Palace, to which she merely shyly nodded; and to her immense surprise, as Frost rose to her claws, Luna was flung upward, and landed in her arms.

As soon as Luna landed in Frost's arms, as if by reflex, she wrapped her arms around the Dragoness, and instantly pulled herself close as she quivered in her entire body, until she realised where she was laying, and she let out a deep sigh as she calmed down; and she chuckled at her own foolishness as she more gently embraced Frost, before the Dragoness unfurled her wings, and flew to the Palace.

At the same time, back in the Dragon Lands across the Eastern Sea, Nox felt a strange warmth within herself, as well as a tingling feeling that made her legs feel weak, though whither either of these sensations came, she did not know; for if she felt ill so suddenly, she doubted she would feel such euphoria in her mind, and if some spell had been cast on her, she would have heard someone come by.

The only thing Nox could think of was that she felt her Mother's sensations, but before she figured out what it could be, she saw a figure stir awake in the distance, and she quietly flew back to the camp to make sure the white-coated Stallion she saw sit up was all right; and Shining gently rubbed his eyes when Nox landed right next to him, whereafter they asked the other if they were all right.

Although their synchronisation briefly made the two chuckle, they knew they had to stay quiet, lest they wake the others up, so after she helped him stand up, and they had wandered some distance away from the camp, Nox asked Shining how he was doing; and the yawning Captain politely replied that he peacefully dreamt about being with his Family again, for which he clearly knew he had her to thank.

While all good things must come to an end, Shining continued, there was no rush, no fear, no doubts of any kind that woke him up, but merely Cadance quietly promising him that she and their Daughters were all right, even though they dearly missed him; and after she told him that his help was needed where he was, they carefully and gracefully pressed foreheads, before he waved to her, and woke up.

Seeing as the night was steadily passing, and he did not know when she switched places with Boom to take over the watch, he told her to sleep while he watched over their camp and company, as she also needed her rest; for he figured that it was exhausting to walk through the dreams of so many others not only to warn them, but also to grant them more blissful sleep, while almost neglecting herself.

After Shining walked Nox back to the camp, he grabbed his sword, and as she laid down, he said:

"Although I fear I will have to use it far too much tomorrow, I hope I need not use it tonight…"

(Thanks for reading! And if you enjoyed, please reblog! Thanks in advance!)

Send an ask or request! | Start at the beginning! | Next part!

Featuring: Nox Lunarwing from @nox-lunarwing

[introjis]

list of emojis for weekend/week to try and get to work on:

throwing book emoji set(mostly for those moments when your friends/alters are about to do something dumb like a creepy pick up line to someone they don't mean to come off creepy to or when they're gonna purchase something ABSOLUTELY not needed like WORST purchase ever they have 10 yearly planners they haven't used but found another one and it won't get used either but looks pretty ordeal) (similar to the original nesting emoji set)

all the nest emoji requests

maybe a play on the shining armour tossing cadance to catch something in the show pose/series of events? as an emoji set

stompies(SOOONNNN I NEED TO REMEMBER HOW TO DO ALL THE PEETS!!!)

maybe some /neg stim emojis?(might need recommendations on these since the only one I know/have done is banging body's chest outta frustration with painful hiccups that had lasted 5+ hours that 24 hours :{{)

more wing emojis(needs more full bodies for it)

rat emojis(requested!!)

Bernese mountain dog emojis(requested!!)

MANY techno emojis (after consulting our 50+ techno introjects because there's soooo many and can be sooo silly <3333/fam)

egg emojis(qsmp styled/based)

cat person emojis(atp we need recommended ones to help)

cat emojis(extra silly)(cat introjects we have are gonna help with this)

maybe make a toyhouse and make adopts on there later too since gotta occupy self sometimes so that might cut in this busy weekend(gotta adult lots!!!!)

bunnyblade emojis

maybe some power using emojis?

if I should add anything or there's any emojis you want lmk!!!

[joshtheoverlander]

I actually love this idea for an AU. It's a nice change of pace from the dozens of invasive Yuri thoughts (though I enjoy that too). I can imagine it as Cadance having to be tested just like Twilight, but in her case, Cadance has to raise a Changeling before Changelings were ever known to be capable of change. Not only that, but the future queen of Changelings!

Princess Cadance and Shining Armor might certainly have their doubts, but if Celestia thinks it's possible, they can't just say no. Besides, they were hoping to have a child some day anyways and this would be good practice, right? If they can successfully raise a Changeling, then surely they can raise a normal pony! (Hah! A normal pony? Oh those sweet summer horses)

Anyhoodle, Chrysalis would start off as a huge pain and would definitely continue to be a pain here and there, but she'd have her moments. Perhaps something of an instinctual brat that can't control her hunger at first and Shining and Cadance have to work on reining it in somehow. She's younger than Thorax, so it would probably take her longer to get to the point of being able to no longer feel starved without draining love.

I can imagine a few episode ideas following her childhood and the struggles of raising her. First and foremost is the family getting used to each other, complete with Chrysalis giving into instinct and trying to drain someone, which immediately gets her a scolding, maybe another punishment of some kind. Possibly make the lesson about finding ways to truly teach a child right from wrong and about consequences, because sometimes parents don't realize that punishment without understanding can lead to worse things.

There can be an episode about bullying, as I can imagine Chrysalis wouldn't be the sort to be nice to others her age at first. We can establish a friend for her, either it is someone she apologizes to for picking on, or she can be a bully for a while, gain a rival and later friend as a result of her faults early on. Another part of this idea would be her slowly coming to learn ways to get what she wants out of adults, like children tend to do once they start learning at an early age.

A big episode for Kid Chrysalis could involve her feeling upset and uncomfortable from starvation because she hasn't been allowed to feed off anyone. By now, Cadance could have become attached to her and want to help her, so offers a bit of her own love to help ease the pain, not wanting Chrysalis to ruin her own progress by feeding off others. This can culminate into Chrysalis slowly driving Cadance into a sluggish wreck over the course of the episode. Heck, this could even be a thing with her development in general, since knowledge about Changelings wasn't all that great in the beginning, so for all they know, Changelings could genuinely need to feed like that. Either way, the feeding starts to take its toll on Princess Cadance, and Chrysalis notices it more than anyone else. At first she denies it, scared of starving herself all over again as well as reasoning that "the Princess of Love should have tons of love, right? Like, infinity plus one!"

Maybe Cadance becomes bedridden and needs rest, leaving Shining Armor to dote on her and nurse her back to health for a while, whilst Cadance's duties get handed off to someone else for a bit, one of the other princesses most likely. When Shining Armor leaves the room to fetch her some soup, Chrysalis sneaks in to see her and seeing Cadance buried under blankets and barely able to move finally breaks it all down for her. Cadance spots Chrysalis and greets her sweetly, asking if she's hungry, but Chrysalis finally says no. She doesn't want to feed off of her anymore, if this is what's going to happen to her. Before, Chrysalis probably wouldn't have referred to Cadance and Shining Armor as her parents, likely having come up with nicknames or something else, maybe even just call them by name at first. This would be her moment to finally see Cadance as and refer to her as her mom, and it could bring them closer.

This wouldn't lead to her metamorphosis, mind you, but it would lead Chrysalis to start feeling less and less hungry over time. She wouldn't be too close to Shining Armor, I can imagine there being some tension between them that could stall their dynamic a bit. We can have some fun with Chrysalis's unique body horror-esque abilities here and there as we go, scaring ponies on Nightmare Night, being a little gross every now and again, etc. I can imagine she'd be in a tense part of her life as she grows older where she knows and appreciates what it feels like to be loved, but not know how to, and possibly even be scared of giving love back.

Also, we'd totally have an episode where Chrysalis gets jealous of Flurry Heart getting all of Cadance and Shining Heart's attention after she's born. I can imagine those two having an interesting dynamic, especially with Big Sis Ladybug having to help take care of Flurry. Oof, imagine Twilight having to babysit the both of them during that one episode! XD

Chrysalis getting a metamorphosis is an inevitability in this sort of AU, because if she's being raised to know love and friendship and knowing right from wrong, it's a given she'd eventually change, unless we're still going for that tragic subversion, but then where's the fun in that?

Buggy bedtime 🐞

[ratjay-art]

Another pony post- this time a relationship map for how some canon + characters I have are related in my AU. I've included some more notes undercut for anyone who wants the uncut rambles. Of course, Shining & Twilight are still siblings along with Luna & Celestia- It was just important I didn't clutter this too much. Big thing not under cut: Archimedes & Cadance's adopted parents are named Quickdraw (yellow) and Mythic Trail (Blue); some brief details about them are also under the cut.

Archimedes sucks and despite it being a significant amount of time since Shining and Cadence got together, he is still pining after his sister's husband.

His full name is "Il Brillante Archimedes" similar to Cadence's Mi Amore Cadenza- and he absolutely despises anyone other than his parents shortening his name past Archimedes. His parents, however, call him Archie.

Quickdraw and Mythic both were explorers in their younger years- with Mythic being interested in finding anything that remained of the rumored Crystal Empire. The pair ended up adopting the twins after retiring from work (due to an accident that left Quickdraw hospitalized for a spell). They did decide that these were the kids for them in part because Mythic thought it was a Sign that they found a child with a name similar to the last ruler of the Crystal Empire.

Both Quickdraw and Mythic Trail are earth pony and struggled to keep up with their unicorn and pegasus children. They did try their best to nurture the pair's magics, but it did lead to Cadence being slower to fly than most pegasi. Archimedes similarly wasn't the best with his magic but quickly excelled once he was around other unicorns.

Archimedes is bitter towards Celestia entirely due to him knowing that Twilight was picked as her successor- and then becoming an Alicorn. He wants the power that comes with that, along with the long life. Celestia, for her part, cares about Archimedes like a nephew, and is aware of the bitterness to a degree, but feels like he's smart enough he'll understand one day why she made the choices she did.

Luna, on the other hand, sees a lot of herself in Archimedes and it worries her. She doesn't want to say something to the others in part because she worries it will push him away over helping him; she doesn't want to see him do something brash that he couldn't come back from after all. He's closer to Luna than Celestia in truth- though that is because of them both being night owls.

Twilight Sparkle should trap him in stone for hundreds of years or give him the full friendship rehabilitation. Boy needs it.

Archimedes' title is dubious currently- part of me says he has a noble title like Duke over Prince. The other part of me says if Blueblood is allowed to be a Prince why not have Celestia grant him the title after once the link between Princess Amore & the twins is discovered? It would be his birthright, after all!

[beezonia]

Okay so I was thinking about princess cadence and what if she was just mi Amore’s twin

I call it the crystal twins au!

——-

This is probably set when sombra first attacked the crystal empire I’m not sure or maybe it’s how different the first fight could have gone if celestia and Luna were not the ones to have banished sombra

I don’t know how it’d work but the royal family/council of the crystal empire keep a young Cadance in the shadows (due to her just being a unicorn not an alicorn or something like that) whilst Amore is the heir to the throne so they think she should get the spotlight.

Amore is probably a alicorn or is expected to become one when the time is right and then take over her parents,her mother is an Alicorn whilst her father is a Pegasus.

And of course Amore goes to her little sister for advice on what she should do or just to enjoy herself with someone she can trust and pour her heart out too.

They look extremely similar but Amore has lilac hair with dark purple streaks and is more timid then cadence.

One day Shining armour is sent to the crystal empire with a message for the royal family from Celestia telling them about King Sombra and how he is coming to destroy the Crystal heart forever so he can be in power pr something along the lines of that.

Shining is now cadence’s bodyguard along with a mare Swift Snow (a Pegasus) who is appointed to Amore

The royal family Queen Crystal Drop and King Onyx Ink (the names may change) are on full guard now, the army is getting ready whilst the two princess are locked up in the castle.

swift snow and amore fall in love during this time and are also getting to know about each other and are trying to figure out a way to stop the upcoming war before it can be started.

They realise that it’s the crystal heart that can be used against sombra as long as he doesn’t use his magic to manipulate it and of course it is only true love or admiration that can power it.

Crystal Drop grows weaker as the shadows grow stronger and tells her daughters that she may lose all her power if the crystal heart isn’t put back in its true place.

So amore takes her mother’s place instead, fulfilling her role as the heir to the throne and being selfless and choosing to protect the ones she loves which brings some power back to the crystal heart itself

Cadence and shining find the heart and hurry back to the square so they can reunite it with the kingdom but they get cornered by a now non shadow sombra who manages to take it from them

But it is Amore who stands of against sombra and sacrifices herself for her kingdom, getting trapped in the dark crystal after banishing sombra who cursed not only the crystal heart but her too.

She along with the kingdoms has disappeared from anyone’s sight.

Swift Snow and the royal family are heart broken, and they don’t even know how to break the curse

Cadence now becomes the heir to the Empires throne Mi Amore Cadenza becoming an alicorn not long afterwards.

Only the royal family of the empire knew the true Amore beloved daughter and sister also lover.

[glapplebloom]

At least attempt to fix it.

The Challenge: Fix the Siege of the Crystal Empire to be a more satisfying story. 

The Catch: Keep it under 4 comics. Only reference what was around at the time. The story has to follow the same big beats (Hope Gathering allies, the attack, Sombra’s return, Capture of Mane 6, Umbrum freed, Sombra face turn, Umbrum defeat).

Starting off, I think comic 1 is fine as is. It sets up everything the other comics should follow as well. If I could make one change, its to suggest that the Flim Flam Brothers got their Lemonade from a benefactor so I can make them deny their involvement with Chrysalis.

Comic 2, since Shining Armor was rushing to the Castle, he would be the first to confront Sombra. Like the comic proper, he would be KOed pretty fast. But when Chrysalis revealed that its too late, Sombra freed the Prisoned Allies from the Princess. With Changelings taking the place of the others, Flim Flam Bros, Iron Will and Lightning Dust confront Hope of this seeming betrayal. Pointing out how they can’t get what they want with him around and Lightning saying she wanted to humiliate Dash, not overthrow Equestria. She promised it will all be okay as the comic ends with the Mane Six defeated and the Princesses Stoned.

In Comic 3, the Four overhear Chrysalis and what the Umbrum would do. So when Chrysalis abandons them and frees Twilight, the others free the other member of Twilight’s friends and ask for forgiveness. Now freed, but Twilight unable to use magic, they head towards Sombra to try to stop them. Hope and Cadance finds the true intentions of the Umbrum and they try to stop him. But with Twilight still spouting “you’re a monster”, Sombra frees them.

The 4th Comic starts with the Umbrum charging to attack, but Hope teleports them all to safety. She apologizes and hopes to set things right, but she teleports away from them. Not wanting to do nothing, they work on preventing the spread while creating a force against them. Sombra is left alone when Radiant Hope makes her pitch. That no matter what happens she will choose him over her presumed destiny. It seems she is on his side. With the Umbrum almost winning, Hope gives Sombra the heart and he makes the decision to restore it. The rewrite ends like it does in the comic: the Umbrum defeated, Sombra a pony and them going off.

Its more like putting a new coat of paint on a house that needs serious repair, but hopefully these changes made it a little more palatable. 

[clippedwingsmuses]

twilight is quick to approach the moment that luna's voice breaks as the apology is uttered. her eyes well up with concern as she nearly leaps forth, but still she hesitates just hoofsteps from where the mare stands, and turns away from her. she blinks in silence as the queen speaks. her throat feels dry.

" she would, " twilight says, attempting just as much to hold herself together as she speaks. " i sent her a letter days ago to ask if she would be well enough to come. i've received no response so far, but... i-i know her, and she doesn't like to speak through letters unless it's urgent... i know she'll be there regardless. shining armour and flurry heart... maybe they will join us too. "

in all honesty, twilight couldn't be completely sure. cadance's family shared some of twilight's anxiety, in the form of their fear about the cold of the north spreading if they dared to leave the empire. the everfree was already attempting to root itself beneath ponyville, to emerge from the earth and take back the land the settlers had claimed when celestia gave it to them. she wanted them to see what had become of the land since that day, to see how well they'd held back the forest thus far... and twilight wanted to give them the chance to grieve, something they had long refused because the dangers of the cold would not allow it.

twilight is brought out of her thoughts when luna speaks again. she can almost hear herself in luna's voice, when she were younger and even less experienced than she were now. the pain in the queen's words sent pangs through twilight's chest. her fallen ears and the corners of her mouth twitched, her frown wishing to worsen with every sting.

she pushed through the pain, lifting a shaky hoof, and then another. soon, she stood side by side with the queen. she raised a hoof, uncertainity slipping through her body language, despite her best attempts to conceal it. she rests her hoof against the mare's foreleg anyways. the cold of the mare's shoes was stark compared to the warmth twilight was attempting to offer her.

" i know... but you don't need to apologize; this wasn't your fault, " twilight says gently. " i... t-the grief that i feel is... minute, compared to yours. even with your banishment... you were sisters. from birth, you were always together. i... take up such a small fraction of that time. i always thought that, though i followed you each as a princess... this land would always have you both. "

twilight pauses, eyes gazing at the stained glass windows that line the halls. the nearest to them, the latest, followed the events of the battle. at the base of the window were the roots of the everfree. at the top was the sun, with the visage of princess celestia curved around it. at the center was twilight with her friends, glistening as they attempted to use the power within them to fight back the forest. but the portrait of celestia was stricken with tears. all the ponies were, despite the vibrant sun shining down on them, despite the heroic gesture that the image was attempting to convey, just like the rest of the room's stained glass imagery.

" i should be... apologizing to you, " twilight mused, retracting her hoof and resting it on the floor with a soft clack. " perhaps there was something we could've done different. we all cannot help but blame ourselves, but she... she wouldn't have wanted us to do that, to blanket ourselves in grief, and ponder why it had to be this way. she was a pony who clung to grief too, as she did when you were banished, but still, she... lived on, for the world you both had created. "

the only difference was that celestia knew luna would return, and she held onto it. in this era of life... that was not possible.

twilight knew that necromancy was real. she knew that she could defy the cycle of life and death and return things to the way they were. pretend it never happened. bring celestia back. fix this mess. she knew a pony who could do just that, despite how many times she scolded her for attempting to do so. she knew she could revert everything. but, death was as much a factor of life, and she was no stranger to it.

acceptance of what had occured was the only comfort she had, even if it took thirty years to get to that point. but she hadn't lived for thousands of years. she didn't know if luna would follow the path that she did, and pass the stages of grief. in all honesty, twilight wasn't sure if she had fully accepted what had happened either... she didn't like to let go of anything.

" nothing is the same but, equestria still stands in her image. a life-long legacy that she has given to us. what she has built for all of us still stands. this is her memory, " twilight says, pausing only when her voice broke. " nothing is going to bring her back, but... some of her will always remain. in myself, and within you. and within equestria itself. i... am sure that she is watching over us, wherever she is. "

twilight doesn't believe in the afterlife. but, celestia's death might have changed her mind.

the first true time she saw the mare in front of her was blurry. she had been small and pale, confused and scared. recognizing little except bright white looming over her. it had been so quiet in her head it had been deafening. nothing mattered except celestia extending a hoof, almost burning warm after the cold of moon. she'd recognizes the elements, those wearing them were insignificant other than her sheer embarrassment at having tried to harm them.

they had been true friends once. twilight was the one who helped bridge a thousand year gap. showed her all things new, showed that she had changed, that she could be loved without fear. though luna never really did like nightmare night, there were much better things ponies had invented to do under her starry sky. she had disagreed with celestia's decision to ascend her pupil much as she disagreed about her decision to rely so much on six ponies who may as well have been fillies compared to them. now, she has no idea what she would do without the younger alicorn. cadance had her own empire to run. how celestia ran equestria alone for so long is a mystery.

when they'd been younger, the title of princess had seemed fitting. after a few hundred years of outliving the rest, growing more and more confident more powerful, queen was better. luna should ask where twilight fits in that. a part of her bristles at making them equals in rank when her sister hadn't even been gone a century. some had spoken about twilight claiming herself empress. with how the purple alicorn had militarized unicorns against everfree, commander or general seemed more appropriate.

"we have not yet begun our duties." if she was even going to. the night had been quieter than ever. as if their enemies stalking around her dream realm, their borders knew luna had become far more dangerous. an unprecedented time of peace excluding the forest. one ear twitches as she waits for twilight to gather herself. green eyes are out of tears. crying, sobbing, wailing, destroying stone under hooves took so much energy. energy that was better spent protecting the nation luna had worked so hard to establish and protect with her sister.

summer sun celebration. festival of the two sister. day of mourning. how strange - awfully ironic - that it had gone from missing one alicorn to the other. again, it was a bad political move to remove herself from such a public event. equestria deserved a leader that could face them not one who hid in the shadows. "the longest day of the thousandth year," she murmurs, withers shivering and feathers fluffing. "i'm so sorry-"

i miss you so much big sister.

her breath hitches with a terrible shuddering gasp almost as if she'd been stabbed. the loss felt that way sometimes. a knife to the gut, horn to the heart. luna turns away, gaze on the arching ceiling carved with meticulous flowery detail. "would cadance like to join us? she was...is our-my niece." maybe she could stand it if all remaining alicorns were there. maybe then luna could bear to take the sun and moon as celestia once had, cross them in the sky the last time they would be together at the same time until the next year.

it's not fair to put so much on a young mare, alicorn or not. she should do better. needs to do better. celestia would be so disappointed. "forgive us, twilight sparkle...you had her longer than we were back. our...nothing is okay without her. we were meant to rule together."

[shadowcipher17]

Ranking the Friendship is Magic Premiere's from Best To Worst

So, today I’m going to rank the Friendship is Magic Premiere's from best to worst and why. So with that being said, let’s get started.

1. Princess Twilight Sparkle- 10/10

I loved this premiere for many reasons and especially since this was the season that kicked off the new visuals for the rest of the series was really good. I particularly liked the lore in these two parts with the Tree Of Harmony and backstories such as Nightmare’s banishment and Discord’s imprisonment. I liked how this premiere put Twilight in a role where she had to step up as princess despite her being nervous about it and how she’s struggles with her wings. The plunderseeds attacking Ponyville and capturing the princesses put her in a position where she had to step up and take charge as a princess and a leader so that she’ll be ready (in Season 4’s case) to take charge if something were to happen to Celestia and Luna. There was nothing wrong with this premiere I enjoyed it and it remains my favorite premiere of the series.

2. The Return Of Harmony- 9.5/10

The Return Of Harmony is second because it was more emotional driven thanks to Discord. Twilight had to overcome the lack of friendship that the Mane 5 had while being corrupted by Discord which made for some funny scenes but also giving Twilight growth from the past season and how after 26 episodes she’s come to care for her friends. Also Discord was a highlight of the episodes. Unfortunately now, I really see Discord as a comedic base character but back in Season 2 he wasn’t a force to be reckoned with. He was technically the only villain to straight up win in Part 1 of the respective premiere. But I liked the friendship struggle that the Mane 6 had to go through while being affected by Discord’s spell and the Rainbow Dash chase scene was great too.

3. The Crystal Empire- 9.5/10

I liked the Crystal Empire a lot because it was nice getting a chance of scenery from Ponyville and Canterlot to see a new kingdom for the first time. I liked the introduction to dark magic and I really liked King Sombra. Despite being in the background for the majority of the two parter he was cunning and was a step ahead of everyone. Also going back on his defeat, the Crystal Empire citizens actually saved the day with their hope and love. I really liked the lore behind Sombra and the Crystal Empire. I liked how Cadance and Shining Armor weren’t one time characters and ended up being useful against the threat for as long as they could. Twilight and the Mane 6 got equals amount of screen time in the second half with Twilight and Spike finding the Crystal Heart while it pans back to one of the Mane 5 trying to keep the Crystal Ponies entertained. And of course Spike had a role in saving the day.

4. Friendship is Magic- 9/10

The premiere that kicked off the series. Right off the bat we start the episode off with narrative and lore about the Two Sisters and how Luna turned into Nightmare Moon. From that point we’re introduced to our main characters in the first half and they each get good amounts of screen time to know who our Mane 7 are and what they’re personalities are like and then at the end of the episode we end with a cliffhanger with Nightmare Moon making her first physical appearance and SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL! Part 2 was also good, with the Mane 5 each displaying their elements through different acts to overcome Nightmare’s obstacles (although Twilight states that they got through all the obstacles Nightmare threw at them, I don’t know how she put two and two together that the cliff was Nightmare’s fault WE as the audience knows but it’still a bit of a stretch). I also thought it was good that Twilight wasn’t easily able to use the elements and she realized that the elements were her friends actions that helped them. Ultimately good characterization for the start of the series.

5. The Beginning Of The End- 6/10

I only liked Sombra, Grogar, and the stakes that Sombra set into the episodes. The rest I didn’t care for because it was executed poorly. I understand passing down the mantle but the only thing Twilight has come close to in terms of royal duties is planning parties and functions. Twilight and the Mane 6 running Equestria when the seven of them are no where near qualified nor have any experience with running a country or the majority of them have actual jobs. Starlight being the principal of the School of Friendship....just no but then again the School was only there to promote the Student 6 so it’s not that important. On the flip side, I liked how Grogar was introduced as a villain who understood the essence of the Mane 6′s success by working together and I really would’ve liked to see Grogar use that strategy against the Mane 6...TOO BAD HE WAS USED FOR THE SAKE OF A FUCKING STUPID PLOT TWIST! (Season 10 comics BETTER elaborate on the REAL Grogar). The only villain I cared about returning was Sombra. Chrysalis and Tirek lost their villain likable status from me when they were turned into comical jokes and Cozy was just flat annoying. Now despite Sombra’s “new personality” he got more things done than the rest of the villains in the finale which I liked. His second death was pretty brutal. But Sombra giving stakes to the episodes were the only good things about this premiere.

6. Celestia Advice- 4/10

The staff learned never to do one episode premiere’s after this episode which I find funny. I’m gonna keep this really short. Seeing the background characters were nice. The new changeling forms were nice to look at. The best part about the episode was Celestia’s story to Twilight about how she had to send her to Ponyville. Everything else I didn’t care for and the episode was pointless by the end of it so it was just a waste of about 15-20 minutes.

7. The Crystalling- 4/10

FLURRY HEART IS THE CUTEST WIDDLE THING! I like how the Mane Cast and all 5 Royals were present in the episode. As far as the B plot I like Sunburst however he’s really just a plot point for Starlight and that’s it and I don’t like that at all. It’s not fair to him, he should be his own character without Starlight always being in range or mentioned. Yes, I get that they’re friends but they don’t have to be together all the time. Which was why I was happy when he got solo spotlight in A Trivial Pursuit. But other than that, it was alright.

8. School Daze- 3/10

I liked the Student 6 and the design of the School of Friendship. Despite Chancellor Neighsay being racial towards the other creatures, he was in the right in shutting down the school. The Mane 6 aren’t qualified as teachers and since they’re the go to heroes for Equestria so they won’t really have time to be at the school as well as the Mane 5 have jobs and professions. But they manage to make it “work” but the School of Friendship was a bad idea.

9. The Cutie Map- 1/10

I liked the Mane 6, Party Favor, Sugar Belle, Night Glider, and Double Diamond. The rest was boring. The town was boring. The colors were boring. Starlight was boring for being YET ANOTHER TWILIGHT COUNTERPART. What made it worse was that this came right after Rainbow Rocks where Starlight actually has similar colors to one of the main antagonists in the movie so much so that there was an actual theory if Starlight was the pony version of Aria Blaze. Another thing that was a turn off was this season starting the trend of non intense premiere’s. I mean if you look at the first 5 rankings on my list all of those have a degree of action and intensity to them as opposed to the bottom four. Another aspect that’s a turn off is the colors. The colors are dull and boring and I didn’t feel invested at all. Honestly, S5 for me was when MLP was slowly going down hill and then S6-S9 was when it really went down hill.

And these are my rankings for the premiere’s of Friendship is Magic. And these are my opinions and everyone has their own opinions so please don’t hate if you thought one premiere was better or worse than what I listed. 

Shadowstorm Out! 💜🖤

[moonsetmlp]

Some character building for this brief interlude. There’s some history here that I don’t know how to put into the main story of the comic. And honestly, it doesn’t have a huge bearing on the outcome, so it shouldn’t be too detrimental if it doesn’t get covered anywhere but here. 

Anyway, Cadance’s Biography:

Cadance’s early history matches the show canon closely. Cadance was born a pegasus, found in the woods by an earth pony couple who took her in. When faced by the corrupted Prismia, Cadance won the day with her overwhelming compassion and love. This power flowed through her and sent her to a secret realm none knew existed. None except the Empress.

Empress Moon saw the raw power in this fledgling alicorn. And best of all, she was young enough to be molded to fit the Empress’ purposes, a powerful ally should she need it. So Nightmare Moon took in the young Cadance and taught her the ways of her court, the good and bad. All throughout her life at the castle, it was instilled in her that loyalty to the Empress was paramount. Nightmare Moon personally made it quite clear that if Cadance ever betrayed her, she would live up to her name and make Cadance’s life a never ending nightmare.

So the young alicorn had little choice but to submit and comply.

As she grew older, she became the Empress’ voice during the daylight hours, ensuring her will was carried out. She also became the face of the Empire to the diurnal creatures though no one would make the mistake of thinking Cadance was the Empress’ equal. After all, she was a only princess by the grace of the Empress and clearly just another pawn.

Though she is compliant and puts up a brave face, Cadance isn’t happy about the state of her life. Firstly. She has no love of the way the Nightmare rules her empire. Her nature is that of compassion, not harsh rigidity, punishing any who step out of line. Though she must carry it out, it sickens her that she must command dissenters to be ‘disappeared.’ She can’t help but feel empathy for them and their families. The thoughts that these ponies have valid points sometimes are very frightening but yet...

Secondly, it is well known that once an advantageous match is found, she will enter into an arranged marriage. Her own feelings mean nothing, even if directed at a certain well-bred stallion from a long line of loyal vassals. Not that it stops her expressing affection for Shining Armor in the short term. Though they tried to keep it secret, it was foolish. The Empress knows all. She simply warned her young ‘niece’ to not get too attached. He is just a disposable soldier.

It almost enough to push the Princess of Love into doing something rash.

[digikate813]

My Little Pony Re-Watch: Episode 53 & 54 The Crystal Empire

*We’re up to Season 3! The first season I watched as it was coming out. Not all of it because i was still a little embarrassed to be watching this show, but I was excited for it nonetheless. And this is yet again a controversial episode. For a while it was deemed the worst season premiere. But I’ve always liked it and i still do.

*Twilight stresses out over Celestia giving her an assignment. I know. I’m shocked too!

*Nah! Luna doesn’t have to come along. I mean come on. Luna on an epic quest with the Mane Six to a lost kingdom? Who wants to see that?! Well at least there’s a new stain glass window depicting Cadance and Shining Armor’s victory that’s very pretty.

*I love the idea of a long lost kingdom with the Crystal Empire. Though I’ve always felt that detail of the spirit that embodies the empire reflecting across all of Equestria has never been utilized as well as it could have been. I think it was just a way to build stakes but honestly protecting a very populated empire is stakes enough as far as I’m concerned. 

*And we are introduced to it’s former ruler and our villain for this episode, King Sombra. A pony of shadows of sorts before we got an, actual pony of shadows. A lot of people say he’s a very, very weak villain. And while he’s by no means the best villain, I say that reputation is a bit unwarranted. I’ll touch on this more as we go on, but Sombra is a villain that is nothing else, thinks ahead. He put the curse on the empire to make it vanish for 1,000 years. Possibly waiting until he could regain enough strength to reclaim it.

*Also there were a lot of fan theories for a while that Sombra was somehow connected to Luna becoming Nightmare Moon. I don’t know why either.

*The Failure Song is a cute song, but the most noteworthy thing about it is that it’s the first time Spike gets to sing. At all. I can’t believe it took this long, but it says a lot about how much the show just couldn’t find places for Spike in the early seasons.

*Going back to what I was saying last time about Shining Armor and Cadance’s sudden appearance not really bothering me because a lot of TV shows have siblings appear out of nowhere, more often then not those siblings also disappear barely to be mentioned again. And I like that this episode tells us that Shining Armor and Cadance were not just one off characters to tell a single story. They gave then important roles in this world, and they’re going to stick around.

*Also Cadance is casting the shield this time to protect the kingdom. Role reversal!

*Apparently the Crystal Empire is inhabited by crystal ponies. Which is cool. Not the most creative species in Equestria but y’know, I’m all for expanding the world. But Rarity’s reaction makes this scene!

*Pinkie Pie: Master Spy! How is there not a whole episode on this?! Also the Fluttershy costume and Fluttershy’s reaction to it is priceless.

*As I’m writing this, I’m realizing there’s a lot of great reactionary comedy in this episode. Another example is Twilight’s reaction of awe to the library. Whoever animated this deserves a raise because it’s so freaking funny.

*I really like the song putting together the Crystal Fair. It’s fun and bouncy and a cool way to see all sorts of Crystal Empire traditions. A great way to flesh out this location and it’s history.

*I never noticed that Pinkie playing the Fluglehorn is just her shouting  “Fluglehorn” into it. That’s great.

*And the crystal ponies regaining their crystal shimmer in their coats as they regain hope is a great visual

*Okay so here’s some more about how Sombra thought ahead. He supposedly disposed of the page in the Crystal Empire history book mentioning how important the Crystal Heart was, hid it away under many secret entrances loaded with traps, the curse he put on the land erased the Crystal ponies memories of it until they regained their shimmer, and is now a giant shadow cloud threatening to engulf the entire empire to regain his throne!! Sombra may not have much in terms of personality, but these aren’t really the signs of a weak villain to me. More like one with one heck of a contingency plan.

*Twilight may be determined to find the Crystal Heart on her own, but Spike still gets to come along. Spike finally gets to be part of an adventure! He gets to do things! Woo!

*On the other hand Twilight bolts out of the castle in urgency, only to run right back in. Huh.

*Pinkie is that jester outfit is too adorable. I probably love it more then i should, but it’s a really cute look for her.

*Twilight uses dark magic to gain access to some of Sombra’s secret passageways. Which is weird because she just, does it. And then it’s never mentioned again. Usually a character using dark magic of some kind to accomplish a goal is treated with urgency and regret, and comes with some kind of consequence. But here it’s just another, average spell. Alright then.

*There is a great moment where one of the roadblocks is seeing a doorway that leads to your worst fear. Twilight’s being failing Celestia’s test and the empire, and Spike’s being forced to leave and being abandoned by Twilight. It’s a small moment, but a nice look at our characters.

*And of course the running gag in this episode. Too. Many. Stairs.

*So Twilight can do gravity magic now. To quote ACRaceBest “That’s one way to give the middle finger to physics”

*I’m sorry, am I the only one who thinks this series of events is genuinely suspenseful? Twilight getting trapped, Sombra on the rise, Cadance’s magic almost completely gone. It works really well for a great climax.

*I’ll get to Twilight’s choice in a second, but let’s just appreciate that not only did Spike get to do a thing in this adventure, he got to do the most important thing. He got to save the day! Good for you Spikey Wikey

*Throw your wife! Such a classic moment. It never gets old.

*So Cadance is the Crystal Princess? I mean it kind of makes sense thematically since her greatest power as a princess is love, and this empire seems to revolve around maintaining light and love, and Cadance’s cutie mark appears to be the Crystal Heart. But this is what I meant last time by the show never did a great job at establishing Cadance’s role in the world. They told you what it was, but not really how that’s possible. Maybe this is explained in some supplementary material, but how is this alicorn, who is apparently not much older then Twilight, the destined princess of a kingdom that’s been lost for over 1,000 years? Is that why she was a foal sitter? Because the kingdom she was supposed to rule was still missing and she needed something to do?? It’s just weird, and something I really wish the show had established better.

*With that said, the moment when the Crystal Heart is returned is EPIC! The light and love powering the city, the mane cast getting crystal designs which are adorable, and Sombra getting obliterated! Not banished, not imprisoned, he explodes! It’s disturbing but pretty awesome.

*Okay so a big criticism of this episode is Celestia’s test for Twilight and the stakes it creates. Basically it was wrong to put an entire populated empire on the line to test if Twilight could do this on her own. But here’s the thing, I feel like just like a lot of other assignments Celestia sets up for Twilight, she knows she’ll do well, and if she doesn’t, she’ll be prepared. After all, if Celestia truly wanted Twilight to do this on her own, why would she let all of her friends come with her? This is the choice Celestia always wanted her to make, because this is the kind of choice that will eventually fit the role she’ll fill in this world. Twilight may have been determined to do this as the princess requested, but that was never how it was going to be. Because Twilight will always prioritize the well being of her loved ones over her own self gain. That’s the message. And it might be a bit sketchy in just how it’s presented, but I think it’s just fine. And i think self sacrifice is a lesson any hero in any kind of story needs to learn.

*A sweet and heartwarming reprise celebrating Twilight’s victory. Hooray!

*The princesses have a mysterious book. I’m sure that’s not important.

Sorry guys, but I think this episode is great! It was a great adventure story to start this shorter season. To reassure me that that scale and high stakes i saw in A Canterlot Wedding would still be present. and writing this has only made me enjoy it even more since I’ve always liked this episode and watched it for fun multiple times, but never really analyzed it before. This definitely made me excited for what Season 3 had to bring, and it certainly brings, a lot in a short amount of time. Next Time: Too Many Pinkie Pies!

[diamond-song42]

Di’s Top 5 2: Favorite MLP:FiM Comic Book Covers (w. pictures!)

Hi all! I need to get back in the swing of writing things! So I thought I’d give you another edition of Di’s Top 5! With the January solicitations dropping today, I thought it would be fitting to share my favorite My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic book covers!

Notes to consider: I am only judging the COVERS, not the STORIES. A couple of the issues these covers come from I thought were just meh in the storytelling, but the cover art was fantastic. (Guess I’ll have to do another list on my Top 5 MLP:FiM comic storylines!) I also don’t have an order for 5-2, so you’ll just be hearing my base thoughts.

Going from 5 to 1:

5: Friends Forever 23 Sub Cover! This issue of Friends Forever saw Applejack and Fluttershy going camping. While I enjoyed Amy Mebberson’s action movie references on the main cover, I adore how Tony Fleecs did the sub cover. The shading is really eye-popping and realistic and poor Fluttershy just has a look of “oh my marshmallows just started burning.” Not to mention my two favorite Mane 6 members and a lofty, woodsy feel with the trees. As a whole, Fleecs has never been my favorite of the MLP comic artists - I think of the expressions he gives the ponies sometimes are too similar and not very expressive (but don’t think I have anything against him, it’s just a style preference!). But this cover went past my usual critiques and showed he can shine.

4: Main Issue 26 Hot Topic Exclusive! Hot Topic had some spectacular covers. This one was for the second half of The Good, the Bad, and the Ponies. It has absolutely nothing to do with the story of the comic, but I think it is just so charming. THEY’RE RANKIN BASS RUDOLPHS, GUYS. When I first saw this cover, it took me a few seconds to realize it was Amy Mebberson’s handiwork and not straight up claymation! That’s a huge compliment! It may not be as complex as some of the later covers on this list, but sometimes simplistic is best.

3: Main Issue 67 Cover A! The cover says it all: it was featured in the two-part “Tempest’s Tale” arc this summer. Okay, so if I really HAD to pick one favorite artist, it would be Andy Price. His style has just gotten better and better with each comic. I thought his sub cover for Friends Forever 38 (the final, Celestia and Luna issue) was his best work... until I saw this. Then my mind was blown. The LIGHTING! It’s incredible! Even though Tempest got reformed, you feel a sense of impending doom, and it’s great. I notice more little things every time I look at it, like the small glimmer on Cadance’s crown. Dude, how can this guy’s work get any better?! (I say that because every time I say that his work somehow amazes me again.)

2: Nightmare Knights 4 Cover B! Oh Stygian. This was a cover released with the latest wave of solicitations, for Nightmare Knights Issue 4 in January. What Brenda Hickey has done is make one big picture with each of the five covers if you put them side by side (the fifth has yet to be revealed!). I thought the Luna, Capper, and Trixie covers were clever and fitting to each of their personalities, but something about Stygian’s cover really pops for me. Is it because he’s been a punching bag for the Pillars in the past and he’s a punching bag here by being turned into a carousel horse? Is it how Stygian’s color scheme stands out against the background? Or is it how I’ll always be searching for a nonexistent cutie mark on his flank? Whatever it is, it just tickles me. I can’t explain it.

And my number one favorite MLP comic cover is... 1: Main Issue 56 Sub Cover! This was featured in the second half of Wings Over Yakyakistan... and I cannot get over how AMAZING this is! I mean, WOW! If you gave this to me without any of the MLP logos, I’d be certain this wasn’t for a children’s TV show. I’d guess it would be for a T-rated comic or something like that. Ember looks so vicious! The color contrasts and highlighting are just mindblowing. Looking at it on my laptop as I write this, it almost seems like Ember’s claw is in 3D (though that could just be my perma-tired college brain talking). Like Andy’s cover, I’m always noticing more little details whenever I look at this cover. I kinda wish I didn’t loathe the Wings Over Yakyakistan story because I want to read about THIS Ember! Sara Richard’s work always impresses me, and I’ll never know how she works her magic.

And those were my Top 5 MLP comic covers! I hope you enjoyed my artistic critiques. Not sure what should be the next Top 5... maybe make some suggestions in Ask DS? Diamond out!

[ask-healthy-light]

Fondly remembering the times she spent with Star, whilst simultaneously recalling their treacherous exile into the Mountains, Amethyst slowly walked over to the grey Pony after letting go of Princess Celestia, who took a step back with Light by her side; but she did not utter a single word, fearing she would upset the imprisoned Pony again, and she merely gestured to Light, asking them to follow.

Some distance away, yet still keeping an eye on Amethyst and the Grey Pony, to whom she was talking miraculously calmly, Celestia whispered to Light that she knew not what to do; for when she and her Sister last met the Fallen King, not only was there a grand army of Ponies and other beings between them, but the Pony they met was terrible, and merciless, wholly unlike the scared Pony before them.

But now, knowing she and her Sister had banished the King of Shadows into ice and darkness near the end of the War of Shadows, about which she remembered little more than faint flashes, after hearing Grey Pony speak about the cold, she was even more conflicted; and she could not tell whether it was a mere act they put up which they should not trust, or whether their return truly had changed them.

As the two looked back at Amethyst, who was cheerfully speaking with Star, or Sombra, or some other amalgamation of the two, small smiles grew upon both Light and Celestia's faces, whereafter the two Ancients let out a deep sigh; and Light told Celestia it would be wise for her to keep her distance from the Grey Pony, while they stayed next to Amethyst, as they tried to learn whatever they could.

Though she knew this was better than leaving without having obtained any knowledge, or risking harm to anybody nearby, still, to be sure, Celestia asked Light whether they were certain, to which they replied they were; for she wanted to make sure they understood that she would be by their side in a moment's notice if they needed any help, for which the Kirin gracefully thanked her, as they bowed.

At that moment, just as Light turned around to rejoin Amethyst, they stopped and closed their eyes, which confused Celestia for a moment, until she, too, heard a familiar voice, speaking to them from beyond the Waking Realm, and she understood what was happening; for on the surface, Nox had stepped away from the battalion of Guards to reach out, and to ask them whether all of them were all right.

To her relief, not only did Nox hear her Aunt and friend reply a mere moment later, Luna heard them answer her as well, which gave her some much-needed peace of mind, despite the fact she was sternly talking with Lord Shining and Lady Cadance; and Celestia told Nox and Luna that everything Amethyst had told them about Star was true, and the suspicions they had about their ultimate fate were true.

However, as she had admitted to Light a moment ago, seeing this frightened and struggling Grey Pony compared to the King of Shadows from so many aeons ago, she was not sure whether the Crystal Royals were right anymore; for she and Light had been watching Amethyst speak with this imprisoned figure, albeit from a distance, and they had yet to notice any negative changes since they started to talk.

A silence fell between the four, until Luna asked Celestia whether she wanted her to talk with both Cadance and Shining to let them know about her observations, which she figured was the first change of which they heard in a long time; but although Celestia thanked her for her offer, she continued, and said it would be wise to wait for some time, at least until they knew more about the Grey Pony.

To this, Luna nodded, only seen by the Crystal Royals, and Nox, who added that Eclipse and Sunburst had sent message to others who had experience with somebody returning from shadows, whom they hoped could help Star and Sombra; in the mean time, while Luna tried to get Amethyst, Celestia, and Light out of the prison, Nox would join Eclipse and Sunburst to await those to whom they had reached out.

As she saw Sunburst and Eclipse swiftly walk towards her, Nox added at last:

"We won't be far away. I promise."

(Thanks for reading! And if you enjoyed, please reblog! Thanks in advance!)

Send an ask or request! | Start at the beginning! | Next part!

Featuring: Nox Lunarwing from @nox-lunarwing Solar Eclipse and Twilight Sparkle as Twilight Eclipse from @asktwilighteclipse And King Sombra from @ex-king-sombra as the Pony behind bars

[out-of-idol-curiosity]

Hello! I would like to ask you a bit of a long question... Assuming that you have the average amount of an emotion directed at you for 5 minutes how much does each of the listed emotions fill your reserves? (Percentage wise) Romantic love Marital love Parental love Familial love Friendly love Joy Excitement Sadness Lust Betrayal Depression Indignation Anger Hatred Embarrassment Shock Envy Guilt Resignation

My... reserves are not exactly easily measured.  It is more like asking somepony how hungry they are.  I am aware that i have them and can roughly assume how long I can survive on them should I have no external emotions to draw upon, but that would also require a less... emotional state.  I do try to avoid excess, but again, I set a poor example.

Nopony’s emotions are quite the same, and a baseline is nearly impossible to determine.  The romantic love from the Princess Cadance is of such quality and quantity that mere moments in her presence will be enough to overfill a drone. I imagine actively feeding upon her would be akin to trying to stick one’s tongue out and catch a lightning bolt.

These emotions are all rather complex and it is difficult to compare them.  Any kind of love is filling.  Cadance’s love for Shining armor is powerful, but so too is that of Princess Celestia for Twilight the Younger.  That they are different kinds of love is more a matter of ‘flavor’ than function.  My ‘reserves’ are less a function of specific emotion in a certain place and more a collection that I can access.  A full reserve of love from Princess Cadance is overwhelming, but I usually passively absorb whatever comes my way.  True, love is more efficient, but everything has use.  Anger is useful for attack magic and so on.  I have never found good use for lust, but I am quite sure it must exist.  Negative emotions, in general, are more trouble than they’re worth.That said, hatred is something no drone wants to absorb.  It is worse than toxic and is usually expunged as soon as possible.  Drones given to feeding on hatred are... dangerous.

[ofroyalmajesty]

{𝖍𝖆𝖚𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖈𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖓𝖘 𝕴𝕴: 𝖋𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖔𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖎𝖓𝖉}[𝖈𝖍.կ 𝖔𝖋 յյ]

Brief Synopsis:  The Princesses deal with the press of Canterlot and greater Equestria upsetting the delicately balanced public image of their sovereign Princess Celestia. Drama escalates and tensions run high. What will they do to deal with the possibility of a dethroning effort?

Rated R for Adult Themes and Horror

{story tag}

{previous chapter}

She became larger than life. She loomed everywhere. Foreigners to the city began to ask Celestia if her name was Nightmare Star. The fearsome image spreading half-joke and half-warning that the monarch was not what she seemed. Untangling the mystery of what it all meant was more complicated now than ever. And penalizing those who were spreading these lies would be trickier than ever.

“Celestia, if you knew the way people were talking about it…” Twilight told her one time, “You’d see how damaging this is. They’ve made you into this molesting monster who sits on the throne and uses her subjects as hoofstools pretending to be peace-loving to get everyone’s guard down for some kind of plan to take over your foreign allies soon.”

“They’ll be here again tonight. More character assassination.” Luna told Celestia one evening. “You should skip it.”

“If only I could. If only I could hear from my defenders their words on the matter. The commoner pony cannot be buying into this.”

“We could try to bring in the House of Commons soon. But I do not know—“

Celestia’s mind sped ahead. She happened upon idea.

“I just might skip tonight, Luna. Tell them I have been taken ill. But I will be collecting the opinions of the commoner pony.”

Celestia left for her chambers where she pulled forth a hidden potion she kept in case of emergency. She drank and in a moment’s time she shrank and became unrecognizable. A small cream-colored pegasus with a blond, braided mane and tail. This pegasus whom she called Tonalli would be her ticket to mingle among the common crowd for the night. The disguised princess galloped to the castle window and out she flew.

The crowds of Canterlot were not so cheery, especially in the pubs where Tonalli had chosen to patron. But it was where she had overheard the most talk of Nightmare Star. Though soon the mention of the dark alicorn simmered down and it went back to Celestia herself.

“See, no. Celestia is smart,” someone defended, “She knows that if she uses all her power at once on an enemy she’s going to flame up and destroy everything around her. Don’t you notice that!” the stallion pointed out.

Yes! Tonalli wanted to cheer. Someone who was getting the gist of it.

“What’s wrong with her? Doesn’t she have self-control! Daybreaker looked flaming mad like that and she had perfect control of her powers. And she’s still out there. She’s going to come back and imprison us just like the Storm King did. And what will Celestia do?”

“Well, according to you Celestia is Nightmare Star.”

“Exactly!” the anti-Celestia pony countered. “She’s going to have her dog Daybreaker round us up into cages. It’s all been part of the plan. What we saw last year. All theaterics.”

“What about being beaten by Chrysalis,” a mare called out. “Nightmare Star seems too powerful for that. Why would she lose?”

“That had to be for shits and giggles,” someone mentioned with a nod. “To let Cadance and Shining have their moment. She needs them on their throne as pawns.”

“Right. Twilight and Cadance are pawns,” the anti-Celestia continued. “Luna’s her punching bag.”

“That’s enough,” Tonalli whispered.

Eyes turned to her.

“Don’t you realize how crazy this all sounds? A leader who has been here over one thousand years has been phony for that long? It seems like plenty of work just to pull a prank on you?”

“Yeah!” someone agreed with Tonalli. “This is stupid! Celestia’s been good to us for generations. She’s not a perfect leader. No leader is. But what the hell are we doing!” the blue stallion stood up. “We’re accusing her of some…some really awful stuff.”

“We’re accusing her of what she deserves,” came a familiar voice. Tattle Tail, somewhere in the crowd, demanded attention. “Celestia’s wisest career move as of late was when she gave all of the alicorn magic to Twilight when Tirek invaded. That’s because she recognized she, Cadance and Luna are so inept as leaders that she finally accepted it. Since then every decision she’s made has endangered us. Just standing there when the Storm King came. Allowing herself to be captured when Chrysalis attacked. Now letting a school of foreign creatures into Equestria—”

The crowd broke into debate and Tonalli turned. She lifted wing and started back towards the castle. Tears, there were none. Frustration had reached its boiling point. This was beyond just being about Nightmare Star. This was about unrest in the public over its leader. And she was that leader.

[dutycxllsforanarchive]

- - Twilight Sparkle x Rarity - - 'One-Sided Crush' - -

(( I never posted this soooooo I decided I might as well now? Might post up another one I did too uwu ))

    Rarity walked into the castle, fixing her mane, and scraping her shoes on the 'dirt' carpet.     

"Ugh," she stuck her tongue out. "Twilight needs to clean this again. Oh well, I was asked to visit, not to criticize." She shook her head, and began walking up to Twilight's room. She stared at the crystals in the walls, and the new banners embedded with Twilight's cutie mark. Near Twilight's room, a new stained glass image had been made in honor of Celestia. Rarity stopped to bow for a moment, before gently tapping on the door.     

"Twilight!~" Rarity sang. "It's Rarity! You asked me to come visit you, doll?"     

Moments later, the door glew, and opened to show Twilight, finishing adjusting her crown. "H-Hi Rarity! I'm so glad you could make it. There's something important that I've wanted to tell you for a while. P-please, come in!" She stepped out of the way, motioning with her wing to the bed. Rarity lifted her head high, trotting inside to the bed, and sitting delicately on the edge, her tail putting itself over her hooves. Twilight padded over, hopping up next to her and sitting down.     

"What is it you'd like to discuss, Twilight?" Rarity eyed her. "You look... stressed."  

Twilight let out a sigh, her ears falling. "It's cause I am, Rarity... It's just... I have been thinking about Flash so much lately..."     

"Oh..." Rarity felt her feelings fall. She blinked to clear her thoughts enough to speak again. "So... that's what this is about... you still haven't been able to come clean with your feelings..."     

"It isn't just that, Rarity," Twilight turned her head to the other mare; her eyes were soft, and glossy.

    Silence fell between the two for a few seconds. Twilight had shut her eyes, her head turned down. Rarity was getting quite worried. "Well, then what else could be bothering you, darling?"

    "Flash," Twilight said straight, lifting her head, and opening her eyes to stare back into Rarity's bright blue ones. "And how I feel about him. I feel like my feelings have changed, Rarity. I feel like... like I like somepony else now."

    "Well, why in Equestria would you think that, Twilight?" Rarity spoke up. "He is a kind, gentle, handsome pony. A Royal Guard, too, in fact. Plus, he seemed quite protective of you and Sunset Shimmer when the vines tried to invade the Crystal Empire. He seems like the perfect pony for you, and you seemed to like him quite a lot! Why would you think your feelings have changed after all he's done for you?"

    "Because..." Twilight looked down to the floor, and turned her head away from the other mare. "I haven't felt that fluttering feeling when he sends me letters anymore. I haven't blushed so bright red when I hear him say my name, or talk to me, or look in my eyes... and I've seen him with Sunset Shimmer so much more often than me. I think he likes her instead."

"Darling..." Rarity let a whimper escape her. "Are you just... jealous?"

"Jealous?" Twilight let a weak laugh escape her. "I don't feel jealousy or yandere-like qualities when I see them. In fact, I feel quite happy for them... But, Rarity, I do think I know the real pony I like."

 Rarity's ears perked, and she stared up at Twilight. "Who?"

The Empress in front of her smiled, light reddish blush creeping onto her cheeks. "You."

Rarity's face lit up. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her face flushing deep red, and her eyes sparkling like thousands of gem stones. "M-me? Y-you... you like m-me?"

Twilight laughed. "Why wouldn't I? You're beautiful, generous, so fancy, and perfect... You're kind to your friends, even strangers, and you don't always let your appearance judge how you see other ponies or even what your heart wants from you. I see why Spike liked you so much, even for more than just your looks."

Rarity's face couldn't possibly get anymore red. She let a soft, adorable giggle escape her. "Twilight, darling, you flatter me..."

Twilight smiled widely. "I mean it, Rarity. And there's much more about you I love. Your dressmaking skills, your voice... how you always know how to be so kind, and so happy when things are tough. You have such a high place in society, yet you stay true to yourself and your friends. Your home. Simple dresses, with a little extra fancy. It's all you have, and it's all you've ever needed. And besides, you give the greatest compliments."

Rarity giggled. "How's this for compliments?" She cleared her throat, standing up. "Even before you got your wings, you shined like a real princess, so loyal and strong, kind and sweet, smart and organized; you had it all, darling! And don't even get me started on looks. That vibrant purple coat, your mane is the perfect palette of colors to fit your name, your wings are so perfectly and beautifully aligned, it looks like there's no mistakes in it at all! And those beautiful, bright, royal purple eyes... I could stare into them for hours, darling... And the way you speak! As a Princess, you should be a royal speaker like Luna and Cadance, but you don't act or speak like it, and I love that so much. I love that even as royalty, you still think of yourself like a small town pony. A smart book worm, a teacher, a spell maker, but on the outside... you are royalty. You have the crown, the chestplate, your emblem is all over Canterlot! But that doesn't stop you from just being yourself. And that's most important... You're just like me. You have such a high society role... and let you still act like a small town pony, who's quite smart and beautiful if I do say so myself."

Twilight's jaw was wide open and a large smile was glued onto her face. Her face glowed as bright as the pink in her mane. Her eyes were open wide, sparkling and shining. Her chest hurt from how much her heart was beating. Her stomach felt sick from all the butterflies.

Rarity smiled, that small, soft smile she always managed. "And here's another 'compliment' for you, darling." She scooted over, putting her hooves on the Empress's shoulders. "If you really do believe you love me as much as you said, then, I reciprocated your feelings. I love you too, Twilight Sparkle."

Tears pricked in Twilight's eyes. Her mouth shut, but she still smiled widely. "I do love you, Rarity. I really, really do. And honestly, what I had with Flash was a one-sided crush. I should've went for you from the start... When I first came to Ponyville, you were the most beautiful mare I would ever find. I wish I had gotten with you sooner, to be honest. You're everything."

Rarity giggled, gently kissing Twilight's cheek. "I could say the same about you too, Darling." She gently hugged the Empress, feeling her warm arms wrap around her back. She lay her head gently on the other mare's shoulder, her face heating up more feeling a kiss be planted on her cheek.

"Here, Rarity..." Twilight pulled back, staring into Rarity's eyes. "How about you stay in the castle for the night?"

"I would love to, dear," Rarity nodded. Twilight smiled more before leaning in. Rarity shut her eyes, pushing herself forward and gently kissing Twilight. The two pulled back after a minute with a small smile, and love in their eyes. Twilight curled up on the bed, and Rarity snuggled up close to her. Their arms wrapped around eachother tightly. Twilight used her magic to slip off her shoes, chestplate, and crown. Rarity did the same to herself, sliding off her shirt and shoes, and dropping them onto the floor next to Twilight's outfit.

"Actually, Twilight, do you mind waiting a second?" Rarity sat up.

    "Why for?" Twilight spoke up.

Rarity got up. "This is why." She trotted to a mirror, using her magic to teleport over a makeup kit. She started slowly and delicately taking off her lipstick, and her eyeshadow. She then smiled, putting her kit away and climbing back into bed with Twilight.

The purple mare giggled. "You don't look the same without your make up on."

Rarity laughed. "You don't look the same without your crown."

Twilight used her magic to pull the blankets up over them. "Fair point." Rarity cuddled close, wrapping her arms around Twilight and leaning her head onto the mare's chest. Twilight smiled, setting her chin on Rarity's head, and shutting her eyes. She kissed Rarity's forehead, mumbling a good night to her, and then letting the comforting hooting of Owloiscious lull her to sleep.