Regarding: Gary Stu

by Bed Head

Chapters

Dear Princess Celestia
My Most Faithful Student
Progress Report
My Most Faithful Student 2
Dear Princess Celestia 2
Dear Princess Luna
Dear Spike
My Faithful and Beloved Student
Dear Gary Stu
Dear Princess Celestia (Final Report)

Dear Princess Celestia

~~Dear Princess Celestia,~~

~~With a heavy heart~~

~~It is my sincere regret to inform you~~

~~I have no idea how to even start and Spike stop don't write that down~~

Dear Princess Celestia,

First, allow me to offer my deepest apologies. I have no doubt the news I'm writing to you about has, somehow, already reached you.

Still I know it is my responsibility duty to bring this matter to your attention myself. Especially given that it involves a national hero.

On my authority as your personal student, I have placed the human known as Gary Stu under citizen's arrest.

Please believe that nopony is more shocked than I am about this.

I realize that Mister Stu has done much for our world. He helped to recover the Elements of Harmony. He was indispensable in the defeat and recapture of Discord. He almost single-handedly saved the Crystal Empire

He's also lied to me

Which just makes it worse

What truly shocked me and prompted his arrest though

Hi, Princess, it's Spike. I took over writing again.

Twilight said she just needs some time alone, but I really don't think she's feeling up to writing this. I can hear her crying all the way from our room. So I kinda thought that maybe I should just tell you about what happened.

Even though I'm really not sure about that myself.

So Gary. You know Gary right? Helped Twilight and rest of the girls save Equestria a whole bunch of times? He's almost the whole reason they managed to beat guys like Discord and Queen Chrysalis? Not to mention helping the Cutie Mark Crusaders try to earn their Cutie Marks and taking care of a whole bunch of other problems that keep popping up around Ponyville.

He's basically the most popular guy in town and he's been staying at the Golden Oaks with ~~me and Twilight~~ Twilight and me. We set up another bed for him in the lower part of our loft. He keeps a bunch of other junk that came from his world under it and it gets pretty cluttered.

Well today he was out helping Applejack with setting up and running her family reunion, so I decided to do him a favor. See, I figured the reason he probably doesn't clean under his bed so much is that he's so busy helping everypony else. So I figured I'd clean and organize it all for him and surprise him when he got back! And Twilight thought it sounded like a great idea too!

So she went to get the mop and broom and other stuff we'd need while I dug out all the junk he kept under there. And believe me, there was a lot of stuff. But the weirdest thing I found was a couple boxes.

At first I thought they were just really small books, except they didn't have any paper in them. Plus, all of them had pictures of Twilight and Rarity and, well all of us on the front of them! Even me!

Now I know you and Twilight always told me I should respect other creatures' privacy, but I was just so curious about them. I mean, I don't see my face on many books! So I sort of opened them up to see what they were about.

Turns out they were actually boxes that all had a bunch of shiny, flat donuts inside. I thought they were a snack at first, then I remembered Gary doesn't eat gems like I do, and then I saw there was writing on each of the donuts and on the back of the boxes.

Twilight came back upstairs before I could read any of it though.

I thought I was in so much trouble. She took the boxes and started to scold me for looking through Gary's personal stuff instead of just cleaning it up. Then I guess she noticed the writing on the boxes because she went real quiet and looked super confused.

Then she just said, "Spike, finish cleaning up. I need to check something."

So I did like she said and then waited for her. I don't know what she was doing that took so long but it was almost time for dinner when she came back upstairs and she looked like she'd been crying. I tried to ask what was wrong but she just hugged me

My apologies, Princess, but I think I should take over from here.

As disappointed as I was in Spike for so flagrantly violating somepony else's privacy, I was more struck by just what was written on the boxes he'd found. There was a list on the back, something like a table of context for a book I suppose. Each one was followed by a sentence or two, and it occurred to me that they were summaries. These strange disks apparently contained a collection of stories, and the boxes listed the titles of the stories and what each one was about! No doubt some marvel of technology from Gary's world.

What had me concerned was just what these stories were about.

(Princess, I very respectfully ask that you be sitting down when you read this next part.)

These story disks are about us.

Specifically they're about my friends and myself and all the adventures we'd had since meeting Gary Stu in the Everfree Forest during Nightmare Moon's return. But none of the stories' summaries mention a thing about Gary at all! I wasn't sure what that could mean, so I did the only thing I could think to do: I researched a spell to help me find out what was on the disks.

It was not easy, by any means. Allow me to thank you for loaning me that book about Haycartes's Method, by the way, since it provided the basis for the spell I wound up putting together in order to observe the disks though it still required quite a bit of work and no less than three other great wizard's theories

I'm sorry, I'm digressing. I promise to include a report about my spell and the research that went into developing it with a future letter. The important thing is that I managed to put together a spell that would allow me to learn what stories the disks contained by placing myself into the world of the story as an invisible observer. Much like how Haycartes's Method transforms the caster into an illustration within the book they're researching. In doing so I was able to watch these apparent recordings of our adventures unfold before my very eyes. They were, for the most part, faithful to events that had transpired, except...

(Princess, I very respectfully ask that you sit down again if you've stood up since last time.)

Gary wasn't present in any of them!

I went from one disk to another, I triple-checked my research in case I'd made a mistake with the spell, I scoured every word on each disk and box but there was no mistake. In the disks Gary wasn't in the Everfree Forest when my friends and I went to retrieve the Elements of Harmony. He didn't step in when I was trying to decide who to share the tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala with. There was no sign of him shaking us out of Discord's spell or helping me convince the others that something was wrong with Princess Cadence or doing any of the other things, big or small, that Gary had helped us with!

And yet, despite the complete and utter lack of Gary helping us, everything turned out fine in those stories! My friends still showed their virtues in the Everfree without Gary prompting them, and I (or rather, the disks' version of me) still realized that and connected them to their Elements. It was you and Spike retrieving old friendship reports in order to snap me out of Discord's spell rather than Gary doing it with his scrapbook of our adventures

I'm sorry I needed a moment to calm down.

Princess, these disks came from Gary's world. He hasn't come in contact with a portal to his "Earth" since we met him. These disks must have come over with Gary the same day he himself did, which has lead me to only one conclusion:

Gary Stu is no hero.

He's had knowledge of every danger, every problem great and small, that my friends and I would face since his arrival. What's more, he's used that knowledge for his own benefit by giving everypony the same solution (or a reasonably close facsimile thereof) that the disks showed they could would have arrived at on their own.

He's been doing this for almost a year now, for everything from helping us purify Princess Luna to saving the Crystal Heart and stopping King Sombra.

That is why Gary Stu is currently tied down on the research slab in the basement of the Golden Oaks Library. Perhaps that's a bit excessive, but considering that he attempted to run when I confronted him with what I'd learned I felt it necessary. I've told Spike not to go near the basement nor let Gary out until we've heard back from you.

Please help, I have no idea what to do.

I eagerly await your judgment on the matter.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Author's Note

As a quick note, no this is not targeted at any story in particular. If you read this and feel I am picking specifically on your story then I apologize as that was not my attention.

Though if you do feel that way perhaps it's a sign you really need to take a look at your story?

So what we have here is the result of me spending months trying to work on another fic, not liking anything I wrote, starting over, getting decently far with it this time, then deciding I dislike the new stuff I wrote and deciding to just toss out a little plot bunny that is completely unrelated to what I've been trying to work on but has been hounding me for longer than I care to admit. As such it has gone through... minimal editing to be honest.

Yes, this story has been heavily inspired by another story with a similar premise. As you might notice though my Gary is not a fledgling reality warper with the power to make everyone ignore his blatant attempts to metagame/rail jump his way through conflicts.

Not sure when/if I'll continue this, but if I do expect to see Celetstia's response and likely a few missives from the rest of the Mane Six and probably Gary himself Regarding: Gary Stu!

My Most Faithful Student

My most faithful student

First, allow me to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. Even with as long as I've lived, I can only imagine how you must feel after such a shocking discovery.

That being said, you and I agree on a very important point: Restraining Gary Stu in your basement is most certainly "a bit excessive."

Please understand that I don't mean to belittle what you are going through. I simply seek to remind you, my student, that matters such as this have a procedure that generally must be followed. Feeling Gary has wronged you is one thing. Electing to imprison him within your own home is rather another.

I am willing to grant you likely suffered a minor lapse in your better judgment given the nature of your revelation. It has happened to far more experienced ponies than yourself. In fact, considering that the last time you uncovered suspicious activities of this magnitude it lead to the discovery of the imposter Cadence, part of me almost wishes to applaud your initiative. I am most definitely impressed that you elected to try and talk this matter out with Gary himself prior to contacting me.

Nevertheless, I must request you release Gary Stu from the basement.

(Twilight, I have no doubt that your jaw just dropped upon reading that. Please finish reading before you begin dictating your rebuttal to Spike.)

Innocent until proven guilty is the basis of Equestrian law, my dear student. It is one matter to show Gary had knowledge of events to come. It is quite another to prove that he took advantage of said knowledge for the sole purpose of stealing others' glory and defrauding ponies of admiration, thanks, and other rewards that should have gone to another. Even then there is difficulty in establishing exactly what laws he has broken (Though the moral bankruptcy of his character would certainly be apparent in that case.).

Granted, his attempts to flee when you confronted him about the situation do not paint him in the best light. Still we must act in the interests of justice and that means properly investigating your accusations.

At time of writing, I have sent a detachment of the Royal Guard to collect statements from yourself and Gary, as well as these "story disks" you and Spike discovered so that I may study them myself. While Gary Stu is not to remain detained in the basement, you are certainly under no obligations to permit him to stay at the library. In fact, given the situation, it might be best if he sought lodging elsewhere in Ponyville for the time being.

Once that is done I have an important task for you, my faithful student. From what you wrote it would seem yourself and your friends would be the greatest victims of Gary's actions. While I review the story disks and deliberate with Princess Luna on this matter, I ask that you inform your friends and fellow bearers of the Elements of Harmony about your discovery. As friends to both yourself and Mister Stu they deserve to be aware of what is going on.

Plus, any opinions or insight that they offer might be important in settling this case.

You are a smart, capable, and honest young mare, Twilight Sparkle. Whatever your feelings towards Mister Stu might be at the moment I trust that you will keep this situation contained to only the involved parties. Unless Gary Stu is proven beyond reasonable doubt to be a fraud it does nopony, least of all yourself, any favors to begin spreading stories about him. Make sure your friends are aware of this as well.

I am trusting you, Twilight Sparkle.

Your caring teacher,

Princess Celestia

P.S.

If you have completed that paper about your modifications to Haycartes' Method then I would, of course, greatly appreciate it being included with the disks.

P.P.S.

Not that I mean to pry, but why do you have a specimen research slab in your basement?

P.P.P.S.

Spike? You are right, Twilight and I both taught you better than to nose around in others' belongings. You have my (and I'm certain Twilight's) thanks this time since it lead to an important discovery. I am giving you an Official Royal Warning not to do it again, however. You are far too nice a dragon to fall into bad habits.

Sister,

It would seem the secret to Gary Stu's seemingly miraculous problem-solving abilities has been discovered.

I'm not yet certain if it's better or worse than some of the possibilities we discussed.

It will arrive from Ponyville shortly. We should meet over it as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Celestia

Finally!

This conundrum has been driving me crazy. Especially given his lack of magic (And ergo lack of connection to Equestria's collective subconscious! Would that I could have just walked his dreams...).

Inform me as soon as it arrives. I have been looking for an excuse to leave Blueblood's company for an hour.

Luna

Author's Note

Well, this certainly became a thing!

I gotta say though, I feel kind of guilty. As mentioned before, I wrote the first chapter and tossed it up mostly in a fit of frustration over being unable to focus on a different story I've been trying to write.

Now I know how the butterfly that started a Japanese hurricane feels.

Still, I have a rough idea of how this should go. I have an understanding of Gary's mindset up till this whole debacle started. And really, I'm finding the "story told through exchanged letters" format to quite fun to write!

Plus, all you commenters are giving me tons to think about regarding how to progress and even more motivation to try and see this through to the end. So since I've apparently sparked this debate I might as well see if I can follow it through to the end, right?

Let's all try and enjoy what's to come!

P.S.

It might seem a touch out of place, but I'm considering adding a comedy tag to this, partially because I originally intended for this story to be worth a few laughs. Thoughts?

Progress Report

Dear Princess Celestia,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply, as well as your understanding. Looking back I suppose I did act rashly locking Gary up like that. Right after I sent my letter I was so worried this would turn out like how the story disks showed my brother's wedding could (Would? Should?) have gone.

I'm sure you'll understand my confusion with tenses once you and Princess Luna see that story for yourselves.

Back to the important topic, Gary Stu is no longer present nor welcome at the Golden Oaks Library. I'm not sure where he's gone since I kicked him out, likely to wait with one of our my other friends until either they find out what he's done or the guards pick him up for questioning.

Speaking of, I've already met with the guards and gave them the disks and my testimony so both should be on their way to you soon. I've now begun work on my special assignment, and it seemed prudent to begin with the last pony (aside from myself) that had contact with Gary before our discovery.

At time of writing, I am approaching Sweet Apple Acres to speak with Applejack. Her response to the situation shall follow shortly.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S.

When the guard you sent returns, please let him know what I'm really, really sorry for crashing into him like I did when I opened the door! This whole situation just has me a little on edge.

Dear Princess Celestia,

So, Twilight just finished explaining to me 'bout this whole situation with Gary.

Now, Ah know more'n anypony that honesty is sorta "mah thing", and not just 'cause it's mah element. An' Twi here told me what yew said 'bout our opinions bein' important in figurin' this whole mess out.

That's why Ah'm awful sorry to disappoint yew, Princess. Ah just don't know what to make o' this!

(I don't think Twilight knows what to make of that. You should see her face! —Spike)

Now don't git me wrong. It ain't like Ah don't believe Twilight or Spike 'bout what they found. Twi's never been much fer practical jokes and this wouldn't make a lick o' sense even if it was one. But see, that's where mah problem is. Cuz that'd mean Gary really did know 'bout all the stuff we were all gonna face 'fore it ever happened.

On the one hoof, Ah don't think he had any right keepin' stuff like that to himself! Ah mean, if'n he knew so much he musta known 'bout Pinkie and her Pinkie Sense. We all know she can predict future stuff 'fore it happens, so it ain't like we wouldn't believe somepony from another world could too. That means he coulda been warnin' us waaaaaaay ahead time 'bout Discord an' all them other baddies that tried to overthrow Equestria.

But on the other hoof, Gary also coulda done a lot worse with all the stuff he knew.

Ah mean, take just today fer example. From what Twilight jus' told me, mah big Apple Family Reunion woulda wound up an almost total disaster if'n Ah'd been running it on mah own. An' what she told me she'd seen on those story disks sounded like a bunch o' the ideas I'd told Gary 'bout before he made some suggestions. Stuff like the obstacle course fer the younguns, all the oil cauldrons and sewing machines fer family cooking and quilting projects, not to mention the fruit bats swarming the hay ride Ah set up!

But Gary jumped in with his own ideas, told me to "maybe tone all that back a bit". Now Ah wasn't sure, but seein' as Gary'd been right 'bout loads o' stuff before I took his advice an' just tried to focus on havin' a good time with mah family. Brought out some old lawn games fer Apple Bloom an' her cuzins and joined in with the quiltin' circle and fritter baking.

'Course Ah kept the hay ride idea. Ah'd already put a deposit on it an' everythin' so no way Ah wasn't gonna use it. Gary stuck around and offered to hold Auntie Applesauce's favorite hat so she wouldn't lose it durin' the ride. Yew know what? Everypony had a great time! Said it was the best family reunion they'd ever been to and that Ah should be in charge o' the next one! Ah couldn't take all the credit o'course, Ah told 'em all Gary helped and that Ah'd be sure to have him help with the next one too.

So Ah think yew can see just where mah problem is. Yeah, Gary knew all 'bout what was gonna happen. He coulda just stood by an' let everythin' go to Tartarus in a tumble-dryer an' then jumped in an' preached to me, but he didn't. He helped, he made sure my family had a great time, heck he saved us a whole afternoon of needing to fix mah barn!

It's a little hard to say that counts fer much now, knowing that he knew 'bout it all goin' wrong before, but Ah'm just sayin' Gary could be usin' what he knows to make thing worse. Ah don't like that he's just been waitin' fer ponies like Chrysalis or Sombra to make thar move 'fore he steps in and saves the ~~cris~~

(Sorry, Applejack started coughing there. Twilight too, actually. ~~Ah~~ I guess Winona tracked in some dust or something. — Spike)

—saves the day, but he could've been helpin' guys like 'em instead! He's makin' an' keepin' a load o' ponies around town happy thanks to the stuff he knows. Hard to think he's doin' all that just to be selfish.

So that's it. Ah don't think that what Gary's 'parently been doin' is totally right, but it ain't completely evil neither. Ah wish Ah knew what else to say on the matter but that's really all Ah can offer.

Only other thing Ah can think of is that Ah'll definitely be askin' him a lot o' question if'n he comes around offering advice again.

Your faithful citizen,

Applejack

(Sorry Princess, Applejack's accent can be really hard to get right sometimes when she dictates! I hope I got it close enough ~~fer~~ for you to get the idea!

Also, Twilight looks kind of shocked after all that. I think she thinks Applejack made a lot of good points.

Really, I think so too. I mean, Gary spends time playing Ogres & Oubliettes with me and Big Mac every other week. You know, when he's not busy helping somepony else. Maybe he just really likes the game and was making us like him so I'd ask him to join us like I did, but that sounds like way more trouble then just asking if he could play too.

Sure, Gary wasn't completely honest with us, but maybe there was some reason he couldn't tell us about what he knew? Just a thought. Maybe one of the others will have an idea.

—Spike)

To: Princess Celestia

Re: Progress Report

Princess, I'm pleased to report the acquisition of the "story disk" evidence you requested as well as Miss Twilight Sparkle's testimony regarding the matter of Mister Gary Stu.

I'm afraid this is where the investigation hits a bit of a delay, however. Miss Sparkle sent Gary Stu away from Ponyville's library as you instructed but neglected to learn where he was going after she did so. Given the situation between them I got the impression she only cared that he was away from her (which, in my humble opinion, isn't an entirely irrational response).

Thankfully asking around town revealed that he was seen heading in the direction of a cottage at the edge of town belonging to another of the Bearers of Harmony, Miss Fluttershy. I've elected to go question her about Mister Stu's whereabouts while sending Silver Lining back with the evidence we've recovered so far. Will send my next report as soon as I learn more.

From: Private First Class Flash Sentry

P.S.

If Miss Twilight Sparkle contacts you please let her know that I'm not upset over our little collision. I'm not hurt and the tea and cookies she offered to make up for the accident were very nice. ~~Perhaps we could enjoy them together some other time.~~

Author's Note

I've considered adding a copy of Twilight's statement and questioning, but there's a couple things about that...

I can't think of much for it to include that Twilight and Spike didn't already cover in the initial letter. Aside from maybe bringing up some more details about Twilight's first meeting with Gary and how his remarkable assistance seems suspicious in hindsight.

And compounding that

Even if I did write that I think the most appropriate way would be script/transcript format which Fimfiction does not permit.

If I decided to do it then I'd probably need to stick it in a Googledoc and link this chapter to it but I'm not sure if that's against site rules or an appropriate way to tell the story (imagine if you had to look up an online pamphlet to find out what Ron Weasly was doing during the Harry Potter books).

Since I seem to have so many readers, might as well poll you guys over whether the Googledoc idea is a good one and/or even necessary. Feel free to include your thoughts in the comments! Thanks in advance!

My Most Faithful Student 2

My most faithful student,

As pleased as I am by your prompt acquiescence to my requests, I fear that some details about how I wanted this matter settled were somewhat muddled.

Yes, it is true that I recommended Gary Stu find someplace other than your library to stay for the time being. Yes, I do believe it was for the best that the two of you remained separated while things are sorted.

Booting him out on the street without figuring out where he might go might have been just a touch extreme, however. It certainly didn't make things easy for Sir Flash Sentry, the investigating guard.

Nevertheless, what's done is done. Seeing as Gary has done very little outside of Ponyville (and more notably outside of the company of yourself and your mutual friends) I trust Flash Sentry to find him. Try not to worry yourself too much on the matter, Twilight, but do try to be a bit more even-tempered in the future. Quite frankly I worry about how much stress you tend to put yourself under.

Which brings me to why I'm so glad you spoke with Applejack first. While I had no idea how any of your friends might have reacted to the situation, she and Spike both brought up excellent points in your last message. We do not know the full reasons why Gary chose to insert himself into our lives the way he did, and we do not know if there's some reason he could not simply tell us about what he knew.

Hopefully these story disks will offer some answers to at least one of those questions, or perhaps the numerous others that surround this strange case.

In the meantime, continue as you have been. I've no doubt word about Gary being expelled from the Golden Oaks will spread quickly in a town as small as Ponyville and the rumors will not be far behind. Better your friends hear the story direct from the horse's mouth before things carry too far.

Your loving teacher,

Princess Celestia

Luna,

The disks have arrived.

Celestia

And I thank every star in the heavens. If I had to listen to one more minute of Blueblood trying to impress me by pretending to know what he's talking about when it comes to Reneighsance Era paintings I was going to go insane.

Again.

I shall be with you presently.

Luna

Dear Princess Celestia,

~~You are absolutely right about just kicking Gary out and I'm so sorry but even after getting your letter I was just so upset over this whole mess I couldn't even stand to look at him~~

(I think it might be easier to sum up that Twilight's amazingly sorry about just letting Gary go like that. Really though, I think if she hadn't he would've just run for it. Heck, he almost did after she untied him. Not that I blame him. Twilight can be kinda scary when she's mad. —Spike)

At any rate, you'll be happy to know that my talk with Applejack has given me some perspective on this matter regarding Gary Stu. I'd been so blinded by the fact that he hid all this future knowledge from us that I forgot for a moment how altruistic he'd been with most of it. And nopony should know the stress that a small amount of future knowledge can cause better than me.

Still, the situation with the visit from my future self and Gary's own prophetic story disks do have some stark differences. In the former case I had only an incomplete guess about what was going to happen. Gary has had a full road map stretched before him for every disaster that might strike Equestria that my friends and I played a part in, from the largest invasions to the smallest social missteps. I acted out of fear, Gary—

You and Applejack are correct in that we don't understand what motivated his actions, but it doesn't change the fact that he saw a version of events where we handled things ourselves. Does attempting to help us towards those endings truly count as doing good when he knew his assistance was unnecessary? Even if today's disaster at Sweet Apple Acres had gone through Applejack still would have learned an important lesson, one that would have brought her closer to her family. All Gary did was remove her mistakes from the equation.

Even if he's not using that knowledge for evil, I have a hard time believing that his intentions were completely pure. Especially given certain other events that you'll no doubt observe on those disks.

In the meantime, Spike and I elected to inform Rainbow Dash next about today's situation. Given her famous speed I doubt it shall be long before I'm sending you another letter!

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S.

Hey, Spike again. I just had another thought.

See, Twilight mentioned how she got that visit from the future once and it made her all panicky, right? Only the more she tried to change things the more she wound up forcing things to go the way her future-self knew they would.

Maybe Gary's got the same problem? I mean yeah, he's obviously already changed a bunch of stuff, but even he couldn't do a thing to keep Twilight from getting all crazy and talking about stopping time after meeting Future Twilight. Maybe the reason he never told us about any of this is because there were just some things he couldn't change and he didn't want us to worry about them? If he knew about Future Twilight's visit and how Twilight was gonna act about that it makes sense, right?

I don't know, I guess I just don't like seeing Gary getting such a bum rap over all this without even getting to say anything for himself. I tried bringing it up with Twilight and she just got real quiet.

Anyway, we're already at RD's so I guess I'll try and talk with her more about it later!

Your most faithful student's Number One Assistant,

Spike

Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm writing to you much sooner than even I expected. Then again, the reason should be apparent as I doubt anypony in Ponyville or Canterlot missed that particular Sonic Rainboom just now.

To explain: Rainbow Dash took the news about Gary and his future knowledge somewhat more violently angrily passionately than even I anticipated.

I'll do my best to catch up with her before she finds Gary herself. You might wish to inform Flash Sentry to hurry with his investigation though.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Dear Princess Celestia 2

Dear Princess Celestia,

Oh my gosh I can’t believe Gary can actually see the future! I mean I knew something was superspecialabouthimbecauseIgotafunnycombomostlyinmytummybutwithsomeweirdkneetwitch

Dear Princess Celestia,

I hope you’ll forgive the lateness of this letter. As expected, Rainbow Dash is not an easy pony to catch when she’s motivated.

Fortunately, if nothing else, I’ve learned just when to rely on my friends for help since moving to Ponyville. Also fortunately, Pinkie Pie had noticed Rainbow’s rather enthusiastic response to the news about Gary and had come to the (somewhat presumptuous but understandable) conclusion that she was celebrating something. After convincing her the situation was somewhat more dire, Pinkie Pie was most helpful in stopping Rainbow Dash before she got too far in her search.

At this point I feel I need to apologize, Princess. After seeing Rainbow Dash’s overreaction I realize how my own response to my discoveries must have seemed to you and Spike. And to Gary as well, I suppose. Small wonder he tried to run if I looked half as angry as Rainbow Dash did!

Still, I’m trying to follow your advice about over-stressing myself. There’s nothing I can do about how I acted before except maybe offering Mister Stu an apology for imprisoning him in my basement after this is all over.

Assuming, of course, that he’s worthy of such an apology. I still have my personal doubts that he is, but I’ll wait until you’ve reviewed the story disks before I elaborate on my reasoning.

In the meantime my next letter should include two reports seeing as I’ve had the opportunity now to appraise Pinkie Pie of the situation with Gary Stu. Spike is currently taking dictation for her letter and, assuming Rainbow Dash has calmed herself enough to remove her gag, I’ll be handling her report.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S.

On a side note, do you know of any research papers regarding the tensile strength of party streamers? Pinkie Pie somehow has managed to keep Rainbow Dash restrained with some of hers and I’ll more than likely just file that as another “It’s just Pinkie Pie” phenomena but it never hurts to be thorough.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I can’t believe I’ve been friends with such a no good dirty liar this whole time! If I ever get my hooves on Gary I’m gonna teach him a few lessons and they are not gonna be ones he can write to you about

(My apologies again, Princess. Rainbow Dash seemed much calmer so I allowed her to start writing this letter herself. I know I’m in no position to be faulting her for being angry, but it’s probably safer if I take dictation until she proves she can have more decorum when addressing royalty.)

So right. Gary.

I’m not gonna lie. When Twi showed up saying Gary had known all about us and our adventures before they even happened, I laughed. I mean, wouldn’t you? It sounded like the start of some kind of prank on either me or Gary.

Okay, it was a joke that didn’t make much sense, but I just figured it was Twilight’s first try.

Then she used that memory sharing spell of hers to show me some of what she’d seen in Gary’s story disks. After I shook off the headache that spell gave me because that was a lot of stuff to just dump into my brain (I did apologize for that. A lot — Twilight) I realized she wasn’t making this stuff up.

So at first I was like, “Okay cool! Gary knows the future even better than Pinkie does!”

But then I thought about it for a sec. See, Gary knew everything that was gonna happen to us. It’s not like when Pinkie gets those weird feelings and has to figure out what they mean. He knew every last little detail.

The reason I got so mad was because that meant he knew about my Sonic Rainboom at the Best Young Fliers Competition before I ever pulled it off.

You know, I thought Gary was nice. He and Fluttershy were cheering me on while I practiced, he came up to Cloudsdale with the others when Twilight found that cloud-walking spell, and he even kept encouraging me when I got a lit when Rarity entered the contest too!

The thing is, he didn’t try to stop Rarity from entering.

And no, I’m not mad because Gary let Rarity enter with those froo-froo sparkly butterfly wings and made me ner gave me some stiffer competition. Not by a longshot.

I’m mad because he knew Rarity was gonna fall during the contest and he didn’t do a thing to stop it!AND HE DIDN’T DO A THING TO STOP IT!

Gary was waiting in the stands to pick me up when I crashed. He acted all worried when he saw how high Rarity was flying. But he never told her to stay out of the competition! He didn’t even remind her the wings were super fragile! He never said a single thing! He just sat back and watched it all happen and then when Rarity was falling and even the Wonderbolts were in trouble he was all like “No! Nopony could get to them fast enough!” Well what if he’d been right? WELL WHAT IF HE’D BEEN RIGHT?!?

I thanked him for supporting me and pushing me so I could do the Sonic Rainboom, but he knew it was gonna happen all along! Worse, he knew it would happen in exactly the way he let happen! Why?! Rarity could’ve been hurt or worse and he could have said something but he didn’t do it and for what? Just so I could pull off some cheesy stunt and win some dumb contest?

What else isn’t he telling us? Am I supposed to come up with something even better than the Sonic Rainboom? Set a new Equestrian World Record? Finally become a Wonderbolt? If I am, then what’s the cost? Who else is Gary gonna let get put in danger or hurt or you-only-know-what-else just because he thinks it’s supposed to go that way? How am I supposed to be okay with any of that?

Well I’m not. It’s one thing if that stuff happens on its own and nopony could’ve stopped it but Gary could’ve done or said something to keep my friend safe and he didn’t. What if that happens again or, worse, he pushes somepony else into danger just so things happen like how he saw?

My dreams aren’t worth that. Nothing is worth that. Maybe I got a bit of an ego when everypony started treating me like a hero, but I never carried things that far. If Gary can’t realize that’s wrong then it doesn’t matter if he’s trying to help us. He’s no hero and he’s definitely no friend of mine anymore.

Your faithful citizen,

Rainbow Dash

(My apologies for the obvious grammatical faux-paxs above, that was the result of letting Rainbow Dash proofread the letter. She insisted that if she wasn’t allowed to write it herself that I at least made it clear how much she wanted to stress certain parts. I’ll include a version with proper capitalization later.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle)

(Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that it’s totally possible to write so fast that you set the parchment on fire.

Also it looks like when I do it it lights up with my message flames. Go figure. But that’s why you probably got a really short and kinda burnt-up letter a few minutes ago. Sorry about that! Pinkie Pie said she’ll take it slower for me on this one.

Your favorite dragon,

Spike)

Dear Princess Celestia,

~~Sooooooo Gaaaaaarrrryyyyyy~~

(I told Pinkie she could go a bit faster. — Spike)

So Gary can see the future like me? That is so amazingly super-awesome! I’ve never ever met another pony let alone a human that has anything like my Pinkie Sense before! Though I guess I’d never met a human before Gary so maybe they all can do that?

Anyway that just means so much about Gary makes sense now! I’d always wondered about stuff like how he’d know the lyrics for the songs I made up or manage to figure out just what sort of places I was gonna pop out of when I had something to tell everypony or

(I’m sorry I can’t keep up anymore, my claws are starting to cramp! But Pinkie’s right. She’s the most unpredictable pony in town but she’s never managed to surprise Gary. She’s basically just listing a bunch more examples of that.

Also something about porridge and oatmeal I think. — Spike)

Alright, serious stuff now. Gary’s story disks sound like a super-double-ultra-powered-up version of my Pinkie Sense cuz they’re what told Gary what’s supposed to happen. And thinking back it sounds like Gary was just trying to be a super-double-ultra-powered-up Pinkie Pie by using everything he knew to help everypony! I mean, he knew to keep me company so I didn’t wind up spoiling my own surprise party that the girls were planning to throw for me! Not to mention Applejack’s family reunion today or helping me find musical instruments to stop the Parasprites or even convincing Spike here that Twilight wasn’t trying to replace him with Owlowiscious!

What’s even more amazing is just how accurate he is! I mean, when I get a Pinkie Sense I gotta figure a lot of stuff out and sometimes I don’t always get it totally right or even figure out what a combo means until after I see what it was trying to warn me about. But Gary hasn’t been wrong about anything yet! Hey, do you think I could come up to Canterlot and watch some of those story disks with you? We could have popcorn and see what other sort of stuff is gonna happen or was supposed to happen! Like, I wonder what they say about the Crystal Empire since they don’t have Gary there

Princess? Sorry for the crayon writing but Spike just went to Twilight and took his quill with him. I dunno what happened he just got a funny look on his face when I mentioned the Crystal Empire. Weeeeeiiiiirrrrrd.

I mean I bet I already know what happens anyway. If Gary wasn’t the one that saved the Crystal Heart in the disks then Twilight must’ve managed to do it just like you wanted!

Oh gosh wow I just realized that whole Crystal Empire thing was supposed to be a test for Twilight and if Gary saved the day when she was supposed to then no wonder she got so mad at him ‘cuz I know you said she passed anyway but what if she was supposed to save the day and like super pass the test and maybe prove she’s ready to become a princess herself or something and OH MY GOSH I GOTTA GO BAKE SOMETHING FOR TWILIGHT RIGHT NOW NO WONDER SHE’S SO GROUCHY ABOUT THIS!

Your faithful citizen,

Pinkie Pie

P.S.

Say hi to Princess Luna for me! Also I know the One-year Anniversary of her return is coming up soon, so can you find out what kind of cake she’d like?

P.P.S.

I can hear Twilight and Spike talking up in my room so I'd better get this letter to them first! Toodles!

Author's Note

So I want to toss up a little note here before folks begin tossing accusations of "copy catting" or anything like that my way.

Yes, I'm well aware that my primary inspiration for this story uses a similar plot point of their HiE saving the Crystal Empire in Spike's place. I do intend for this to help develop the story but I'm also gonna admit here and now to a bit of author bias.

Anyone who's read my other stories, blog, or just glanced at my library can tell I'm a Spike fan. So when the trend for HiE stories tends to look like "Okay, yes my Original Character [do not steal] fought Sombra to a total standstill and protected the city from his attack BUT Spike still saved the Crystal Heart and destroyed Sombra like he did in canon which means my ~~ponysona~~ OC can't be a Stu!" you might understand how that irks me.

Cuz if you're going that far what's the difference between all that and just saving the heart yourself?

As mentioned before the only thing my Gary Stu has going for him is foreknowledge rather than being turned into a pony or "staying human but mysteriously being able to use magic because reasons". Hence while I'd have liked to go whole-hog for the most overpowered character imaginable I think you can see where my options are somewhat limited.

Dear Princess Luna

Lady Twilight Sparkle,

Allow me first to extend my sister’s apologies for not writing herself. Both she and I have been rather busy studying the story disks you sent to us. In fact she is still researching them at this very moment, no doubt making further comparisons between what they contain and her own records of events (a great many of which I failed to be privy to considering I did not truly rejoin Equestrian Society before your town’s Nightmare Night celebration.)

She also wished that I tell you that she’s very impressed by the spell you fashioned so said disks could be researched. A feeling which is most assuredly mutual. Haycartes himself would be most impressed with how you advanced his magic!

Back to the point of this letter, my sister and I were curious about how much you actually read on those story disks. And whether, perhaps, Pinkie Pie had also seen them? A simple curiousity since we have seen enough to verify these disks do have recordings of events that have already (and likely have yet to) come to pass and share your concerns about this future knowledge and whom has had access to it.

Also neither of us have received a missive from Flash Sentry since his initial report. Considering he planned to go speak with your friend Fluttershy perhaps you could check in with her about whether she has seen him? Though he’s a trained guard Celestia and I do worry about our little ponies.

Please respond with all due haste.

Sincerely,

Princess Luna

Dear Princess Luna,

I do hope you’ll forgive the poor choice of ink color and how it clashes with my stationary. It would seem that a certain somepony’s aerial antics from earlier shattered every bottle of plain black that I had in my shop! Fortunately I had just reorganized so none of the merchandise was damaged but it was quite a mess to clean up

Apologies, I’m digressing. Though you’ll also need to forgive your little ponies’ confusion in this case.

In regards to Sir Flash Sentry I can help with that at the very least. I was having tea at Fluttershy’s cottage not too long ago when Rainbow Dash interrupted it with her ill-timed Sonic Rainboom. Something I’ve grown used to since the Best Young Flier’s competition, but apparently Fluttershy’s animal friends have not seeing as they panicked. Unfortunately they did so right when your knight was arriving!

Now the good news is he wasn’t seriously injured. Still, Harry the Bear is a shockingly timid soul when it comes to loud noises and often doesn’t remember to look where he’s going when frightened.

To make a long story short, Fluttershy and I escorted Sir Sentry to Ponyville General Hospital to receive treatment for a few scrapes. And bruises. And possibly some mild head trauma and bee stings but Nurse Redheart assured us that he’ll be back on his hooves by this evening!

Which brings me back around to the confusion I mentioned earlier. You see, Sir Flash Sentry was unfortunately in no condition to explain just what a Royal Guard was doing in Ponyville. Compounding matters, as Fluttershy and I were leaving the hospital, we found dear little Spikey sulking in the town square!

Now, Spike on his own is hardly anything new, but to see him looking rather upset without either Twilight or Gary around trying to cheer him up was something neither of us could ignore. The fact that he didn’t lapse into his (admittedly flattering and rather adorable) habit of fawning over me the second I walked up gave away that something must be wrong.

Therefore, Spike is currently at Carousel Boutique. Which might have lead to me reading accidentally seeing the message you sent for Twilight. Given the way he reacts whenever her or Gary Stu’s names come up and this talk of “story disks” and such I get the sneaking suspicion that Fluttershy and I are dreadfully out of the loop on some very important matter.

Your faithful and concerned citizen,

Rarity

Dear Miss Rarity,

My thanks to both you and Fluttershy for attending to Sir Flash Sentry in his time of need. As for the current situation, I think it would be better if you heard it from a friend rather than myself or Celestia. Sometimes the words of royalty can have more of an unintentional sway over a pony’s response then I can begin to describe.

By all means, stay with Spike for the time being. I’m certain that either Twilight will find you all soon enough or he’ll likely inform you about what’s happened.

Your loving ruler,

Princess Luna

Dear Princess Lu

Dear Prin

Dear

Dear Princesses Luna,

Please pardon all the extra ink I used. I’m still not quite used to writing to royalty like this. Even though I’ve already done it a few times and

I should be more careful, I don’t want to waste the last of Rarity’s ink.

I’m afraid things are only getting more confusing here. Especially with poor Spike. Not that Rarity and I aren’t doing the very best we can to try and cheer him up! It’s just that, after your letter, Rarity tried (very calmly and nicely of course!) to get him to tell us what was going on. He really must not be up for talking though because he just stammered and then started looking like he was going to cry

Oh, I wish Pinkie Pie were here. Nopony is better at cheering up sad children than her.

Anyway, Rarity took Spike to the back of the shop where it’s quieter to try and help him calm down. Which is why I’m writing to you now.

I couldn’t really understand most of what Spike was saying, but I swear he mentioned something about either Gary or Twilight taking something from him? Or possibly the both of them doing it? Maybe I misheard that part but then he definitely said that Sir Sentry was looking for Gary Stu.

Well I do remember seeing Gary a little bit before Rarity showed up for tea. He passed by my cottage and didn’t even notice when I waved to him. I guess he was really busy or something since he just walked right into the Everfree Forest. Maybe he was going to visit our friend Zecora? You remember her from Nightmare Night, I hope. She keeps a relatively safe trail to her hut and it wouldn’t be the first time any of us went in the forest alone to see her.

Oh dear, we’re almost out of ink. I hope that helps with whatever is going on! I think Spike has settled a bit so I’ll go see if he’s up for sending this message and maybe telling us what happened.

Your faithful citizen,

Fluttershy

To: Acting Guard Captain Steel Hoof

Re: New Orders

Captain Steel Hoof, we require a new detachment of soldiers to be sent to Ponyville immediately.

As per our previous order, the human known as Gary Stu is involved in a matter of great importance to Equestria. Latest reports from Ponyville indicate a strong possibility that he has entered the Everfree Forest unaccompanied. I do not believe it necessary to mention how dangerous those woods can be even to those of us able to use magic.

Included with these orders is a copy of the intel we received. Although the area Mister Stu should be travelling through is said to be safer remind your stallions to be vigilant as well as thorough.

We also believe there’s a slim chance he might be seeking the ancient castle within the forest, once the hiding place of the Elements of Harmony. Ensure that your men proceed with all due caution and speed. Finding Gary is your top priority.

From: Princess Luna of Equestria

Addendum:

Sir Flash Sentry is currently interned with minor injuries at Ponyville General Hospital and still requires proper debriefing. I assume you’ll attend to that before allowing the poor colt to return to Canterlot.

Author's Note

Yes, I know what I said/ranted in the author's notes last chapter. My point and feelings there still stand.

That doesn't mean that the situation in this story would be so cut and dry though, especially when I'm having this much fun exploring this idea.

:pinkiecrazy:

Things planned for next chapter:

Rarity's feelings on the matter

Some input from Fluttershy (possibly)

and a letter from Spike regarding Gary Stu

Dear Spike

~~Dear Princess Celesita~~

~~Dear Princess Luna~~

Somepony please help

I wish Id never found those stupid disks I’m sorry I touched them please just make this whole mess stop I dont know what to do cuz twilight and the others are yelling for me through the door but i just can’t talk to anypony because everythings just messed up so bad and its all my fault!

now i have to clean all this ink up

Please help

Spike

My dear little dragon,

Just take a moment and breathe.

Luna has caught me up about what’s happened in Ponyville. Know, Spike, that I’m ready and more than willing to listen to whatever is troubling you. Even if I can only do so through these letters.

So please, tell me what’s wrong.

Your loving Princess/One-time caretaker,

Celestia

I WAS SUPPOSED TO SAVE THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE

I’m sorry about all the ink stains but my paws just won’t stop shaking. I almost can’t believe it but Twilight said she saw it herself in the story disks. That when she got caught in a trap and couldn’t get the Crystal Heart to Cadence I did.

But that isn’t what happened when we went to the Crystal Empire. I thought I’d be more help if I kept the fair going with Rarity and the others so Gary just ran off and became the hero in my place

It’s not even all Gary’s fault. I’m the one that told him to go. And then Twilight said that he suggested asking the rest of us for help while they were searching but she wouldn’t let him because we all thought she was supposed to do it herself. Except Gary knew that wasn’t gonna happen anyway and he never said anything to me about any of this and

I hate this. I hate feeling like this. I just want those stupid disks to go back under Gary’s bed so everypony can go back to being happy again. Gary’s my friend Gary’s supposed to be our friend but now everypony’s all mad at him because of those dumb disks and I still tried to stick up for him. I believed Twilight about all the stuff she saw but I thought Gary must’ve had a good reason.

Until she told me about the Crystal Empire.

I don’t want this. I don’t want to only be angry at Gary because he did something to me. But I can’t help it because he took my chance to be the hero and that’s not fair but it’s not fair to blame him because I could’ve gone instead of him or Twilight could’ve listened to him and it’s not fair to Twilight or any of the others if I hate him now after the way I’ve been trying to defend the guy when they’ve all been mad at him and I don’t want to be a horrible selfish dragon that only cares that he got hurt and

Please help

I don’t know what to do

Spike,

You are by no means a selfish or horrible dragon.

I just finished observing the disks’ version of the Crystal Empire’s return myself. While I’ll admit the outcome of you saving the day surprised me, I was unsurprised by how the events transpired. Placing the safety and feelings of your friends first. Defending what was important even against seemingly impossible odds. Never once worrying for yourself so long as somepony else needed you.

Those traits were not conjured out of nowhere for the sake of a story, my little dragon. You've demonstrated them in defending Mister Stu this long and I’d say he has been fortunate to have you on his side.

That being said you are most certainly not wrong to feel wronged by Gary’s actions. Nor are you a terrible creature for changing your opinion because of them (Though I urge you to remember we've yet to hear Mister Stu's side of the story). An unfortunate truth is that sometimes, even among close friends, it’s difficult to understand another’s feelings until we’ve been put into a similar situation. I can offer only one piece of advice to truly help remedy the situation, though it is guaranteed to work:

Talk with your friends, Spike. Be open and honest with them about how you feel. They will not think any less of you, of that I’m certain.

Wishing you the best,

Princess Celestia

Dear Princess Celestia,

I have to admit this ink looks rather nice on the parchment Twilight brought. Perhaps I should use it more often after all. How fortunate she brought a spare bottle

Dear me I seem to be doing that a lot today. I suppose it’s simply relief taking hold. Whatever was on that letter you sent to Spike did the trick: He finally came out of the back room of my shop. He and Twilight are both “hugging it out” at time of writing and apologizing to one another almost non-stop.

The rest of us elected to give them some privacy while Fluttershy and I were availed of the situation.

So, it is my understanding that Twilight was supposed to be gathering our opinions about this matter regarding Gary Stu. Well, no time like the present. Especially seeing as Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack (who finished cleaning up after her family and came by to see what word there was on Gary shortly after Twilight arrived) have rather thoroughly explained the whole thing about the story disks and Gary knowing about our adventures from watching them.

Shocking as it might sound, however, I believe I can understand Mister Stu’s position somewhat.

I, of course, in no way mean to imply that I know what is to be done better than yourself, so perhaps some explanation is needed.

You see, your majesty, I am a fan of a good novel during my free time. While I enjoy a thrilling mystery or adventure story though I have been known to occasionally indulge in bit-store (what others colloquially might refer to as “trashy”) romance stories. And, on the even rarer occasion… pen such stories myself.

Nothing professional of course! Certainly not anything worthy of a Princess reading! Just the odd short story or two submitted to a small magazine created for fans of such works. There are somethings my artistic soul can only express through ink and paper as opposed to cloth and jewels after all.

That being said these stories are something of a guilty pleasure of mine. Often they’re as simple as taking a book I particularly enjoyed and inserting myself (perhaps with some occasional touch-ups) into the story. Usually to resolve an issue in the plot in a way I felt was more favorable to myself the characters I liked.

So, putting that out in the open, you might begin to see where I empathize with Gary Stu over this matter. My novels, his story disks, both of these were fictional stories to us. I can only imagine, were I to find myself magically transported into one of my books, I’d be sorely tempted to act like my avatar in the stories I’ve written and assist the main characters (among other, shall we say, minor indulgences.). From my point of view Gary’s actions are understandable.

By no means, however, do I feel that what he did was right.

While writing one’s own version of a story is one thing, actually living that story and interfering in events is quite another. Assuming that the story disks are accurate then Gary knew (or at least should have strongly suspected) that his influence was unnecessary for any of us to succeed. Yet still he indulged, he inserted himself into our lives, and he took triumphs that should have rightfully been ours and ours alone to claim and spoonfed us answers he saw us come up with!

Were this a story it would be a rather dull one, that’s for certain. An infallible main hero who only succeeds through the writer’s abuse of future knowledge? I know quite a few ponies who have sent letters with feedback on my work that would have quite a bit to say on the matter.

The chief problem with this matter is that, to those of us native to Equestria, it’s not a story. These are our lives that Gary saw fit to play with, whether it was small things like cheering on Rainbow Dash and helping Applejack or larger issues like stealing poor Spike’s moment of glory. Mister Stu has said time and again that the reason he helps out so much is simply because he desires to be a good friend to the rest of us.

Given his actions, I can’t help but feel that being our friend matters far less to him than living out his self-indulgent fantasy of being the one being in Equestria that we rely on more than yourself, Princess.

I expect I shall have quite a few things to say to Gary myself once he has been found.

Respectfully yours,

Rarity

P.S.

Hello

(I’m feeling good enough to write now. Good timing since Fluttershy is kinda nervous about adding her two bits herself. — Spike)

Um…

So, about Gary.

I agree with most of what Rarity said, actually. All except for the last part. And the part about what Gary did not being right. Not that I think he was entirely right to let Rarity fall up in Cloudsdale or steal Spike's moment at the Crystal Empire or honestly just tell Rarity that I wasn't comfortable being a model when I asked him to keep that a secret even if it did turn out alright

I’m sorry. What I’m saying is, I don’t know what else I would have expected Gary to do.

Equestria was some kind of story to Gary, right? And he just got magically transported into it? Well we were the first creatures Gary met after arriving. Given that he knew about our world, and us, and everything that was going to happen…

I guess I just don’t think this situation is really fair to poor Gary.

(Apologies, Princess, I need to take over again. Also I might have needed to use that stasis spell that you told me to only use in emergencies in order to get everypony calm enough that Fluttershy could finish speaking. I promise it was only for a few seconds! — Twilight)

Um, right. So Gary.

Really, he knew what was going to happen. It’s not like he or the rest of us could have done anything to change that, right? But that means that he was going to get somepony mad no matter what. I mean, he either had to use what he knew to try and change things, which has already made so many ponies upset, or he had to keep what he knew a secret, which wouldn’t be much better once we found out.

Oh dear, I know I’m upsetting a few of my friends but I actually feel sorry for Gary. There really wasn’t anyway things could end well if we found out he could see the future. Maybe if he’d told us the first time we met but even then I don’t how things would’ve wound up if we even believed him back then. Perhaps he was just trying to hog all the glory for himself…

But I want to think that he really wanted to be our friend. He just made a really, really bad choice about how to do it.

Your faithful citizen,

Fluttershy

P. P. S.

I’m adding this last note in a special ink I developed some time ago. One that shouldn’t be visible until exposed to Spike’s flames.

I know I shouldn’t hide things from my friends like this but since this matter regards information from those disks I felt it was prudent. Since my special assignment is now complete, Princess, I was hoping that you’d have the chance to answer a very, very personal question for me.

Gary stealing Spike’s place at the Crystal Empire and my own role in that since I ignored Gary’s advice to ask for help were only part of the reason I tried to avoid bringing it up to anypony but you and Princess Luna. And since you asked about how much of the disks I’d seen

I have to confess, Princess, I read every word on the disks and boxes as I said. Particularly the titles of each story and those combined with what I saw of you and Princess Luna after our Crystal Empire adventure

Is it true?

Am I supposed to become a Princess?

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Author's Note

And we're back baby!

Man this took me a while to figure out the right way to frame the scene. I considered for a while doing it as a back-and-forth of notes being slid under the door between Spike and the Mane Six as they try to coax him out of the room he's locked in.

Gotta say, the trickiest part of this story is balancing between what the characters would actually write in a letter and what they need to write in order for you, the audience, to get enough of the picture. I still do like this model for the story though.

If you'd like to see how the professionals do it by the way, pretend you have a very young cousin or son/daughter and purchase a copy of Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise as it was the chief inspiration for using this writing style.

My Faithful and Beloved Student

My faithful and beloved student,

You have my personal thanks for tending to this matter, Twilight Sparkle. I knew, even under the circumstances, that I could trust in your judgement and discretion.

The chiefest problem regarding the case against Mister Stu, of course, remains the questions of intent behind what he did and the extent of what (if any) damage his actions may have caused. While we still, unfortunately, have no answer to the former, Princess Luna and I agree that the latter is a different story. We have studied the story disks as thoroughly as we dared given the knowledge they do, and potentially still could, reveal.

Know that I must remain impartial on this matter if I am to properly judge it. The disks’ version of events should, at most, be taken as merely one possible way your adventures could have resolved. Consideration should even be given, perhaps, to the possibility that Gary Stu’s mere presence in our world could have changed things with or without his interference.

Yet even as I bear all that in mind I can’t help but feel so deeply saddened as I see what you and your friends might have become.

I saw Applejack, so steadfast and strong. Yes, perhaps sometimes a bit too much so for her own good. Yet her decisions were fueled by the deep love she holds for her family and friends, and her mistakes only served to deepen those bonds and made her strive to do better in the future.

Rainbow Dash, endlessly courageous, always pushing herself and those around her to be their very best. Brash? Naturally. Arrogant? At times, yes. But as quick to make amends as she is to do anything else and never letting her defeats hold her back.

Loving and loyal Spike, always loathe to leave his friends’ side or leave them wanting for help. A dragon who, despite his uncommon upbringing, is stronger and braver than any other Equestria has seen.

The joy and laughter Pinkie Pie spreads hardly needs to be mentioned. But even in her moments of doubt, those rare times when she had trouble finding happiness for herself, her first worry was whether or not those around her were happy. And each of those trying moments only made her bounce back brighter and more cheerful than ever.

Rarity’s kind and giving spirit, so often torn between her own desires and the wishes of those closest to her. Yet she chose to sacrifice of herself every time, and showed so many others the wonders of sharing with those around you. That such efforts are never truly wasted or unappreciated.

Gentle Fluttershy, soft-spoken as her name implies. Yet possessing such unyielding strength and desire to protect and nurture those around her, to make sure they are happy and safe. Kindness, truthfully, is not always easy and yet she never failed to make it seem as effortless as breathing.

And last, but certainly not least, my wonderful student Twilight Sparkle. A brilliant young mare, yet still consumed by curiosity about the world around her. Learning something new everyday that was spent with her wonderful friends and growing stronger, not simply in terms of her magical prowess and knowledge but in her heart as well.

I see all this in the disks, and then I see what it is Gary Stu has truly done: He’s stifled your potential, and the proof is in the adventures you’ve lived with him and especially in today’s series of letters.

Applejack so readily kowtowing to another’s suggestions? Rainbow Dash doubting her ability to have saved her friends when they most needed her? Spike believing that anyone could assist Twilight better than himself? Fluttershy actually being worried about showing another creature, especially one who’s most in need of somepony to hear and listen to his side of the story, a measure of kindness?

It’s true, Gary’s guidance has protected many of you from mistakes and embarrassments. It has also shielded all of you from your ability to learn from those same mistakes. From discovering new sides to yourselves beyond even the Elements of Harmony that bonded to each of you. With each adventure, even ones where his advice may have been disregarded at first, at the end I can see only one lesson the truly repeats itself in every report I received.

“Gary was right.”

It was a pattern I could see developing long ago, and yet how could I have done anything about it? Argued against a friend who seemed so wise, who had played a role in saving my sister and all of Equestria even as I saw him slowly crush the ponies I at the time only suspected you could have been? Like yourselves I simply accepted that Gary’s presence was a miraculous boon for Equestria and believed that intervening would only cause more problems than it could potentially solve.

Now I can only curse myself a fool for not suspecting the source of his apparent “wisdom” sooner.

Please understand, my little ponies. I am in no way disappointed in any of you. Nor am I prematurely condemning Mister Stu. The motives behind his actions are yet to be understood, as is whether or not he was aware of the potential consequences of them. Judgement on that matter and how public to make it still falls to my sister and I.

Know full well though that whatever you may feel towards Gary; Be it anger, sorrow, sympathy, confusion, or anything else, I most assuredly share all of those sentiments and more.

Your loving teacher,

Princess Celestia

P.S.

Twilight (for your eyes only),

Hurting you is the last thing I ever wished to do. Yet I hope that I have answered your question.

I hope you understand why I might not have felt you were ready for such lofty heights.

I’m sorry.

With deepest sympathies,

Celestia

Dear Princess Celestia,

It’s alright. I suspected as much.

Eagerly awaiting further news with the others.

Your still-faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S.

I know I shouldn’t have read this before I sent it. Bad habits, I’m a good dragon, I know. But Twilight’s crying again and I’m worried! What’s going on?

Spike

To: Princesses Celestia and Luna

Re: Gary Stu

Excellent news your majesties. The human known as Gary Stu has been recovered as ordered.

As Princess Luna suspected, Mister Stu had gone to the ancient castle in the Everfree Forest. We discovered him in a cavern in the ravine surrounding the ruins, digging at the base of a crystal tree.

On a personal note I have several questions about what that was about. Regrettably Mister Stu was acting rather manic, refusing to come with us and insisting that he had to “prove he was there to help”. I recommend a royal commendation is in order for Private First Class Scale Mail for his skillfully timed sleeping spell that allowed us to bring Mister Stu in unharmed.

Gary Stu is currently still sleeping, but being kept under our watch at Ponyville’s Town Hall. We await further orders.

Signed,

Acting Guard Captain Steel Hoof

P.S.

Private First Class Flash Sentry has fully recovered and was debriefed, but expressed a significant unwillingness to return to Canterlot until this case was closed. Unwillingness bordering on insubordination, I should mention. Perhaps you could offer a suggestion before I need to write up a promising young soldier?

To: Acting Guard Captain Steel Hoof

Re: Gary Stu

Keep Mister Stu under watch, and send PFC Sentry to Carousel Boutique to attend to Miss Sparkle and her friends. He may feel free to take official statements from them as well, but make it clear they are not to leave the shop.

My sister and I shall be in Ponyville presently.

Signed,

Princess Luna

Dear Gary Stu

To: Princesses Celestia and Luna

Re: Witness statements

I have ~~a strange~~ ~~unique~~ an interesting situation, your majesties. As requested I’ve met once again with Miss Twilight Sparkle in order to gather the statements of her and her friends regarding the current investigation.

It seems, however, that I’m going to have to disappoint you. Apparently everypony here (plus Spike) has come to the agreement that they’ve already told you all they know about the matter regarding Gary Stu.

They are, rather adamantly in a few cases, insisting on talking to Mister Stu himself.

I’ve explained to them that Gary Stu can’t be disturbed before you yourselves have had a chance to speak with him. When that failed to convince a few of them I brought up my orders to keep them at Carousel Boutique. After a few, admittedly hectic, minutes during which Miss Rainbow Dash seemed a little too eager to test whether or not I could keep her from leaving; Miss Sparkle came up with a compromise.

So included with this report is a letter, written by those I was sent to question and intended for Gary Stu. My apologies for failing to get any official statements. It of course falls to your majesties’ judgement whether or not Mister Stu receives this message.

From: Private First Class Flash Sentry

Addendum:

If I might make a personal note, Princesses?

I’m really hoping you show it to him.

I read the letter myself before allowing it to be included in my report, of course. Between that and what ~~Twilight~~ Miss Sparkle and her friends have told me about this whole mess

Let me put it this way: Were I in their hooves, whether Gary is punished or not, I don’t think things would sit right if I didn’t get a chance to say something to him.

Respectfully,

Flash Sentry

Dear Gary Stu,

I’m really not sure where to start with all this.

I guess I owe you an apology. After spending the whole day seeing the ways everypony else reacted to my discovery I think I can understand why you might have wanted to keep those story disks hidden. All my yelling and imprisoning you was out of line, and even if I did so under Princess Celestia’s request it might have been better if I’d at least consulted with you before informing the rest of my friends about what I’d learned.

So, for whatever it’s worth, I’m sorry Gary. Looking back on it all I can only imagine my reaction was probably exactly the sort you’d been afraid of.

Unfortunately that’s not the only reason I’m we’re writing to you like this.

You’ve really thrown us all for a loop, sugarcube. I still ain’t certain whether or not it was better that you helped me out this morning. Maybe if it were just me I’d let this whole things slide and figure you learned something important from it, but considering the circumstances

You lied to us. You lied to all of us. The only reason you ever believed in any of us was because you already saw the way things could’ve been! What’s it matter that you backed us up if you already knew

It doesn’t matter that you cheered us on because you never thought we’d fail

I believe what Rainbow Dash is trying to say is that it’s hard to see what value any faith you put in us had if, thanks to your story disks, you never had any room to doubt in the first place.

(The poor dear doesn’t want to admit it but she’s been rather shaken since that thought occurred to her. It’s hard to blame her. With the way you stepped in on so many of our adventures I myself find it hard to think you ever had much confidence in us to start with despite all you’d foreseen.)

It sure doesn’t feel like you believed in me. I remember when you talked me out of running away because of Owlowiscious, or during my first birthday in Ponyville when I got greedy about my presents and you talked me down.

This isn’t even just about the Crystal Empire anymore! Anytime things started to go a little wrong for me you just jumped right in. I thought you were trying to be my friend. I still want to! But after everything else it just feels like you didn’t think I could handle solving those problems or learning a lesson on my own.

Hey don’t worry! Fluttershy and I both think that you probably thought you were helping (she’s just feeling a little too shy right now to write it out herself). Still, maaaaaaaaybe you should’ve come and asked me before messing around with stuff you knew or thought you knew was gonna happen! After all, nopony knows future-knowledge-that-probably-definitely-will-happen-but-maybe-not-the-way-you-expect better than Pinkie Pie!

Which actually brings us to the real point of this letter.

As you can see, even after talking it over for so long, our opinions on this are still quite scattered. We’re angry, hurt, saddened, betrayed

Most importantly, we’re all confused. Even those of us that want to believe in your good intentions need to ask:

Why, Gary?

Why did you do it?

Sincerely,

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

Rainbow Dash

Rarity

Spike

Fluttershy

and Pinkie Pie!

~~Dear Twilight~~

~~Dear Spike~~

Everypony,

I’m sorry.

I wish I knew what else I could say, but that’s it.

~~Celestia~~ Princess Celestia showed me your letter. Before she even asked me anything herself she showed it to me and said I needed to read it. She showed me all the letters you guys have been sending each other all day.

I messed this up. I messed this up so bad and I know it. I think I’ve known it for a long time I just

I’m sorry. It’s hard to think straight like this. I guess I should answer your question first.

Rarity, you were actually pretty much right about this whole thing. I don’t think you really can imagine what it’s been like for me though. It’s like

I can’t even think of a good example without using ~~spoilers~~ “future knowledge” but I guess it can’t hurt anymore now, right? I’ll try not to be too specific at least.

Imagine if you guys got pulled into one of Spike’s comics. Or a Daring Do book. Would it be any fun if you just spent the whole time watching the story and getting rescued from the bad guys? Do you think you’d be happy just being the sidekick while the heroes save the day?

That’s me. That was me exactly when I showed up in the Everfree Forest and met you guys. I knew where I was, I knew when I was, and I was just too excited. I had a chance to adventure with you guys! Everything I’d seen back in my world, I’d get to be a part of! But I was scared too. If I did something wrong I might mess things up and leave Equestria in a really bad place. But still, this was a once in a lifetime shot.

That’s when I figured it’d be okay, as long as the stories ended the same. Which was also about the time I decided to signal to AJ that Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were moving to catch Twilight when she fell.

“Aww, it weren’t all me. Gary’s the one that pointed these two out after I grabbed ya! Good thing he was here!”

It felt so amazing to hear that. So I just kept helping. At first I just let the adventures happen and tried to be close by when they did. I’d give you guys a little advice and get things going. It’s why I let Rarity fall up in Cloudsdale or just let Fluttershy be a nervous wreck while we were climbing up to that dragon nest.

I guess it all started to go to my head though. You guys started to come to me when problems were coming up. Or sometimes before they were coming up, like with that surprise party you wanted to throw for Pinkie Pie. I started to think it wouldn’t hurt things if I helped you guys get away from some of the weirder or more embarrassing stuff I’d seen. I mean, it’s not like Pinkie needed to think you guys didn’t want to be her friends anymore. And it’d be mean if I just let Spike run into the Everfree Forest because Twilight got a new pet, right?

It all just kept getting bigger and bigger and I just kept telling myself it was okay because things happened like the ~~episodes~~ stories I’d seen. Rainbow Dash made the Sonic Rainboom, Rarity still found out Blueblood was a big jerk, Applejack’s family won that cider-making bet with Flim and Flam.

The Crystal Empire was where I started to get worried. When Spike sent me to help Twilight instead of running off himself I started to wonder if I’d gone too far.

I tried, Spike. I really did try to put you back in the spotlight but everything happened so fast after I caught up to Twilight that I didn’t see any other choice than to jump in myself. I was scared because I knew this time I’d changed something big.

Then I saw the statue the Crystal Ponies were building of me and my own window in Canterlot.

I’m terrible and I’m sorry. I should have stopped it right then and there but remember what I said before? About how it wouldn’t be any fun to be a sidekick? That was the first time I really felt like I’d been a hero in this story. I just told myself it was okay because we kept winning and the bad guys lost so there wasn’t any difference in the long run.

But there was a difference. A big one. The whole situation happened because I’d messed things up to the point where you guys relied on me for so much and then when Twilight found those disks

My first thought should have been “Oh no, I’ve seen what happens when Twilight learns about the future.”

Instead I thought “Oh crud, I’m in so much trouble.”

I only wanted to feel like I was part of your world. Like I was helping you guys! But you’re all right. Whatever my reasons were I acted so selfishly. You guys would have been heroes with or without me. I never even gave you guys a choice about whether or not I should help.

I’m sorry.

I don’t know what else I can say.

Your friend still no matter what,

Gary Stu

My most faithful student,

It would seem we’re nearly at the close of this case, as Gary’s letter to you and your friends has no doubt implied. As it stands, however, Luna and I are in something of a conundrum.

Gary has confessed to acting selfishly. To knowing, if not at first then eventually, that he was robbing ponies of their glory and posturing himself as a hero that (in his own opinion) he does not deserve to be. All parties on this end agreed that Mister Stu and his future knowledge can not be permitted to impact Equestria any further than it already has.

Which left us at a loss for what to do with him. The story disks can be destroyed, but Gary himself is another issue. I would not deign to execute a creature that seems so sincerely repentant for his actions, even if such punishments were enforced in Equestria. While his memories of the future knowledge could be removed, the spell required risks significant damage to his personality and would be fruitless in any respect with the evidence of his works still present in our world. While banishment or imprisonment are options, they are ones neither Luna nor I wish to exercise lightly. Even were he banished, Gary has nowhere else he could go in our world and we have yet to discover a way to return him to his own. To make him wander lost in the inhospitable lands beyond Equestria’s borders is a fate I would inflict upon no creature, regardless of their crimes.

Which brings us to you, my little ponies.

A suggestion was offered by Luna. One that, in theory, would remove all danger and damage Gary Stu and his future knowledge have visited upon Equestria. Upon placing the proposition to him, Mister Stu accepted. He truly seems to believe it is the only way to redeem himself.

Included with this letter, Twilight, is an outline of the plan along with the formula of the spell that you, along with Princess Luna and myself, will need to cast. I am trusting you to interpret and explain it to your friends as, given the differing circumstances between the story disks and our current reality, this plan can only be implemented with the assistance of all six Elements of Harmony.

Discuss carefully amongst yourselves. I leave the decision in your hooves.

Your loving ruler,

Princess Celestia

Dear Princess Celestia,

We understand. All of us, Spike included, are in agreement.

Gather the Elements of Harmony. We’ll meet you at the Castle of the Two Sisters.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Author's Note

I can has wikilove please?

...

Honestly I'm more surprised that a Tvtropes page wasn't made for this given the way it blew up with the first chapter.

Maybe I'm a bit of an attention ~~whore~~Buy some apples! too. Nothing wrong with that.

Dear Princess Celestia (Final Report)

Dear Princess Celestia,

This is definitely going to be the weirdest friendship report you’ve ever read.

Really, it’s kind of hard to put into words. Mostly because you probably don’t know who I am. But I know you~~, and your sister, and Twilight Sparkle, Spike, all the rest of their friends~~

That was starting to get really creepy, sorry. Let me start over.

Long story short, I’m from another world. One that’s lucky enough to get a have a glimpse of Equestria and how amazing and beautiful it is. For a long time I thought to myself that there would be nothing better than having the chance to be a part of your world.

Well, I got that chance and I was right. For a long time it was just as wonderful as I hoped.

Then I went and messed it all up.

I thought it was okay to just force myself into a story that I wished I could’ve been a part of without thinking about the consequences. Sometimes just to watch it play out. Other times because I thought I knew better than ponies that I had seen overcome the challenges they faced without me. I told myself that I loved Equestria and the ponies in it and that I wasn’t doing any lasting harm. I mean, you used your prophecies to affect Equestria all the time so what was the difference?

But I was wrong. You always used your prophecies to help push Twilight and her friends into being the ponies you believed they could be. I’d like to think I started that way myself, but the truth is it didn’t take very long before I was doing it just to make myself feel good. I was so caught up in living my fantasy I started changing things more than I should have, and part of me knew how wrong that was. If I hadn’t been found out I probably would have done some terrible damage to Equestria’s future.

That’s why I want to thank you, your sister, and Twilight and the others for giving me a chance to fix my mistake.

~~I sort of wish I could ask Luna how she came up with the idea of linking the time travel spell to the Tree of Harmony. I guess she never really did now, but it would be kind of appropriate if she’d learned about it from the same place I had. Undo everything with the same thing that caused it.~~

I’m home now (I guess technically I never left?) and everything's the way it should be again. That’s what’s important, but I still feel like I need to write this because

Well, I guess because the adventure doesn’t really feel over unless somebody does!

I don’t think I was wrong for wanting to see Equestria with my own eyes. I just never thought about how big the difference between helping someone and just giving them all the answers really was. You never did that with Twilight or her friends, and that was the major difference between us. Coming to their own answers and discovering themselves as they reached their goals was what made them strong, not the answers or goals themselves. No matter how strange, cringe-worthy, or outright painful the path might have looked, it’s what turned you all into the ponies (and dragon!) that I love.

So yeah, that’s all. The Tree is looking kind of impatient (don’t ask how that can happen, I don’t even really know!) so I’d better wrap this up. Just remember no matter how tough things get in Equestria that you’ve got me, and heck a whole world full of people cheering you all on!

Wishing you the best and thanking you for all the great times,

Gary Stu

Celestia read the letter over once more before rolling it back up again. Somehow it always managed to both comfort and confuse her.

She had no idea where it had come from. Part of her remembered it always being on her nightstand waiting for her but somehow it felt far more recent than that. Perhaps because she simply had never opened it before hearing about the big Apple Family Reunion down in Ponyville (an event she never failed to keep tabs on), and yet the words had felt familiar even then.

As little sense as that made, though, Celestia still smiled as she looked back at the hallway behind her. Countless stained glass windows depicting the great accomplishments of her beloved student and her friends. Purifying Luna, defeating Discord, saving the Crystal Empire…

Looking down at the dark cover of Star Swirl the Bearded’s book, she couldn’t help but smile a bit wider. Especially at the thought of so many cheering her and, far more importantly, her little ponies on. Setting the book and the mysterious letter aside for the moment, she took up a quill and parchment and began to write.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle,

The spell contained on the last page of this book is Star Swirl the Bearded's secret unfinished masterpiece...”

And so the story goes

Author's Note

And here we finally reach the end of the story.

Firstly an apology for a minor bit of snapping I did in the comments of last chapter. I misread a healthy debate as harmful bashing and stepped in unnecessarily. Guess I had a bit to learn alongside Gary, huh?

I'll admit this story really became something more than I intended it. Truth be told it just started as me tossing out an idea that wouldn't leave me alone while I tried to work on something else. From there it drifted far, far away from how I'd originally intended it.

Originally I thought I'd write Gary as a complete jerk. Someone who forcibly stole glory and credit using his future knowledge. Somebody who suggested Spike help the fair so that Gary himself could save the Empire. And when confronted with his crimes he'd be unrepentant until he sees the full extent of the impact he's had on Equestria's future. Possibly include a bit of a court drama as he's put on trial.

So what changed my mind?

You guys.

At first I was scared I'd made Gary too sympathetic to be the antagonist in the story. Then, thanks to all the comments and attention that the story brought, I realized the story didn't need a traditional "antagonist". That I could change this from a simple shallow Stu-bashing into something that I felt would reflect self-insert fanfictions (and a bit of fanfic writing as a whole) better.

Gary being erased from Equestria's timeline was always the intended ending. No matter how badly a self-insert would impact Equestria by changing things they shouldn't detract from one's ability to enjoy the source material. People who read My Immortal certainly don't consider anything the Mary Sue in that story does when they're reading the canon books after all. And yet as I drifted from Stu-bashing the idea of just deleting him back to his own world as some kind of punishment felt hollow. At the same time I couldn't simply leave him in Equestria or else any lesson he'd learned from this would lack impact.

I'd like to think I found a way to integrate it by making the "prevent his reaching Equestria" ending his choice, but I can't wait to hear all your comments. Good or bad. Truthfully the debates that sparked (while unintentional) have been one of the best things about this fic and I thank all of you for helping it become the story it has!

Here's to whatever I work on next!